This project was completed as part of my final MArch project at the University of Strathclyde
The project "Walks of the Street" aims to revolutionize the way streets are designed to enhance the sense of safety and trust among strangers. The principles of this framework are based on research that primarily focuses on women's perspectives on safety in public spaces. As studies indicate, women are more hesitant to use public spaces alone than men. The research reveals two main reasons for fear on the streets: a lack of trust in others and the absence of people to help in times of need.
Thus, the new streets will be developed to address these factors, and the framework proposes a new way of defining street typologies. Instead of being named after the buildings they are adjacent to, such as residential or commercial, the streets will now be named after the type of strategies used between the buildings.
These will be; Active, Vibrant, Green, Human, Illuminated and Sociable.
The combination of these street typologies in various ways should enhance the perception of safety in different locations. The framework should be adaptable for any streets within high-density city centres right to way to suburban housing schemes and should aim to improve the public space for everyone and anyone using it.
This framework for this project was founded on research into women's safety. This was inspired by the recent 'Reclaim the Nigh Marches' against gender-based violence, with a particular focus on Glasgow's urban design.
The resulting framework, however, has been designed to benefit everyone regardless of gender and be useable in any city using the following key values:
1. Safer Routes
2. Network of Connections
3. Inclusive Results
4. Scaleable and Adaptable Solutions
5. Greater Trust in Strangers and City
Below is a short summary video of this research and the relevant conclusions which founded the basis of this project.
This project can be broken down into 5 phases, with phases 1 and 2 being as a design period. Phase 3, community engagement, would then be started using this website to gather the public's perception of the framework.
-This is only a concept website for a concept project-
Framework Summary
