Speakers
Description
Security is a fundamental and universal human need, yet the perception and importance of it continuously evolve alongside societal changes and urban development. As cities grow and become more complex, the factors influencing our sense of security are constantly shifting. In modern urban environments, security is no longer defined solely by the presence of law enforcement or the absence of crime. Instead, it is intricately linked to the physical and emotional experience of urban spaces, shaped by various design elements. This shift in understanding makes studying security in urban environments a critical task for urban planning, as it directly impacts residents’ quality of life, social interactions, and even economic development.
This study explores the intricate relationship between the built environment and emotional experiences of security, shedding light on the complex dynamics that govern human interactions with urban spaces. By identifying and analyzing key urban variables—such as building density, street connectivity, lighting, and green space—this research investigates how these factors influence pedestrians’ emotional responses to their surroundings. The aim is to provide valuable data-driven insights that can inform urban planning processes, guiding the creation of more secure, pedestrian-friendly cities.
Moreover, this research encourages collaboration among urban planners, policymakers, psychologists, sociologists, and other stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of the challenges facing urban ecosystems. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives, the study provides a platform for collective problem-solving, offering actionable strategies to enhance urban design and promote both the emotional well-being and security of pedestrians.
The research focuses on selected locations in Łódź, a city grappling with the challenges typical of post-industrial urban areas. Five diverse sites, each with different levels of crime but built within a similar time frame, were chosen for analysis. Through the examination of factors such as urban density, building structure, street layouts, lighting, and green spaces, the study explores how these elements affect perceptions of security. By integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) data with individual survey responses, the study creates a comprehensive understanding of how physical space correlates with feelings of security or insecurity. Additionally, pedestrian movement patterns are analyzed to examine how human flow impacts security perceptions.
This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach results in the development of actionable correlations that can guide future urban design strategies. The findings are expected to play a pivotal role in reshaping urban spaces to enhance both physical security and emotional well-being. This research contributes to the creation of cities that are not only functional but also conducive to the psychological well-being of their inhabitants. Aligned with the 11th Sustainable Development Goal, it offers vital insights for developing more secure, inclusive, and walkable urban spaces, ultimately influencing public policy and shaping the future of our cities.
References
Widya Putra, D., Salim, W. A., Indradjati, P. N., & Prilandita, N. (2023). Understanding the position of urban spatial configuration on the feeling of insecurity from crime in public spaces. Frontiers in Built Environment, 9, 1114968
Kamalipour, H., Faizi, M., & Memarian, G. (2014). Safe place by design: Urban crime in relation to spatiality and sociality. Current Urban Studies, 2014.
Pavoni, A., & Tulumello, S. (2020) What is urban violence?. Progress in human geography, 44(1), 49-76.
Praliya, S., & Garg, P. (2019). Public space quality evaluation: prerequisite for public space management. The Journal of Public Space, 4(1), 93-126.
Oscar A. Martínez-Martínez & Karol Gil-Vasquez (2022) Reconfiguring Habits and Behaviors in Urban Centers: A Qualitative Study on the Impact of Perceptions on Public Insecurity, Victims & Offenders, 17:4, 469-490, DOI: 10.1080/15564886.2021.1974135
Syropoulos, S. (2022). The association of urban environment quality and perceived safety: Evidence from seven nationally representative samples. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/pac0000647
| Keywords | Emerging planning strategies; Urban security; Practical interventions; Sustainability; Resilience |
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| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
