Planning and designing safe and secure open public spaces in Serbia

Abstract

The main role of the city in the past was protection of its citizens and goods. Cities represented the places where people were able to hide from savagery, crime and wilderness, with the enemies left on the other side of the walls. However, during the twentieth century, cities were more associated with the absence of safety than with security. They experienced transformation from shelters into a major source of danger. Safety and perceptions of safety are important factors contributing to the sustainability of a contemporary city. Open public spaces as the main generators of users are the focus of social life and vitality of environment. In the paper, we have analysed the connection between urban planning and design and safety and security of open public spaces. Such analysis could help planners create urban design for a safer urban place. Principles of designing or redesigning a public space which contribute to the safety of that space are also investigated together with their instruments. Special attention is given to the CEN/TR 14383-2 technical standard for crime prevention, and its use in Serbia. The conclusion contains generic advice for improving urban design with the aim of addressing safety in open public spaces.