Defensible Space and Its Four Elements

686 Words2 Pages

Defensible Space was first introduced as a “model for residential environments”. The idea was to “inhibit crime by creating the physical expression of a social fabric that defends itself” (Newman, 1972:3), which “could arguably be achieved by the manipulation of architectural and design elements” (Newman, 1972; Coaffee, 2003:18). The model has four elements of physical design which act to contribute to the creation of secure environments: territoriality, natural surveillance, image and milieu. Newman states that territoriality is “the capacity of the physical environment to create perceived zones of territorial influences” (1972:51). Thus with the use of real or symbolic barriers, the built environment should be subdivided into clearly distinct zones, from the most private to the most public (Colquhoun, 2004; Newman, 1972; Tijerino, 1998). The surveillance of defensible area stands for “the capacity of the physical design to provide surveillance opportunities for residents and their agents” (Newman, 1972:78). This idea shows that the design of the public spaces and semi-private spaces should let “the watchful eye of the public” to be always there (Tijerino, 1998:325). In order to practice this idea, public areas of a building should be visible from street level, so that anything out of ordinary can be spotted by the passersby. It is also recommended that the common space in the building is visible from the private areas. “The capacity of the design to influence the perception of a project’s uniqueness, isolation, and stigma” is what influences how vulnerable a design is to crime as according to Newman (1972:103). According to his theory it is recommended to avoid building shapes, layouts, and materials that stick out as out of or...

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...ism threat. This analysis demonstrate that the characteristics of the built environment are major actors in inducing people’s perceptions of security in the face of the threat of terrorism.

Conclusion

Pakistani citizens have chosen to be part of a democratic government which puts forth the safety of its citizen first. Lahore has been “traditional capital of Punjab for a thousand years” and as being the cultural hub has acted as a magnet to the artists, craftsmen and performers. Lahore has stood against oppression by religious fanaticism and has been compared to London for being the hub of educational institutions and liberal arts and literature. But today the vigour of the city is slowly fading away. Thus it has become ever so important for planners to fight to regain the public realm and protect the future from negative impacts of fighting an internal threat.

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