Framing Safety: Community Perspectives on Trust and Design in Shared Spaces

Abstract

This study examines how urban design influences perceptions of safety in public spaces, using a case study from a municipality in Athens, Greece. Grounded in environmental design theory, it explores how design can address urban insecurity and promote trust, inclusion, and social cohesion. A quantitative survey captured residents' perceptions of public spaces, focusing on factors such as lighting, maintenance, infrastructure, accessibility, and public art. Findings revealed a stark contrast between daytime and nighttime safety perceptions, with women and older adults feeling especially unsafe after dark. Poor lighting, neglect, and vandalism were strongly linked to fear, while clean, well-lit, and socially active spaces fostered comfort and trust. Aesthetic elements, including public art, enhanced psychological well-being, reinforcing the emotional impact of design. The study supports the “eyes on the street” concept, highlighting the safety benefits of vibrant, mixed-use environments. Concluding, the study advocates for policies that prioritize lighting, maintenance, inclusive programming, and participatory, human-centered design. It positions urban safety as a product of both social and spatial factors, rather than solely policing or surveillance.