Crime prevention through spatial planning : the case of Harare, Khayelitsha

Defensible space aims to provide residents with the power to control their residential environment, so that they will defend it against any threat. While the literature on defensible space is prolific, and while its principles are still being adapted for different contexts across the world, critiques of defensible space indicate that its validity for different contexts is questionable and necessitates further exploration. This paper explores how the implementation of defensible space principles in the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) safe node area of Harare, Khayelitsha has reduced crime rates and anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, it also aims to provide planners with knowledge regarding VPUU's prescription to defensible space principles. The research was conducted primarily through the use of the case study method, and a critical discourse analysis of VPUU's urban design principles. Harare's crime statistics were analysed through the use of mixed methods, in order to gain an understanding of how crime has been affected in the area. Interviews with locals from Harare provided insight on how residents perceived safety in their area after VPUU's intervention. Observations were also made in order to understand how the intervention area functions and how people use it. Cognitive mapping was done with primary school children to ascertain their perceptions of safety in Harare. The research findings revealed that the implementation of defensible space principles in Harare has improved the quality of public space, but it has not reduced crime rates or anti-social behaviour. Moreover, the main finding revealed that crime was not solely a result of design flaws, but rather as a result of the social conditions in the neighbourhood. As a result, the main recommendation was that crime prevention strategies should not focus solely on design but should address the social conditions present. The researcher argues that the implementation of defensible space principles should be context-driven, because what works in one context will not necessarily work in another.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Fester, Ryan Nicholas

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Winkler, Tanja

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/18204

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/18204