A study of the impact of boundaries in urban public spaces on user perceived safety

Abstract

Perceived safety of a public space is an important factor because it encourages visitors to enjoy available public spaces. In an urban environment, perceived safety relates to its urban boundaries. This research study investigates the impact of urban boundaries on user perceived safety in urban public spaces in reference to Sri Lankan context. The objectives of this study are to investigate how the physical and surface boundaries relate to the perceived safety and to understand the significant safety factors of boundaries which influence for the perceived safety. According to the theoretical framework, six safety factors were selected which relate to perceived safety of urban public spaces. Those factors were visibility, enclosure, accessibility, social interaction, territoriality and maintenance. The data was collected at Kalutara Children Park which has considerable public open spaces. The findings of the study reveals that the surface boundaries generate a high level of perceived safety than the physical boundaries. The perceived safety caused by grass, paving stones, kerbs and fences are higher than that of shelters, hedges, water, wall, and gates. The perceived safety created by boundaries is linked to safety factors .The findings of the study points out that safety factors of visibility, enclosure and social interaction play an vital role in enhancing the perceived safety.