29 of 365: Defensible Space design principle

29 of 365 – Defensible space design principle by John LeMasney via lemasney.com

Defensible space is a theory about the way that spaces (often collective residences) are arranged considering the environmental variables like Territoriality, Surveillance, and Symbolic Barriers. It is generally applied to environments for reducing crimes. Territoriality is marking a space as an owned and maintained space, such as sign on a door or a gate marker. Surveillance is adding elements that increase awareness or foot traffic, such as seating areas and lighting. Symbolic Barriers are elements that show care and ownership for the space, such as flowers or organization.

I decided to illustrate a basic infographic to show some of these elements.

“As defined in Newman’s book Design Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space, defensible space is “a residential environment whose physical characteristics—building layout and site plan—function to allow inhabitants themselves to become key agents in ensuring their security.” He goes on to explain that a housing development is only defensible if residents intend to adopt this role, which is defined by good design: “Defensible space therefore is a sociophysical phenomenon,” says Newman. Both society and physical elements are parts of a successful defensible space.” ~ Defensible space theory – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – http://goo.gl/yvahq