ArchDaily · Creativity & design

Urban Design and Women's Safety

Public spaces are not universally experienced, with women often assessing risks like exposure, visibility, and lighting when navigating cities. Spatial conditions significantly influence these safety calculations.

Safety in urban environments is influenced by urban form, maintenance, mobility, governance, and public investment. While the built environment may not cause gender-based violence, it can increase vulnerability and normalize unequal access to public spaces.

Architects and planners must distinguish between designing for security (surveillance, control) and safety (visibility, legible routes, supported activities, maintenance). Design's role is to change the conditions of public life.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.