Defensible Space

How do some criminologists argue that the built environment affects the level of crime?

Some criminologists argue that the built environment can affect the level of crime in two ways:

• By influencing potential offenders, such as presenting them with opportunities to commit crime

• By affecting people’s ability to exercise control over their surroundings

They argue that agencies such as architects, builders, town planners and local councils can ‘design crime out’ by changing the physical layout of an area.

What does Oscar Newman argue?

The architect Oscar Newman argues that some spaces are defensible while others are indefensible.

What are indefensible spaces?

Indefensible spaces are where crime is more likely to occur, in what he calls ‘confused’ areas of public space such as anonymous walkways and stairwells. They belong to no-one, are cared for by no-one, and are observed by no-one.

What did Newman find in his high-rise block study?

In Newman’s study of high-rise blocks in New York, Newman found that 55% of all the crimes committed occurred in public spaces such as hallways, lifts, stairwells and lobbies, because no-one felt that they ‘owned’ them.

What are defensible spaces?

Defensible spaces are areas where there are clear boundaries so it is obvious who has the right to be there. Newman argues that defensible spaces have low crime rates because of four key features: territoriality, surveillance, a safe image, and a protected location.

What is territoriality?

Territoriality is where the environment encourages a sense of ownership among residents - the feeling that it is their territory and they control it. Certain layouts also tell outsiders that particular areas are for the private use of residents. For example, cul-de-sacs project a ‘private’ image and encourage a sense of community.

What is natural surveillance?

Features of buildings such as easily-viewed entrance lobbies and street-level windows allow residents to identify and observe strangers. Likewise, cul-de-sacs allow residents to overlook each other’s homes. By contrast, high-rise blocks often have concealed entrances that allow offenders to come and go unseen.

What is a safe image?

Building designs should give the impression of a safe neighbourhood where residents look after each other. A negative image means that the area will be stigmatised and targeted by offenders.

What is a safe location?

Neighbourhoods located in the middle of a wider crime-free area are insulated from the outside world by a ‘moat’ of safety.