Safety

Feeling safe is a very important condition for a pleasant experience of public space. This certainly applies to the elderly and vulnerable, for whom a feeling of safety is often a requirement to want to go outside.

People feel safer and happier in a green environment. Aggression and violence are less common in green environments. Well-kept greenery and a clean environment play a role in discouraging pollution, and reducing and preventing vandalism and crime. In general, there are fewer accidents in a green environment.

People feel safer as the quality of greenery increases. In this theme you will also find a number of green solutions for safe meetings, keeping distance and dispersing crowds.

Feeling safe

It is pleasant for us to be in environments that have been designed with care, have a human scale, and are well maintained. Such environments attract people, which elicits a sense of belonging. People are more inclined to speak up against misconduct.

Extensive greenery increases the perception of safety. The condition is that the vegetation is not too dense, so that visibility is maintained.

For the perception of safety, open greenery, which preserves visibility, can be applied extensively. Neglect of greenery reduces social safety. A poor state of maintenance is seen by criminals as a lack of social control. So you can go about your business undisturbed. Especially in places that are often perceived as less pleasant, more greenery can greatly improve the positive experience.

More greenery can also entice people to exercise more in the area. This also contributes to less vandalism and crime. Opportunities for sports and meeting in the green environment contribute to feeling safe in the neighbourhood. It is important to design with the human touch.