Youth Crime Prevention And Urban Design - Ma Dissertation, Oxford Brookes University

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN Development of Urban Design principles by analysing the relationship between the city’s morphological layers and the opportunities to commit Youth Crime

Vinitha Vijaykumar

This dissertation is submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of MA in Urban Design Joint Centre for Urban Design Oxford Brookes University

September 2009

Abstract

‘Youth Crime prevention’ and ‘Urban Design’ has been a debated topic since

the early 1960’s with the rise in youth culture and crime post World War II. Youth Crime has been a prevalent and concerning issue in modern urban society, resulting in the perception of youths labelled as the ‘troublemakers’ of society. Crime risk affects the quality of life and freedom of movement. Crime prevention through the discourse of Urban Design investigates the role of Urban Design in providing opportunities to commit crime. The built environment works as a catalyst in the process of crime by tempting the mood of the perpetrator. The underlying aim of this dissertation is to develop Urban Design principles that reduce the opportunities to commit crime by analysing the relationship of the city’s morphological layers and the opportunities it provides.

To achieve the aim of this dissertation, a conceptual framework consisting of

analysis questions was developed by exploring the bibliographic review. The conceptual framework has been used to analyse two locations in London – Angell Town and Stockwell Park Estate. Interviews with Directors and Officers at these two estates helped in giving first hand crime-related site information. The interview inferences and site analysis inferences from these two estates have been compared with each other. The results from the comparative analysis aim at identifying and discovering various Urban Design elements that have provided opportunities for youth crime.

The research method employed for this dissertation has been successful in

achieving the aim. The two case studies selected have been very helpful to understand and analyse the role of Urban Design in reducing youth crime, as Angell Town through regeneration process has demonstrated success in preventing crime while Stockwell Park Estate has been unable to carry on a regeneration process and still faces crime issues in the Estate. The comparison between the two estates was very successful in indentifying the key positive and negative design elements that increase the risk of being caught by creating an ease to reach the target.

The Urban Design principles which have been developed from the analysis are

comprehensive and based on the two estates, which gives scope for future research, by using the conceptual framework on other Estates around the Globe. YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 1

Biography

Vinitha Vijaykumar was born in 1986 in Mumbai, India. Since childhood she was

fascinated by the idea of city design, humanities and the various physical layers that bind the city together through the places she had visited. Being an avid traveller, this interest grew stronger and was materialised into reality by pursuing Architecture at the age of seventeen from the Architecture school at Padm. Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Architecture, University of Mumbai. She graduated as an Architect in June 2008.



Architecture helped shape her understanding of city design and developed an

eye for detail. Her academic and extracurricular accomplishments throughout the five years at Architecture school were well acknowledged and rewarded. Notable amongst a few is the nomination of final year Architecture undergraduate thesis for Archiprix International Worlds best graduation projects held at Uruguay in April 2009 and at Charles Correa Gold Medal for best thesis award function organised by Urban Design Research Institute, Mumbai, India. She also received a special appreciation certificate from the Indian Institute of Architects for securing first position at the fourth year of Architecture examinations.



Through the opportunity of selecting Urban Design specilisation at Architecture

school, she further developed her interest in city design by developing an urge to create safe and sustainable urban places. The very same thirst led her to pursue a Masters program in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes University.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 2

CONTENTS

Contents Abstract

1

Biography

2

Contents

3

List of Tables

5

List of Figures

5

Acknowledgements

7

Introduction

9



Background of the study

10



Aim and Objectives

15



Methodology

15



Structure of the report

19

Chapter 1: Development of Conceptual Framework

20



1.1 Nature of youth crime

21



1.2 Theories and principles relating to youth crime prevention



and urban design



1.2.1 Defensible space and Integrated Layout 1.2.2 Crime prevention through environmental design(CPTED)

38

1.2.3 Situational Crime prevention

40

1.3 Developing conceptual framework

41





26 26

Chapter 2: Using the conceptual framework on Case Study 1 (Angell Town, London)

54



2.1 Introduction to Angell Town

54



2.2 Angell Town Estate to Angell Town



57



2.3 Interview - Inferences

60



2.4 Site Analysis - Inferences

62



2.5 Conclusion

68

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN



Pg. 3

CONTENTS Chapter 3: Using the conceptual framework on Case Study 2 (Stockwell Park Estate, London)

69



3.1 Introduction to Stockwell Park Estate

69



3.2 Interview - Inferences

73



3.3 Site analysis - Inferences

77



3.4 Conclusion

86

Chapter 4: Design Principles

87



4.1 Analysis of conclusions of case study 1 and 2

87



4.2 Formulation of design principles

101

Conclusions

114



Limitations of the study

118



Scope for further research

118

Bibliography

119

Appendices Appendix 1 – Interview at Angell town with Mr. Thomas Esterine Appendix 2 – Interview at Stockwell Park Estate with

126

Mr.Jahziah Dodds and Mr. Olu Adedotun

135

Appendix 3 – Crime Statistics of Stockwell Park Estate

140

Appendix 4 – Angell Town Land use Plan

143

Appendix 5 – Stockwell Park Estate Land use Plan

144

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 4

CONTENTS

List of Tables Table 1 – Methodology stage 1

18

Table 2 – Methodology stage 2

18

Table 3 - Methodology stage 3

18

Table 4 – Development of conceptual framework

20

Table 5 – Nature of youth crime classification

21

Table 6 – Percentage of youth crime offending

22

Table 7 – Nature of youth crime in relation to crime hotspots (locations)

24

Table 8 - Summarisation of Defensible Space with relation to morphological layers 31 Table 9 - Summarisation of Alice Coleman’s design principles with relation

to the various morphological layers

34

Table 10 – Summarisation of Integrated layout with relation to morphological

layers

37

Table 11 – Summarisation of CPTED with relation to morphological layers

39

Table 12 - Development of Analysis Questions

42

Table 13 - Summarisation of the Interview with Mr. Esterine at ATCP

60

Table14 – Angell Town Site Analysis Inferences

62

Table15 – Summarisation of the Interview at CTH

76

Table16 – Stock well Park Estate site analysis inferences

77

Table 17 - Comparative Analysis of Case Study Inferences

88

List of Figures Figure 1 – Crime Scene Collage

8

Figure 2 – Youth and Crime

9

Figure 3 – Youth and Police

10

Figure 4 – Crime Process

14

Figure 5 - Defensible Space sketches by Oscar Newman

27

Figure 6 - Example of a mixed use development in Dapperstraat,

Amsterdam YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

29 Pg. 5

CONTENTS Figure 7 - Six chosen incivilities

32

Figure 8 - Integrated layout

35

Figure 9 - Marquess Road Estate, Islington, London

36

Figure 10 - Angell town view

54

Figure 11 - Angell Town Community Project (ATCP)

55

Figure 12 - Angell Town before regeneration – after regeneration

57

Figure 13 - Houses overlooking the street and public spaces

57

Figure 14 - The entrance to the site from Brixton Road

58

Figure 15 - On street car parking

58

Figure 16 - Little Angel’s Park

59

Figure 17 - Stockwell Park Estate view

69

Figure 18 - Stockwell Park Estate view

70

Figure 19 - Community Trust Housing Association

71

Figure 20 - Community Trust and Community Centre

71

Figure 21 - Walkways connecting one building to another

73

Figure 22 - Long corridor and Entrance to the building

74

Figure 23 - Houses without natural surveillance

74

Figure 24 - Common entrances with opportunity for mugging and hiding

75

Figure 25 - Dark and Dingy entrances can provide opportunity for crime

75

Figure 26 - Crookes Valley Park, Sheffield

104

Figure 27 - Mixed use development in Angell town

107

Figure 28 - Regenerated Angell town

108

Figure 29 - Visual Connectivity obstruction due to Landscape at Angell Town 109 Figure 30 - Transparent balconies at Angell town

110

Figure 31 - Opaque balconies at Stockwell Park Estate

110

Figure 32 - On street car parking provision in Angell town

111

Figure 33 - Secure by Entrance approach at Angell Town

112

Figure 34 - Summarisation of the dissertation outcomes

117

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 6

Acknowledgements

During the dissertation period there have been several people who have helped

me greatly and I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for their co-operation, time and patience.

At Oxford Brookes University I firstly wish to thank Prof. Ian Bentley for constantly

and tirelessly guiding me throughout my dissertation. His encouragement and inspiration has been unsurpassable. Prof. Georgia Butina Watson, head of the planning department for taking the time to help me whenever I needed it, Dr. Alan Reeve the program leader for his initial guidance through literature review and research proposal and Claire Mountford, course administrator for her timely help when my laptop failed before the final dissertation.

At Angell Town Community Project (ATCP) I am extremely grateful to

Mr. Thomas Esterine, Director of ATCP, for his time and patience. His comments have been very useful in the design process.

At Stockwell Park Estate, I am very thankful to Mr. Jahziah Dodds, Senior Housing

Services officer and Mr. Olu Adedotun, Housing Services officer at Community Trust Housing (CTH) for their notable comments and time. Also Ms. Julie Fawcett, MBE at Community Trust for her opinions about crime prevention through Urban Design, which has increased my motivation about this topic. Mr. Peter Wear, the handyman at CTH for his time and patience to show me around the complete estate.

I sincerely thank Moinak Basu and Moyukh Basu for accompanying me patiently

on my case studies to Angell town and Stockwell Park Estate and helping me document the sites. Heartfelt thanks to all the staff and colleagues at JCUD for making my journey through this masters program very pleasurable. I also wish to thank all my friends at Oxford Brookes who have made the learning process more enjoyable and challenging. I also thank Tina John for accommodating me during the final phase of dissertation.

Finally, I am eternally grateful to my parents, relatives and friends in India for their

unconditional love, support and encouragement always. YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 7

Safety and Security are two very important aspects of urban sustainability.

Freedom

of

movement should not be restricted by crime risk and fear of crime. The design of the built environment can behave as a catalyst in providing opportunities to commit crime which affects one’s choice of living. This dissertation aims at developing design principles that reduce the opportunities to commit crime by analysing the relationship between the city’s morphological levels and the scope of opportunity

Fig 1 - Crime Scene Collage Source – Photo collage -Author and photos - flickr website

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 8

Introduction

Introduction

“We need stronger local communities and an improved quality of life. Streets where parents safe to let their children walkand to school. Where people want useStreets the “We needfeel stronger local communities an improved quality of to life. where feel safe to let their children walk school.Where Wherethe people want parks,parents where graffiti, vandalism and dereliction is not to tolerated. environ-

to use the parks, where graffiti, vandalism and dereliction is not tolerated. Where

ment in which we live fosters rather than alienates a sense of local community and

the environment in which we live fosters rather than alienates a sense of local

mutual responsibility.” Blair, Former UK Prime Minister, Croydon, 2001)Minister, community and mutual(Tony responsibility.” (Tony Blair, Former UK Prime Croydon, 2001) Fig 2 – Youth and Crime Source – Photo Collage - Author and Photos - flickr website

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 9

Introduction

Background of the story

Britain’s young offenders committed the equivalent of one crime every two

minutes last year (2008). (Telegraph.co.uk, 06 March 2009)

Fig 3 – Youth and Police Source – Getty, telegraph.co.uk



Crime

remains a prevalent and ubiquitous problem in modern urban society

and is generally associated with the perception of young people being represented as ‘troublemakers’ (Colquhoun, 2004, 17) of the society. They are either described as source of difficulties (offender) or the risk of being targeted (victim). In England and Wales, no child may be guilty of a criminal offence below the age of 10 (Maguire, Morgan and Reiner, 2007, 575). Since the Pre - industrial era, society has been dealing with ‘juvenile delinquency’ as one of the issues concerning safety and security. Youth crime may be defined as crime which focuses on the criminal behaviour by young offenders ranging from an age group of 10 – 18 years (Maguire, Morgan and Reiner, 2007, 575) dealt under the youth justice system, which is different from the adult justice system. YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 10

Introduction

Post World War II Britain has seen an increase in juvenile offenders, with youth

culture being a new phenomenon. Young people started exploring freedom and enjoyed a degree of independence which led to increasing material comfort redefining new pleasures and leisure’s, overall giving birth to a new youth culture. Keeping up with youth culture resulted in various social problems leading from youth culture to youth crime. These social problems have always existed within society which may be a result of social exclusion, poverty, family breakdown, peer pressure, greed, drug abuse and psychological problems (Colquhoun, 2004). A large proportion of crime committed by young people in the society has affected one’s freedom of life. Several documented research carried out by Home Office since the mid 1990’s states that over half the male and female population between the age group of 14 to 25 years have admitted to commit one or more criminal offence at some point in their lives (Home Office, 1995).

There may be an apparent decrease in nature of crime, but this is more of an

illusion (Muncie, Hughes, McLaughlin 2002, 425) than a fact as police recorded crime statistics and national crime survey states that the crime committed by young people is frequent and recurring (Muncie, Hughes, McLaughlin 2002, 425), resulting in a sense of disturbance in the community. The youth justice board has claimed youngsters aged between 10-17 years to have carried out 277,986 offences in 2008 (Telegraph. co.uk, 2009) reinforcing the perception that young people are without doubt one of the troublemakers of the society.

The Government’s priority to tackle youth crime has come to focus by granting

£56.5 million to local authorities across England to tackle youth crime in Britain (Home office, 2008) and by chalking out the ‘Youth Crime Action Plan’. This plan discusses the idea of a ‘Triple track approach’ of enforcement and punishment (Youth Crime Action plan, 2008) where punishment, prevention and support are the main agenda of the action plan. No tolerance against any nuisance shall be accepted and tough penalties and punishments will be given to the offenders.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 11

Introduction

This approach is not efficient to win the battle against Youth crime as there

exists a discrepancy in the procedural charges as most of the times a reluctance to record the crime are noticed, thereby leaving most of the crimes unrecorded. Moreover, it is necessary to prevent youth crime from happening, rather than investing money and giving punishment to the crime that has already taken place. In the paper ‘Opportunity makes the Thief’ by Marcus Felson and Ronald V. Clarke, opportunity is considered as the root cause for committing crime (Felson and Clarke, 1998). Youth Crime can be

prevented if the scope of opportunity is considerably reduced. The

scope of opportunity is directly related to the influence of design and management in a particular place. The majority of youths are a positive contribution to the society. Their achievements bring recognition, and honour to the society. It is essential to help develop the potential of young people by providing facilities and opportunities for them to grow.

Youth Crime prevention through the discourse of urban design has been a hotly

debated topic since the 1960’s with Oscar Newman’s ‘Defensible space’ and Jane Jacobs integrated layout discussed in ‘The death and life of Great American Cities’. Youth Crime Prevention through Urban Design investigates the scope of opportunity provided by concrete structures, urban spaces and the physical layers of the built environment defined as the ‘morphological layers’. These various morphological layers tempt and modify the psychological mood of the perpetrator. If the scope of opportunity is reduced, it will result in youth crime prevention.

At present the idea of crime prevention and urban design remains an

illusion for some. Julie Fawcett, MBE at Stockwell Park Estate states that design cannot help in preventing crime. According to her, Crime prevention should be a holistic approach where the residents co-operate with each other and help one another grow. Community development plays an integral role in crime prevention. Mr. Thomas Esterine Director of Angell Town Community Project in his interview mentioned that Angell Town has demonstrated success in preventing crime by reducing the opportunities provided by design to commit crime. Considering the example of Angell town, there are various socio

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 12

Introduction economic factors which become the driving force behind the crime scene, but if these factors are tackled under the frame work of good design by reducing the notion of opportunity they can be helpful in preventing youth crime to a considerable extent thereby creating a safe, sustainable and friendly environment.

According to Ronald V Clarke, a psychologist and criminologist in his research

experiment on Situational Crime Prevention with juvenile offenders defined ‘opportunity to crime’. It has five primary factors (Schneider and Kitchen, 2007, 26-27) •

Risk (‘How likely is it that I will be caught?’)

•

Effort (‘How difficult is it to get to the target?’)

•

Reward (‘How much do I have to gain?’)

•

Provocation (‘What pushes me over the edge?’)

•

Shame and guilt (‘How excusable are my actions?’)



Out of these five factors, the ‘Risk’ and ‘Effort’ factor are directly associated

with the design and management of the built environment. A good design provides less opportunity, which increases the risk element of being caught and makes it harder to reach the target. The other factors (Reward, Provocation, Shame and guilt) are dealing with the offender’s mental and emotional state of mind. These factors can be phased out by reducing the opportunity to commit crime. This can be explained by the example given by Ronald V Clarke where he mentions that a valuable racing bicycle left unattended on a deserted street corner presents far more opportunity in terms of reward and far less risk and effort, than one locked behind a showroom window in a busy shopping district (Schneider and Kitchen, 2007, 27). Therefore through the design and management of the built environment, scope of opportunity can be reduced.

The freedom to walk alone to school or shops after dark, or commute around the

city after sunset should not be prohibited with crime risk. The lack of freedom and security becomes a serious problem, affecting the social, economic and physical viability of urban areas throughout the world (Colquhoun, 2004). The factor of safety for residents is a vital aspect for any sustainable development. Safety determines overall neighbourhood

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 13

Introduction satisfaction. It gives a freedom of movement, improves the quality of lifestyle and boosts public confidence.



Designing against Crime has been a prominent approach since the early 1960’s,

but the rate of crime hasn’t reduced considerably since then, highlighting the need for further research into the existing theories. Crime prevention through design is a tool an urban designer, architect and planner can use in effect such, that through the design of built environment, the opportunity to commit crime can be potentially ruled out. Crime prevention should be a natural and integral part of any design process, right from the start, and not a solution to a crime that is already committed. This explains the role of urban design in the Crime prevention process. It’s the responsibility as an urban designer, to create ‘settings’ for safe and secure communities, where residents do not fall prey to insecurity and fear. A good design can surely reduce opportunity and create a positive influence not only on the neighbourhood, but also on the adjoining areas.

Offender

Victim / Target (Reducing the scope of opportunity through the design of built environment)

Place / Location

Investigation

Crime

Crime Prevention Fig 4 – Crime Process Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 14

Introduction AIM To develop Urban Design Principles for reducing the scope of Opportunity for Youth Crime in the design of built environment.

OBJECTIVES

• To develop a conceptual framework to analyse the relationship between youth

crime prevention and Urban Design.

• To use the conceptual framework to comparatively analyse the relationship

between youth crime prevention and Urban Design in two identified susceptible areas (Angell town, London and Stockwell Park Estate, London).

• To use the results of the comparative analysis to formulate design principles that

may be used for future developments.

METHODOLOGY

Although youth crime prevention through urban design is a debatable approach it

is still one of the prime issues concerning urban sustainability. The aim of this dissertation is to develop design principles that reduce the opportunities to commit youth crime. These design principles may be used as practical recommendations for future developments.

There are several existing theories and principles relating to youth crime prevention

and urban design. This dissertation aims to analyse the various existing theories and principles with respect to the city’s morphological layers, as each layer can behave as a catalyst in the process of crime. The analysis through the morphological layers is plotted against the risk and effort factor explained in the opportunity to commit crime. The results of the analysis are used in developing the conceptual framework. The existing theories and principles have been broadly classified into three schools of thought - Defensible space, Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and Situational crime prevention. Each school of thought discusses the pro and cons of one layout over the other.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 15

Introduction



To test the implications of one layout over the other, a case study method has

been employed. The Conceptual Framework developed through the findings of the literature review is used to analyse the case studies. The two case studies have been comparatively analysed to one another and the inference is used to develop the design principles.

Case studies were conducted to test the effectiveness of the existing theories

and principles through the developed conceptual framework. Comparing and contrasting the findings from these case studies helped in understanding the design quality of the spaces that helps in reducing the scope of opportunities.

Factors deciding the number of Case studies

To use the time and resources available efficiently, two sites were selected as it

was necessary to compare and contrast the sites with respect to the opportunities they provided for committing crime. To analyse the opportunities, an in-depth site analysis was mandatory. The two sites used for comparing required similar problems and design features. With these parameters, it was difficult to focus on more than two sites barring the limitation of time and resources as well. The sites selected for case study (Angell Town and Stockwell Park Estate) were very similar in nature and filled the requirements for the analysis satisfactorily. Therefore, two case studies have been analysed in-depth and same has been discussed in Chapters 2 and 3.

Factors deciding the location of Case studies

Angell Town and Stockwell Park are two social housing estates located in Brixton,

South London. These two estates were constructed during the mid 70’s with similar design features. The two estates were planned to be connected with one another by means of walkways running over the Brixton Road. Both these estates started facing problems pertaining to faulty infrastructure, drugs, unemployment that slowly led to criminal activities within the Estate. The initial design provided a good scope of opportunity to

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 16

Introduction commit crime and escape. The layout had several escape routes and hiding spaces. The estate lacked youth facilities and hanging out spaces which contributed in decaying of youth culture leading to drug peddling and criminal behaviour. Angell Town successfully underwent a complete regeneration process starting in the late 80’s (CABE and RUDI website) and the new design successfully demonstrated drastic fall in the rate of crime. On the other hand, Stockwell Park Estate, due to financial issues was unable to undergo a complete regeneration process and underwent a part refurbishment and regeneration process, which is not effective enough to reduce the scope of opportunity provided by the design, thus resulting in several hiding spaces and escape routes. To comparatively analyse two case studies it is very important that both of these places are similar in terms of history, location and topography, street character, accessibility, housing density, employment opportunities and design characteristics. Both the estates fulfilled all the requirements.

Since Oxford Brookes University has been involved with Angell Town regeneration

project, getting permission to visit and conduct interview was successful. After a lot of difficulty in getting permission, Stockwell Park visit was conducted as well. The personal experience at Stockwell Park while conducting photo documentation was quite sour, as the designed pedways connecting one block to the other formed a good hiding space for the offender to target his victim. I was one such victim of youth anti social behaviour, where the offender tried to attack me by hurling eggs. It is evident that such spaces provide opportunity and tempts the mood of the offender to attack a target.

Finally the overall aim of the proposed dissertation has been achieved through the

following set of methods. Each objective mentioned above, has been achieved through a framework of stages, as explained in the following tables.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 17

Introduction Stage 1 – Development of Conceptual Framework METHODOLOGY

RESULTS

Discussing the various theories and principles existing in relation to youth crime prevention and urban design LITERATURE REVIEW

Developing a selection criteria for identifying two susceptible locations within England Developing conceptual framework (analysis questions) for analysing the locations Table 1 – Methodology Stage 1 Source - Author

Stage 2 – Using the Conceptual Framework on the Case Studies METHODOLOGY

RESULTS

CASE STUDY APPROACH

Documentation of the identified residential estates through interview, photographs and site survey using the conceptual framework

(comparative analysis of two residential estates in london) Comparatively analysing the two estates using the results of the interview, photographs and conceptual framework Table 2 – Methodology Stage 2 Source - Author

Stage 3 – Design Principles METHODOLOGY

RESULTS

DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN PRINCIPLES

To use the results of the comparative analysis of the two case studies to develop Urban Design principles

Table 3 – Methodology Stage 3 Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 18

Introduction Structure of the Report This dissertation consists of the introduction, four main chapters and conclusion. INTRODUCTION -This gives an overview of the proposed dissertation. It explains the need of youth crime prevention through urban design by emphasizing on the opportunity of crime. It explains the definition of Opportunity to Crime. It concludes with an overall aim, objectives and research methodology to develop urban design principles to prevent crime by reducing the scope of opportunity. CHAPTER 1 – DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK - This chapter discusses the various existing theories and principles on crime prevention and urban design. It includes the theories mentioned by Jane Jacobs, Oscar Newman, Alice Coleman, Bill Hillier and others. It explores the concepts of defensible space and integrated layout, CPTED, situational crime prevention giving opinions on each layout patterns. The existing theories are discussed and analysed with respect to the city’s morphological layers, and the risk and effort factor of opportunity. The findings develop into the conceptual framework. CHAPTER 2 AND 3 – CASE STUDY 1 (Angell town) and 2 (Stockwell park) respectively These chapters explain the design of the built environment with respect to the nature and pattern of youth crime using the developed conceptual framework. The results of the site surveys and interviews are also discussed. The findings from both the case studies are plotted in a tabular format. CHAPTER 4 – DESIGN PRINCIPLES -This chapter explains the development of the design principles using the findings from case studies. Comparative Analysis of the two case studies has been explained in a tabular format. The conclusions result in developing urban design principles that can be used as a practical guide for future developments. CONCLUSION – The achievements of the study have been summarised discussing the application of Urban Design principles along with the limitations and scope for further research.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 19

CHAPTER 1 - DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Chapter 1 - Development of Conceptual Framework

The objective of this chapter is to develop a conceptual framework which will

comprise of a set of analysis questions, used to comparatively analyse the two identified case studies. A number of steps were involved to develop the conceptual framework. Firstly it was necessary to understand the nature of youth crime patterns existing in England, as it results in understanding the pattern of crime with respect to its location. Location helped in investigating the crime hotspots and its design qualities. After identifying the crime hotspots, it was necessary to analyse the various existing theories and principles related to youth crime prevention and urban design, by analysing the effect of opportunity provided by design on the various morphological layers. The result of the analysis was plotted against the risk and effort factor of opportunity to develop the analysis questions.

Objective – Development of conceptual framework

Table 4 – Development of conceptual framework Source - Author

Nature of youth crime

RESULT

Theories and principles existing to youth crime prevention through urban design

RESULT

Findings from the literature review plotted against the risk and effort factor of opportunity

RESULT

Identifying crime locations

Analysing the existing theories and principles (literature review) on the crime hotspots, to understand the quality of the different morphological layers that provide opportunities to commit crime

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Summarisation of the findings of risk and effort factor results in development of ANALYSIS QUESTIONS

Pg. 20

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

1.1 Nature of Youth Crime

A noteworthy proportion of crime is committed by young people ranging from an

age group of 10 to 21 years (Maguire, Morgan and Reiner, 2007). Offending in teen age years is considered a very common problem in the society and results in disturbance of the quality of life. This section explores the various types of crime committed by youths in England and concludes by identifying the hotspots (locations) of the recurring crime committed.

The nature of youth crime has been summarised from the results of 2005

Offending, Crime and Justice Survey, a home office initiative. The reason for choosing this particular survey result has been the clarity and extent of the crime survey, as it takes into account the police recorded crime surveys and the unrecorded crimes. This helps in summarising the actual facts and figures and therefore identifying the locations of the committed crime.

Considering the young household population of 10-25 years, the nature of crime

has been broadly classified into three core categories (Home Office, 2005)

i. Property Related Crime



ii. Violent Crime



iii. Drug Selling Nature of Youth Crime

Property Crime • Burglary • Vehicle Thefts • Other thefts • Criminal Damage

Violent Crime • Robbery • Assault

Drug Selling • Selling Class A drug • Selling other drugs

Table 5 – Nature of youth crime classification Source – Author and Offending, Crime and Justice Survey

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 21

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK



Street crime and anti social behaviour on streets has not been classified as one

of the core issues of youth crime, but evidence from BBC sources states that street crime and anti social behaviour on streets is another major social problem in an urban living. There has been a fall in the rate of street crime since 2003-2004, but has not been completely ruled out yet (BBC website).

The following graph explains the percentage of each crime committed over the

period of 12 months in 2005. This dissertation mainly focuses on understanding the nature of youth crime in relationship to its location (built environment). The changes in the statistical data have been used to understand the seriousness of one type of crime over the other.

Table 6 – Percentage of youth crime offending Source – Author and Offending, Crime and Justice Survey

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 22

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK



As discussed in the introduction chapter, Youth Crime is generally perceived as a

result of social exclusion, poverty, family breakdown, peer pressure, greed, drug abuse and psychological problems (Colquhoun, 2004). Sometimes peer pressure results in committing crime for the sake of pleasure and fun. These crimes may not be considered serious crimes but it can result in serious damage if repeated regularly. The frequency of repetition depends upon the risk and effort factor of opportunity to commit crime. If the risk of being caught is less and the effort to reach the target is easy, the opportunity to commit crime is high.

The nature of crime depends upon the opportunities offered by the various

morphological layers of the city. The morphological layers behave as an interface between the offender and the target. It’s the design of the various morphological layers that provides opportunities for creating territories, defining public and private spaces and identifying and designing land uses. All these design aspects brought together characterises one neighbourhood. A neighbourhood precisely acts as the bridge between home and city. It defines human interaction and strives to create communal harmony. Neighbourhood satisfaction reduces disorder and incivilities thereby creating an atmosphere for healthy urban living.

On the other hand, if the design quality of a space fails in terms of layout,

infrastructure, accessibility, surveillance and lighting it results in creating opportunities for crime thereby resulting in increased levels of incivilities and loss of neighbourhood satisfaction. These design loop holes can decay the surrounding area, making it a filthy and unsafe place to live. It is therefore necessary to analyse the various design elements which structure the morphological layers.

Due to the Data Protection Act 1998, the actual locations of crime are

unavailable. However various existing theories and principles suggest a few important design aspects which gives rise to opportunity if not designed carefully. Barry Poyner (1983) in his book, ‘Design against Crime’ explains how accessibility to a place is more important than the building profile itself. More than the building profile, it is the ease of

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 23

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK access that makes the place vulnerable to crime. The distance from the neighbourhood (home) to city (centre) should be easily accessible through various means of transportation. If home to centre is not easily accessible, it slowly isolates home, making it vulnerable. Reppetto (1974) through his study in United States and Maguire (1982) through his study in England agree together on the fact that young people are not professional criminals and prefer to target their own neighbourhood than any other location as it makes it more convenient to escape from own neighbourhood. The areas between the houses can become alternate escape routes for the offenders if not well maintained. Vacant houses in the neighbourhood can be a target for burglary and robbery. The table below identifies the crime hotspots (location) in relation to the nature of youth crime as hypothesised in the literature Nature of youth Crime

Identification of Crime hotspots (locations) that provide opportunity to commit crime

Burglary, Robbery, car theft

Difficulty in accessibility from the home to centre

Car theft

Open parking lots at night which demands effective lighting and human patrolling

Robbery

Vacant houses in the neighbourhood

Drug Selling, assault, Violent

Poorly maintained alternate (escape) routes

crime Drug Selling

Design of buildings with long corridor entrances, bridges for connectivity, unused parcels of land in the built environment.

Street Crime, violent crime

Lack of public facilities in the neighbourhood

Assaults

Dark and dingy building entrances with entrance doors lacking surveillance

Robbery and Assaults

Improper maintenance of landscape

Table 7 – Nature of youth crime in relation to crime hotspots Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 24

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Thus if the opportunity to commit crime by design is reduced, it will help in preventing youth crime. The following section explains in detail the various existing theories and principles relating to youth crime prevention and urban design, which will help in developing analysis questions for comparatively analysing the two case studies.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 25

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

1.2 Theories and Principles relating to Youth Crime Prevention AND urban design



Having introduced the concept of youth crime prevention and urban design, this

section critically analyses the existing theories and principles relating to youth crime prevention and urban design in detail identifying the gap in research and explaining the basis of developing the conceptual framework.

Every city is an union of different morphological layers. Each layer works as

a catalyst in the crime process through its design. The various morphological layers may be defined as – Underlying Landscape, Public Space Network, Plots, Buildings, Components, Interface, Design and Management

Based on the design of the various morphological layers, crime prevention

through urban design can be broadly classified into three schools of thoughts –

• Defensible Space and Integrated layout



• Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)



• Situational Crime prevention

1.2.1 a. DEFENSIBLE SPACE



Oscar Newman was the first researcher to focus on the Defensible space concept,

an approach for crime prevention and urban design, in his book – ‘Defensible Space.’ According to Newman, “The time has come to go back to first principles, to re-examine human habitat as it evolved, to become attuned again to all the subtle devices invented over time and forgotten in our need and haste to house the many. For even within the widespread chaos of our cities, it is still possible to find isolated examples of working living environments, which are crime free, although at times located in the highest crime precincts of cities” (Newman, 1973, 2). The book discusses the theory of ‘defensible space and territoriality’ through forms and layouts of various residential areas in the U.S, focusing on New York City during the late 1960’s and therefore results in outlining the

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 26

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK setbacks produced by the housing typologies which contributed to the increasing rate of crime. He concluded that there are three main factors which behave as a catalyst in increasing crime risk – Anonymity, Lack of Surveillance and Presence of Alternate escape routes.



He resolved these factors through the approach of ‘Defensible space’. Defensible

space discusses the idea of enclave morphology, where access points of an area are limited to only those with a valid reason to be in that particular place. Mans’ image of defensible space is learnt through his interaction with four elements – Territoriality, Surveillance, Image and Milieu

Fig 5 – Defensible Space sketches by Oscar Newman Source – Newman, 1973, 9

Territoriality –

Creating territories and physical boundaries within buildings and



publicspaces, is termed as hierarchy of a defensible space. The



conversion from private to public space is important and



demands efficient management. Through the sub division of



zones (private to public), the character of one’s own territory is



defined and thereby managed.

Private space –

An area under total control of the occupant, and not physically



connected to the public



YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 27

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Semi private space – An area under the control of the occupant, but visually and

physically accessible by the public

Semi public space - An area accessible to the public, and under the control of a

specific group of occupants.

Public space –

An area for the public

Territoriality therefore defines the hierarchy of the space, and develops the idea of having one’s own territory. This discourages outsiders from entering into private zones and reduces the risk of anonymity. This can be achieved if the following design features are implemented in the planning process (Colquhoun, 2004, 41) All the spaces inside as well as outside the building should be under natural surveillance by the residents and under their influence. All the external spaces should be seen as public spaces and should be clearly demarcated from the internal spaces with the help of symbolic barriers like gates, fences, walls, levels, steps, gateways etc. If the housing density is high, separate staircase entrances should be designed per building block so that there should be no confusion in recognising a stranger. External communal areas such as parks, green open spaces should be in the vicinity of the building and where ever possible should be entered from the private zone. Surveillance – Positioning and locating the windows and doors such that it increases

surveillance to the outside surrounding. Opportunity to commit crime



is potentially reduced when the offender senses that he/she is under



constant surveillance from the adjoining buildings. Surveillance helps



to create a feeling of security by providing the residents with their own



territory and defending it through the overlooking windows, doors and



entrances to the outside surroundings.



Windows should be positioned such that it suits the internal plan of the



house as well as provides surveillance to the outside surrounding.



Front entrances of the buildings should be designed from the main road,

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 28

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

main streets and pedestrian areas so that the passerby’s can notice



anything strange which helps in reducing the risk of anonymity.



The communal areas of the buildings such as staircases, elevators,



should be designed where they can be visually connected to the outside



surrounding.



The rooms which are used more frequently like the kitchen and living



rooms should be designed with their windows facing the public domain



while bedrooms and toilets should be designed facing the private domain.

Image –

This idea explains the proper use of materials and architectural



design which reduces the feeling of being stigmatised, which creates a



sense of isolation increasing the vulnerability of crime risk.



Avoid building forms and layouts which completely stand out



from the rest of the neighbourhood. Keeping high rise and high



densityblocks away from the low incomehouses, as a mix of both can



lead to criminal activities encouraging the use of robust and attractive



finishes to the building surfaces, preventing them from being vandalised.

Fig 6 – Example of a mixed use development in Dapperstraat, Amsterdam, providing natural surveillance and security through constant flow of people Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 29

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK



Milieu -

The juxtapostioning of residential areas with other facilities which



helps in improving security and provides means for natural



suveillance.



Housing facilities should be mixed with social and commercial



facilities to improve natural surveillance through increased





footfall. Parks, playgrounds and open spaces should be



designed around residential areas thereby offering constant



natural surveillance.

Therefore according to Newman’s Defensible space, territoriality and surveillance are two important factors required for crime prevention through the discourse of Urban Design. The other two factors help increasing surveillance and security. The adjoining table summarises the findings from Defensible space in relation to the various morphological layers. Morphological layers as defined on page 26 are the physical layers of the city and its development over the years. Each morphological layer contributes in forming a character to the city by identifying land uses and defining territories.

The various morphological layers are – Underlying Landscape, Public Space

Network, Plots, Buildings, Components, Interface, Design and Management Morphological Layers

Conclusions (characteristics)

Interface

The interfaces of the internal spaces of the building to the external are important to increase natural surveillance. The areas that are used less frequently should be designed at the back of the building (private) and the areas used frequently should be designed overlooking the main road. Windows and doors should be positioned overlooking the outside. Symbolic design elements should be used to demarcate one’s territory like door, gates.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 30

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Morphological Layers

Conclusions (characteristics)

Public Space Network

Location of parks, playgrounds and green open spaces with respect to the surrounding residential development. Natural surveillance can be achieved if the open spaces are designed around the residential development. Land use pattern is an important factor in the overall security of the residential areas.

Plots

The overall plot sizes in the neighbourhood should be uniform so that the buildings designed on it will be of uniform dimensions. This helps to create a constant building image and reduce the fear of being stigmatised and isolated

Buildings and Components

Location of communal areas such as staircase, elevators should be designed overlooking the outside surrounding. Fire Escape staircase should be glazed. High Density housing should have sufficient amount of staircase and elevators to reduce the risk of Anonymity

Table 8 – Summarisation of Defensible space with relation to morphological layers Source – Author



The concept of defensible space was taken forward by Alice Coleman, in her book

‘Utopia on Trial: Vision and Reality in Planned Housing’ (1985), where she investigates Newman’s ideas on housing estates at Southwark and Tower Hamlets in London. Her approach failed because she criticised architects and planners claiming that design alone determined rather than influenced criminal behaviour. In the book she discusses the relationship between sixteen design features (explained on pg 33) and the six chosen incivilities which occur in the housing estates.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 31

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Increased level of incivilities

Interpreted as a sign of increased disorder

Diminished sense of place increasing levels of fear and anxiety, lower involvement in community and community based crime prevention

Conditions for an increase in crime

Greater fear of victimisation

Loss of neighbourhood satisfaction desire to leave

Fig 7 – Six chosen incivilities Source –Coleman, 1985



According to Coleman through her study at London, she concluded that traditional

semi detached English homes results in maximizing natural surveillance and defines a clear territory through physical aspects of fences and gates as compared to high rise blocks. The author’s concepts were similar to defensible space, but the idea of territoriality was contradicted. Territoriality leads to the formation of cul de sac layout, which demands ‘keep people away’. This may be useful to keep strangers away, but cul de sac layout eventually results in isolation of the space, and demands high maintenance, if failed, leads to crime risk and fear of crime (Coleman, 1985) YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 32

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK The table below summarises the sixteen design principles by Coleman, and is plotted against the various morphological layers Design Features

Morphological Layers

Conclusions (characteristics)

Dwellings per

Building

More number of dwellings per block makes it

block

harder to know each other increasing the risk of anonymity.

Dwellings per

Building

entrance Number of Sto-

entrance increases the risk of anonymity Building

reys Flats of

Larger number of dwellings sharing one Higher the storey more is the risk of being vulnerable. Threshold is three storeys

Building

Maisonettes

Families

with

children

should

live

preferably in the ground level with separate private garden for children to play under constant surveillance.

Overhead

Components

Possible escape routes and hiding spaces

Buildings and

More number of connections, more possibility

Walkways Connecting exists

plots Connecting lifts

Components

and Stairs Dwellings per

of escape routes Contributes to increased number of alternate escaping routes.

Components

corridor

Many dwellings per corridor result in long narrow corridors encouraging criminal and anti social behaviour

Entrance Type

Components and Separate entrance for ground level houses Interface

through a private garden while a communal system of entrance for the floors above

Entrance position

Components and Through the main road and through front Interface

garden which acts as a buffer zone between public and private spaces

Doors or apertures

Components and Overlooking the public domain. This helps in Interface

maintaining natural surveillance. Concealed entrances are an easy target for the offenders

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 33

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Design Features

Morphological Layers

Conclusions (characteristics)

Stilts, garages and

Building and

Stilts, garages and car parks offer opportunity

car parks

Components

for violent crime and auto theft.

Blocks per site

Plots

Larger number of blocks on the same site will lead to concentration of larger number of people creating a stress in the functioning of the public facilities resulting in loss of neighbourhood satisfaction, overall providing

Access points per

Plots and

opportunity to commit crime Fewer access points per site results in isolating

site

Building

the site from the rest of the neighbourhood,

Public Space

which eventually becomes a dead space Lack of natural surveillance over the play areas

network

can result in providing opportunity to various

Play Areas

criminal activities especially after dark, if not Spatial

Public Space

organisation

network

well lit. Shorter distance to the public facilities, less is the scope of opportunity to commit crime

Table 9 – Summarisation of Alice Coleman’s design principles with relation to the various morphological layers Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 34

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 1.2.1B. INTEGRATED LAYOUT



“Deep and complicated social ills must lie behind delinquency and crime, in

suburbs and towns as well as in the great cities...if we are to maintain a city society that can diagnose and keep abreast of deeper social problems, the starting point must be to strengthen whatever workable forces for maintaining safety and civilisation do exist…to build city districts that are custom made for easy crime is idiotic. Yet that is what we do” (Jacobs, 1961,31)

Jane Jacobs in her book ‘The Death and Life of great American cities’ (1961),

was the first reflection of the new urbanism that developed post world war. She clearly identifies the problems of new approach to urbanism that encourages criminal behaviour. Clear demarcations of public and private spaces are necessary and at the same time, clarity of the use and function of the space is of equal importance. This helps in creating an individual space, leading to the formation of territoriality. When occupants feel the space is ‘theirs…’ it results in control and maintenance of the space. Though Jacobs discusses the idea of public and private spaces, she is against the idea of cul de sac layout and argues that strangers are not a danger or a problem but a benefit. Natural surveillance is achieved from the people who live, work on the streets, customers in shops, pubs, restaurants and passer bys.

Fig 8 – Integrated layout Source – Jane Jacobs, 1961

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 35

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK



Buildings should be oriented towards the street and should have an access

from the public roads; this provides constant surveillance with eyes on streets. Streets should be in constant use, and therefore becomes a safe street. Provision of more street connection, makes the place safe and discourages the sense of isolation, offering a higher choice of routes. There should be provisions for mixed land use, with different concentrations of people all throughout the day, with a mix of buildings, people, age group etc. All these are possible through a network of integrated streets, which offer high variety in choice of activities for all age groups of people.

Professor Bill Hillier of University College London pioneered the idea of space

syntax theory, which was conducted on Marquess Estate in Islington, London that once exhibited major crime risk and problems. On conducting the space syntax, the analysis showed that most people encounter each other in the periphery of the estate while the inner areas were isolated and excluded. This explains that the areas which were well connected to each other were easily accessible and therefore tend to have continuous movements. This creates a sense of security by the constant movement of people and reduces the opportunity to commit crime.



Fig 9 – Marquess Road Estate, Islington, London Source – Google Images

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 36

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Hillier supports Jacobs integrated layout and the fact that, strangers are not a

danger to the place, but help increase natural surveillance. He further criticises enclave morphology on the basis of its failure to fit the surrounding area. The cul de sac layouts are inward looking and therefore do not provide natural surveillance on to the main road. No natural surveillance results in factor of insecurity and lack of safety. The table below summarises the findings of integrated layout with relation to the various morphological layers. Morphological Layers

Conclusions (characteristics)

Buildings and Interface

Should be oriented towards the main street with access from the public roads

Public space Network and Buildings

Streets

should

provide

with

facilities

for

constant flow of people which helps improve natural surveillance all throughout the day

Public space Network and

The plots should offer multiple choices of routes.

Plots

More street connections, better is the place in terms of safety and security and helps reduce the sense of isolation





Table 10 – Summarisation of Integrated layout with relation to morphological layers Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 37

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 1.2.2 CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)



To test the problems in Newman’s defensible space concept the Westinghouse

National Issues Centre at United States attempted to explore crime prevention measures in various environmental settings which included commercial, residential and schools. A couple of projects in United States were considered and broadened design strategies were introduced in the projects. These strategies included – surveillance, movement control, activity support and motivational reinforcement.

Surveillance -

Suggests various design features that could increase the risk of



potential offender being caught. Improved lighting, avoiding



dead and blank spots, use of electronic surveillance devices



like CCTV’s and identifying vulnerable areas in busy places and



thereby providing extra reinforcement in those places.

Movement control - Proposes to reduce the movement of the potential offender with

in the site. It recommended reducing the number of entrances



to a place, having keyed access to specific zones, closed streets



and controlled access to the neighbourhoods.

Activity support -

Proposes to increase the human activities in a particular area



by rearranging facilities and creating diversity through land use.



This includes creating various activity areas, providing



information kiosks, display areas, portable theatres for street



activity and various commercial establishments (Barry Poyner,



1983)

Motivational reinforcement -

Recommends the participation of public besides modifying



the physical environment. This included public co-operation,



personalised environments, better maintained public areas and



community development programmes.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 38

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Many of these suggestions can help prevent crime, but all of the tactics bundled together can lead to chaos in design and management. Therefore a suitable strategy requires implementation depending on the nature of the site. Natural surveillance and activity support play a vital role in the crime prevention process. Activity support helps to diversify the land use, which helps in the increase of footfall and therefore provides natural surveillance all throughout the day with the continuous movement of people

The table below summarises the findings of CPTED with relation to the various morphological layers Morphological Layers

Conclusions (characteristics)

Plots and Buildings

Provision for potential offenders to be caught through means of CCTV’s, improved lighting, well maintained public spaces, and by avoiding dead and blank

Public Space network and

spaces Having minimum entrances to plots and public

Plots

spaces, having keyed access to residential areas and controlled access to neighbourhoods.

Design and Management

Provisions for support facilities like various activity zones, information kiosks, display areas, theatres, street activities, offices and shops.

Table 11 – Summarisation of CPTED with relation to morphological layers

Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 39

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 1.2.3 SITUATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION



As the United States was demonstrating a number of projects, the Home Office

in London initiated the study of various projects in England. The approach taken by the Home Office Research unit was largely classified into situational characteristics. A few of the situational measures which are believed to be effective are (Poyner, 1983) -

Target Hardening – To use stronger locks and high security system, thereby making

it difficult to reach the target

Target Removal –

To substitute the target with lesser forms that would reduce risk



of theft or robbery

Removing the –

An example of this suggests the replacement of plastic containers

means of crime

in the pubs rather than glass

Reducing pay off – To mark valuable properties in the hope of discouraging theft Formal surveillance – To introduce block watch and security personnel to patrol and

guard

Natural surveillance – It reinforces Newman’s concept of natural surveillance where by

the residents can have an eye on their environment, thereby



reducing the risk of potential offender

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 40

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

1.3 DEVELOPING THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The objective of this section is to develop a conceptual framework from the

results of the literature review. The conceptual framework shall comprise of a set of analysis questions which is formulated from the results of the tables (7 -11) in sections 1.1 and 1.2. Opportunity to crime, as defined by Ronald V. Clarke in the introduction section consists of five primary factors

• Risk (‘How likely is it that I will be caught?’)



• Effort (‘How difficult is it to get to the target?’)



• Reward (‘How much do I have to gain?’)



• Provocation (‘What pushes me over the edge?’)



• Shame and guilt (‘How excusable are my actions?’)



Of these factors, the risk and effort are directly associated with the design and

management of the built environment. The conclusions of the tables 7-11 in sections 1.1 and 1.2 are analysed with respect to the ‘risk’ and ‘effort’ factor of opportunity to crime, to help develop the analysis questions.

As discussed in the introduction section, the various morphological layers

(physical characteristics) of a city can provide opportunity to commit crime depending on their design features. The various aspects of design features and layouts have been analysed through literature review and the findings have been concluded in the tables 7-11. On analysing these physical characteristics of a place with respect to risk and effort factor, will result in developing analysis questions which can be used to analyse the two case studies (Angell Town and Stockwell Park Estate, London).

The various morphological layers of the city are Underlying Landscape, Public

space network, Plots, Buildings, Components, Interface, Design and Management. The characteristics of these morphological layers that help provide opportunities to commit crime have been described under each heading of the morphological layer in the following table 12 (Pg 42- 53) which explains the development of conceptual framework (analysis questions).

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 41

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

fields

• Parks and green

Public Space network

• Natural topography

Underlying landscape

Morphological Layers

Effort

Analysis Questions

of

more

of

difficulty Where are the parks and green

surveillance?

day.

Source - Author

Table 12 - Development of Analysis Questions (Pgs 42-53)

surveillance all throughout the

the parks, it provides natural fields.

lighting and vegetation?

around (residential area) – well maintained with efficient

If houses are designed around the parks and green hard

to the surrounding residency. designed

fields is important with respect is high if houses are to reach the target open spaces located? Are they

Location of parks and green Risk of being caught Level

offenders

become hiding locations for the

the houses on sunken end can

fences and walled entrances of

possibility

have resulted in escape provides opportunity provides opportunity which designing spaces that lack for hiding locations routes and hiding spaces at the for hiding locations natural sunken end of the land. High

Risk

Natural topography – If the site Risk of being caught Risk of being caught Does the existing landscape offers levels and undulations, is low as the design is low as the design provide levels, undulations

Conclusions (characteristics)

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 42

accessed from how many routes? What are the activities in the area? How well are they connected? Are there social interaction spaces and local shops within the Residential area?

reach the target – hard

with frequent means of transportation – risk of being caught is less as the place will be under constant use and flow of people.

defines the use of land and

therefore the location of the

centre to the neighbourhood

becomes important. The

accessibility factor plays

a significant role. Better

accessibility results in

neighbourhood to

centre

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

environment.

better quality of life and

The open space can be

Analysis Questions

Level of difficulty to

Effort

Good accessibility

Risk

The underlying landscape

Conclusions (characteristics)

• Location from

Public Space network

Morphological Layers

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 43

Conclusions (characteristics)

Risk

Effort

Analysis Questions

public/private spaces

demarcated

territoriality high security – Risk

or

mixed

profile types? Are they only use

pattern? What are the building

Public/private spaces residential

difficulty – hard

(territoriality)

security.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN less

of being caught is

time of the day – risk

only during certain

provides security

surveillance and

offers less natural

demarcation

easy

parking areas?

Public/ Private space – level of difficulty – buildings? Where are the cars

social facilities improves

mixed with commercial and

of the residential areas. Housing high

determines the overall security of being caught is

or

• Use of land – mixed or The use of land – mixed use Mixed land use offers Mixed Use – level of What is the existing land use

Public Space network

Morphological Layers

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 44

surrounding areas

• Accessibility to the

Public Space network

Morphological Layers

Risk

Effort

Analysis Questions

underground station if it is a means of transport. What are

late night public transport facility

especially

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

to the neighbourhood? How many late night entertainments joints are open every day?

If underground metro is an

alternate transport route, the

route from station to the

lit and maintained.

residential area should be well

the late night bus frequencies

popular entertainment joints.

to

If there is security at the

There should be provision for close

public transport?

offers better quality of life.

located

from the last house to the

What is the maximum distance

neighbourhood?

trains, is high cycling

the closest centre to the

centre – risk of being caught Hard

paths and pedestrian routes, it

underground

bus,

the

metros,

of

by

means

to

connected

If the neighbourhood is well Good transportation Level of difficulty – What is the travel distance from

Conclusions (characteristics)

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 45

• Visibility factor

areas, shops etc

are

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

and visible from the adjoining houses? Where are the shops

designed as multiuse buildings

which

obstruct the visibility of the school from the adjoining street

surveillance and street visibility.

station thereby providing good – risk of being caught

accessibility. The public spaces is high.

the surrounding houses? Is the playground well fenced?

areas – risk of being caught is low

of the school building visible to

view of the adjoining streets and away from busy

nearby houses.

and houses? Are all the sides

should have an unobstructed If schools located

the Are there cars parked which

Are are under natural

street?

the street, bus stops and train visible from the street

the

windows facing on to the street?

like

– Hard if schools

spaces

should be located close to surveillanc and

Public

from

schools School under natural

shops? Is the school visible Level of difficulty

throughout the day.

located? Are there any corner

well connected to the street

hang out. Schools should be activities

separately? Are these spaces

and preferred by offenders to

provide

designed in the same space or

hours can become vulnerable caught is low.

spaces if not used after working hours – risk of being public spaces – easy provided for children? Are they

overall safety factor. These unused after working difficulty in single use clubs,

areas

many schools, after school

hard Level of

activity

in the neighbourhood? How

multiuse spaces –

schools, activity clubs, shops risk of being caught

Analysis Questions

What are the public facilities

Effort

Level of difficulty in

spaces

Risk

–

Location of public spaces like Multiuse

Conclusions (characteristics)

schools, parks, activity etc play a very vital role in the is high Public spaces

public spaces –

• Location of

Public Space network

Morphological Layers

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 46

compactness

• Concentration and

work

Public Space net-

Morphological Layers

High density

Risk

Effort

Analysis Questions

How many vacant houses in

residential area – risk

density housing results in

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN which demands maintenance?

possible to avoid unnecessary

becomes cost inefficient.

such spaces

surveillance. Maintenance of

hang out as they lack natural

preferred by the offenders to

open spaces which are

open land between houses

designed as compact as

reason for vacancy? Are there any unnecessary parcels of

low

robbery. Spaces should be

vulnerable for burglary and

the residential areas and the

maintained?

Low density

satisfaction, similarly low

vacant housings which become of being caught is

residents? Are the facilities well

low

the

in loss of neighbourhood

in

neighbourhood sufficient for the

facilities

of being caught is

the

infrastructure thereby resulting

Are

Level of difficulty – What is the housing density?

creates extra stress on existing residential area – risk easy

Very high density housing

Conclusions (characteristics)

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 47

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

the street and plot

in

Analysis Questions

plot Level of difficulty – Are the housing plots uniform?

Effort

spaces under constant natural surveillance from the surrounding houses?

the residents to be stigmatized. plot sizes – risk of

Too many variations in sizes being caught is low

can create a sense of isolation

upon

the

be Public from

the

adjoining

surveillance

from the residents.

constant natural surveillance

areas, such that they are under

designed around the residential

space structures should be houses – high

surveillance.

designed

considering natural

plots under natural surveillance?

Are the streets adjoining the

footpath system maintained?

street Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – How is the plot and street hard interface designed? Is there a network, the land uses should under constant

vulnerable.

by standing out and become

Such areas then draw attention

in the own residential area.

neighbourhood? Are the public

while easy in non have been designed within the

and sense of character avoiding High variations in the uniform plots

creating a strong building image caught is high

should be uniform; this helps in sizes – Risk of being hard in uniform plots How many types of housings

• Connectivity between natural

use

Risk

Overall plot sizes for houses Uniformity

Conclusions (characteristics)

• Identification for land Depending

• Sizes

Plots

Morphological Layers

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 48

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

buildings

• Heights of the

• Area and size

Buildings

built to unbuilt

• Possible ratio of

Plots

Morphological Layers

Risk

Effort

What the ratio is of built

Analysis Questions

it very congested? Does

congested or too isolated. Well high

is low

spaces?

public facilities and open

designed on each floor? How

floor

above?

possible from all the floors

the adjoining street and houses

the ground level.

of the buildings in the neighbourhood? Is visibility of

hard

as visibility factor is achieved at

not be more than 2-3 storeys, – high

Heights of the building should Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – What are the overall heights

another living in the same flat.

may result not knowing one signed on the same

have – staircase, lifts?

to – low if many flats easy

flats per floor. Higher density case blocks are de-

designed

many entrances do each floor

be

accommodate maximum of 5-6 with couple of stair-

should

The building area and size Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – How many flats have been

tained.

the plots should be well main- risk of being caught easy

designed open spaces between Congested layout – Level of difficulty - the neighbourhood lack

the neighbourhood? Is

should be uniform and not too of being caught is hard

The ratio of built to unbuilt Uniform layout – risk Level of difficulty – to unbuilt spaces within

Conclusions (characteristics)

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 49

Risk

Effort

Analysis Questions

treated – high

hard

of

the

buildings

in

the

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

shadow the buildings. Clear

offenders.

possible hiding locations for the

of the houses can become

Huge trees planted in front

visibility should be maintained.

above?

possible from all the floors

easy

street and surrounding houses?

visibility on to the adjoining

Risk of being caught Level of difficulty - Does landscape obstruct

buildings

becomes

the buildings should not over – low

Landscaping around

vulnerable to crime.

that

the adjoining street and houses

be

environment

can

neighbourhood? Is visibility of

war,

with the possibility of ghost

world

Housing built before second Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – What are the overall heights

Conclusions (characteristics)

around the

• Landscaping

different ages

• Buildings of

Buildings

Morphological Layers

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 50

• Car parks

• Building entrances

Components

Morphological Layers

Risk

Effort

Analysis Questions

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

the houses? Are they well maintained and properly lit? Are there huge trees in the open car parks which can become a possible hang out location?

and also becomes vulnerable to

crime. Open car parks within the

neighbourhood should also be

avoided, as these places tend

to become ‘hang out’ spaces for

the offenders.

the open car parks visible from

which becomes cost inefficient

or open car parks in the neighbourhood? Are

easy

high maintenance and lighting

should be avoided. They call for – low

parking Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – Are there any underground

entrances?

easily accessible car

sufficient street lighting near the

close to the house which is

Underground

the nearest bus stop? Is there

right outside the house, but

designed from the main street? How far is the main street from

hard

Bus stops should not be placed

designed from the main street. – high

Building entrances should be Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – Are all the building entrances

Conclusions (characteristics)

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 51

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Risk

Effort

• Entrance walls

elevators

Analysis Questions

possibility of disturbance.

from it and reduces the

adjoining street?

The entrance gates should not as demarcated

not obstruct visibility

medium heighted fences that do

be solid blank high walls, but territory – low

Is the main door visible from the

entrance gates can be used. with high blank walls easy

To demarcate one’s territory Risk of being caught Level of difficulty - street?

floor? Is it visible from the

for the number of flats on each

the main street.

elevators have been designed

and per floor? Are they sufficient

easy

staircase

to minimum and accessed from

in the flats should be designed – low

many

front garden obstruct visibility?

be designed such that front

garden is directly accessed

Does the vegetation from the

well lit. A footpath system should

Are all the houses designed with a front and back garden?

hard

therefore well maintained and

the house is fundamental and – high

Having private gardens within Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – Is there any foot path system?

Conclusions (characteristics)

• Staircase blocks and Staircase blocks and elevators Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – How

gardens

• Front and rear

Components

Morphological Layers

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 52

Risk

Effort

Analysis Questions

sense

of

connectivity.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN be

encouraged

and

youth.

Source - Author

Table 12 - Development of Analysis Questions (Pgs 42-53)

ownership rights given to the

should

be made. Public participation

empowerment programs?

for

empowerment programs should

provisions

there

hang out Provisions for youth

can

youth

spaces for the youths? Are

children

spaces

where

a need for more hang out

hard

own after school clubs, activity

neighbourhood should have its – high

Are they sufficient? Is there

public road?

entrance from the adjoining

Management

hard

growth and employment. Each Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – What are the existing facilities?

To provide opportunities for

demarcate the edge.

Entrance gates used to

and

road – improves surveillance

Windows overlooking the public

entrances from the public road.

maintained well. All the building

very important and needs to be – high

The public private interface is Risk of being caught Level of difficulty – Are all the buildings having an

Conclusions (characteristics)

Design and

Interface

Morphological Layers

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Pg. 53

CHAPTER 2 - USING THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON CASE STUDY 1 (ANGELL TOWN, LONDON)

ANGELL TOWN

Chapter 2 - Using Conceptual Framework on Angell Town, London

The objective of this chapter is to analyse Angell town (case study) using the

analysis questions developed as the conceptual framework in Chapter 1. The result of the case study analysis shall conclude the different design features of Angell town which influence or reduce the opportunity to commit youth crime in the area. The results will be comparatively analysed with the results of Stockwell Park Estate to develop the urban design principles. 2.1 INTRODUCTION Angell town Estate in Brixton, south London built in the mid 1970’s was considered one of the most infamous estates in the capital where taxi drivers refused to enter (guardian.co.uk, 2006). A fortress of poorly constructed concrete

structures

failing

to

provide good insulation resulting in

dampness,

rat

infestation,

communal heating problems and high level bridges connecting the structures and garages on the ground level led to crime related problems and anti social Fig 10 – Angell town view

behaviour in the estate.

Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 54

ANGELL TOWN

Fig 11 – Angell Town Community Project (ATCP) Source – Author



The residents were unhappy with Lambeth council for not resolving their problems.

This led to the formation of Angell Town Community Project (ATCP) with steering initiative of Dora Boatemah and other residents as a charitable organisation in 1987, to help resolve the living conditions which were getting worse with time. The residents took an active role in changing their unsatisfactory living conditions by 1991 when the ATCP won £5m (CABE website, 2006) of the European Regional Development Funding to start the regeneration process which was led by Dora Boatemah.



In 1998 the ATCP secured another £67m (CABE website, 2006) from the Estate

Action programme with continuing urban design support from Oxford Brookes Urban Regeneration Consultancy being actively involved since 1988, and the residents for John Thompson Associates master plan design for the site. John Thompson Associates played a vital role in the design of buildings as well by participating in the selection of the architects for all the regeneration stages, by voicing their demand for the designs YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 55

ANGELL TOWN of low rise modern buildings, which would reflect the character of the surrounds, have entrances at street level, and be light and stylish at the same time. This gave Angell Town a unique look and feel as it did not adhere to the common notion of social housing.

The architects were helped in their design process by the residents who would

attend their presentations and voice their opinions on a number of matters ranging from the general building plans and layouts to the colour of the bricks used. To simulate a prototype a full sized pilot project was produced for the New Pym House. The demolitions and redesigned units reduced the total from 878 to 632 (CABE website,2006), which brought light and air into the site, made it more approachable and reduced crime risk greatly.

Due to the Data Protection Act 1998, the crime figures of the past are not

available. A recent crime survey carried out by New Scotland Yard states the total crime rate in Angell town to be 155.7 and 127.9 in the past two years (2008, 2009) respectively (met. police website). The regeneration of Angell Town was completed in 2007 and the crime rates of 2008 and 2009 highlights the success of regeneration which has efficiently reduced crime in the area making it ‘Angell Town’ from ‘Angell Town estate’.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 56

ANGELL TOWN 2.2 ANGELL TOWN ESTATE TO ANGELL TOWN – REGENERATION PROCESS IN BRIEF

Fig 12 – Angell Town before regeneration – after regeneration Source – ATCP and Author



Angell Town Estate is unique for most new and existing social housing formats

from an urban design perspective. It consists of streets lined with trees, there are businesses located among the main street running parallel to the main road from where one enters the site. The housing types although different in their use of openings and materials are easily identifiable as ‘belonging’ to a particular area of the estate.



The houses have street

access

which

overlooks

the

public

spaces,

streets

and

gardens, creating a sense of security within the site. The mixture of land uses range from residential, public, recreational and commercial (to a small extent) ensuring a good amount Fig 13 – Houses overlooking the street and

of movement throughout the site.

public spaces Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 57

ANGELL TOWN



The entrance to the site has

been opened by demolishing a section of Warwick house adjacent to the Boatemah walk, which has not only increased footfall but has also opened up the site to Brixton road. The streets play an important role other than connecting people to other parts of the site. They connect all the houses at street level, are overlooked by all the houses, and public areas thereby making them safer, more open and inviting to use by the residents Fig 14 – The entrance to the site from Brixton Road Source – Author

and outsiders.

The aim of the masterplan has

been largely achieved regarding the connection of the streets with the houses apart from parts of the later phases. Fir Grove road had little surveillance due to its location in respect to the houses, which was reduced by the orientation of the new ecohomes. Some of the parking areas are allocated within their respective owner’s house courts or ports, but are mostly on-street, and in most cases clearly visible. The widths of the footpaths vary in a few places and the paths seem

Fig 15 – On street car parking Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

to deflect at odd angles or are blocked by later phase developments.

Pg. 58

ANGELL TOWN



The Holles and Warwick Houses refurbished by Anne Thorne Architects

Partnership (ATAP) have reduced energy costs by 50% and are built to lifetime home standards. The variety of materials in their hues and textures are welcome by the residents who longed for change from their earlier prototypical blocks. The buildings consist of materials such as brick in hues of buff, red, grey and light yellow, untreated western cedar, zinc, white render, timer cladding, coloured glass blocks (CABE website,2006).

Dora Boatemah’s and the ATCP’s aspirations have benefited the residents through

the regeneration of Angell Town estate. It has given them opportunities as employment with the contractors and architects, in the form of apprenticeships and training schemes. The ATCP has maintained itself from the rents of 30 offices, shops and workshops converted from the former garages of Angell Town.

Two demarcated play spaces the little angel’s park, and the basketball court have

been redone, and landscaped. Fundraising is now ongoing for £2,35,000 towards an estimated £1.2m new community centre, ‘One Generation’ for both young and old, to be converted from space in Fairfax House (CABE website,2006).

Fig 16 – Little Angel’s Park Source –Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 59

ANGELL TOWN 2.3 INTERVIEW - INFERENCES



The interview was conducted with Mr. Thomas Esterine at ATCP. The full interview

has been attached in the Appendix 1. Esterine who has been involved with Angell town for the past 20 years highlights the fact that Angell town has never been as safe as it is today after the regeneration process. The new design provides very less opportunity to commit crime. It is working towards providing better opportunities for the youth development and empowerment. The table below summarises the points discussed in the interview pertaining to Crime prevention through the various morphological layers of the built environment. Morphological Layers Building

Problems in the built environment Bridges

connecting

Solutions achieved through regeneration scheme

one All

the

entrances

have

been

designed through the street level.

building to other

Long corridors with access The building blocks have been at the ends of the building

broken down into smaller units with access provided for each block separately.

Garages

at

the

ground The garages have been removed from the ground floor and have

levels

been occupied by offices which helps generate income for the community project Components

The main entrance to the The buildings have been designed house was from the internal with their fronts on to the street courtyard. The doors were and backs to the internal courtyard not visible to the main street which is accessible visually and physically.

Table 13 - Summarisation of the Interview with Mr. Esterine at ATCP (Contd) Source –Author YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 60

ANGELL TOWN Morphological Layers Interface

Problems in the built environment The

building

interface

street The

and

had

Solutions achieved through regeneration scheme street

lighting

has

been

build- efficiently designed and provides

the

ing backs facing on to the uniform lighting all through the night. street. Lack of street lighting Provisions of CCTV on the streets facilities. During night the behave as a crime deterrent. Doors place became vulnerable to are visible from the main street and crime and created a sense can be accessed easily of insecurity and fear of being mugged or attacked. The building entrances had to be accessed from the internal courtyard which was Design and Management

not well maintained. The infrastructure

failed Individual heating systems have

with faulty heating system, been provided. Insulation has been faulty to

rat

insulation

leading well designed with use of new

infestation

and materials.

cockroaches. Table 13 - Summarisation of the Interview with Mr. Esterine at ATCP Source –Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 61

ANGELL TOWN 2.4 SITE ANALYSIS - INFERENCES



The analysis questions developed in section 1.3 of Conceptual Framework

chapter have been used to analyse Angell Town. The inferences of this site analysis are used to comparatively analyse the inferences of Stockwell Park Estate in the following chapter which are further used to develop the design principles. The table below to page 67 explains the site analysis in relation to morphological layers at Angell Town. Morphological Layers

Analysis Questions

Angell Town

Underlying

Does the existing landscape The existing landscape is an even

Landscape

provide levels, undulations terrain. The structures are designed which

have

resulted

in on a flat surface which don’t result

designing spaces that lack in lack of natural surveillance natural surveillance? Public Space

Where are the parks and The parks and green open spaces

Network

green open spaces located? have been designed around the Are they well maintained houses. They are well maintained with efficient lighting and with proper lighting and vegetation vegetation?

and can be accessed from all the

The open space can be streets adjoining it. However, some accessed from how many green pockets of land have been routes?

designed facing the main street which has not been well maintained and lacks sufficient lighting. These places can provide opportunity to commit crime.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 62

ANGELL TOWN Morphological Layers Public Space

Analysis Angell Town Questions What are the activities for The activities for youth in the area

Network

youth in the area? How include a youth club and basket well are they connected? ball court while for the toddlers Are there social interaction there is a provision for Little Angels spaces and local shops square. Yes these spaces and a within the residential area? few shops are within the town and How many bus stops are easily accessible. The area is well connected to the main Brixton road,

there within the area?

Max Roach park and there is a bus stop just outside the estate which connects to Victoria. The area is well maintained and well lit with constant flow of people increasing natural surveillance.

What is the existing land Predominantly housing with some use pattern? What are the offices to let , shops and youth building profile types? Are facilities. The car parking provision they

only

residential

or is on street.

mixed use buildings? Where are the cars parking areas?

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 63

ANGELL TOWN

Morphological Layers Public Space Network

Analysis Questions

Angell Town

Which kind of street pattern The

Integrated

street

layout

– Integrated or cul –de- sac Lighting is efficiently designed. layout? The street width and Streets are well connected to one location of bus stops, street another offering a high variety of lighting and street furniture? routes. Vehicular and pedestrians Are streets used for car routes are designed parallel to one parking? How well is the another. internal street connected to the closest major artery? What happens at the street corner- corner shop? Are vehicular and pedestrian routes separate? What

is

housing Yes,

the

there

are

sufficient

density? Are the facilities neighbourhood facilities for the in

neighbourhood residents. These facilities are well

the

sufficient for the residents? maintained. There are no vacant Are the facilities well

houses at the moment. The design

maintained?

doesn’t offer any un used open

How many vacant houses parcel of land. in the residential areas and the reason for vacancy? Are there any unnecessary parcels

of

between

open

houses

land which

demands maintenance? Plots

Are

the

uniform? types

of

plots The housing plots are uniform.

housing

many The town offers a wide variety in

How housings

have housing types creating an identity

been designed within the to the place. The public spaces are neighbourhood?

Are

the under constant surveillance.

public spaces under constant natural surveillance from the surrounding houses? YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 64

ANGELL TOWN Morphological Layers Plots

Analysis Questions

Angell Town

How is the plot and street There is a continuous footpath interface

designed?

Is system maintained that is designed

there a footpath system parallel to the vehicular route. This maintained? Are the streets provides natural surveillance to the adjoining the plots under plots and vice versa. natural surveillance?

Are

the

building

fronts Yes the building fronts have been

designed overlooking the designed overlooking the main street.

main street?

The

entrances

for

the

building have been designed from the main street. Buildings

How many flats have been Blocks are designed with individual designed on each floor? entrances from the street level and How many entrances do staircase blocks designed at regular each floor have – staircase, intervals such that not more than three flats share a staircase block.

lifts?

This allows in keeping an eye on strangers entering the block. How

is

the

connectivity All the buildings are connected

from one building to other from the main street. The buildings designed? Are they all

have entrances from the main

accessible from the main road. Therefore each road is under street or is there any other constant natural surveillance and design feature that serves doesn’t provide an opportunity for as an alternate route?

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

alternate escape routes.

Pg. 65

ANGELL TOWN Morphological Layers Buildings

Analysis Questions

Angell Town

Does landscape obstruct The existing landscape is an even visibility on to the adjoining terrain. The structures are designed street

and

surrounding on a flat surface which don’t result in lack of natural surveillance

houses?

Components

Are

all

the

building The building entrances have been

entrances designed from designed from the main street. Bus the main street? How far stops are located on the Brixton is the main street from the road. Angell Town is accessed from nearest bus stop? Is there Brixton Road. There is sufficient sufficient street lighting near and uniform street lighting near the the

entrances

entrances?

Are there any underground Provisions for on street car parking or open car parks in the has been designed. There are no neighbourhood?

Are

the underground car parks.

open car parks visible from the houses? Are they well maintained and properly lit? Are there huge trees in the open car parks which can become a possible hang out location?

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 66

ANGELL TOWN

Morphological Layers Components

Analysis Questions

Angell Town

How many staircase and Each block comprising of 3-4 elevators have been

houses have a separate entry.

designed per floor? Are they Individual entrances have been sufficient for the number designed from the main road. of flats on each floor? Is it visible from the street? Is the main door visible from Yes, the main door is visible from the adjoining street?

Interface

Design and Management

the adjoining street in all the blocks.

Are all the buildings having Yes,

the

buildings

have

been

an entrance from the

designed to have entrance from the

adjoining public road?

main road.

Are there any youth empowerment programs?

Currently there is a proposal for youth empowerment program which should soon get materialised.

Table14 – Angell Town Site Analysis Inferences Source –Author Photo credits in the table - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 67

ANGELL TOWN 2.5 CONCLUSION



After analysing Angell Town, it is evident from the site analysis that post

regeneration; Angell Town has demonstrated success in reducing crime risk through the discourse of urban design. The new layout provides less opportunity to commit crime, thereby helping in crime prevention. Reduced opportunities to commit crime have in turn reduced the scope of committing crime. The inferences of the site analysis are compared in the Chapter 4 with the results of Stockwell Park Estate to develop urban design principles

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 68

CHAPTER 3 - USING THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ON CASE STUDY 2 (STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE, LONDON)

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE

Chapter 3 - Using Conceptual Framework on Stockwell Park Estate,





london

The objective of this chapter is to analyse Stockwell Park Estate (case study)

using the analysis questions developed as the conceptual framework in Chapter 1. The result of the case study analysis shall conclude the different design features of Stockwell Park which influence or reduce the opportunity to commit youth crime in the area. The inferences will be comparatively analysed with the inferences of Angell Town, developed in the previous chapter to formulate the urban design principles. 3.1 INTRODUCTION Stockwell Park Estate is located on both sides of Stockwell road as one enters Brixton road. The construction was completed in 1974 with 940 homes (Stockwell Park Homepage). Since then the construction method employed has caused structural defects such as water penetration, condensation from large sealed glass units and insect infestation through piping conduits from flat to flat (Stockwell Park Homepage). The initial vision when built in 1974 was to have high level walkways linking Fig.17 – Stockwell Park Estate view Source – Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

the

whole

of

Brixton

and Angell Town, which did not materialise.

Pg. 69

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE

Fig.18 – Stockwell Park Estate view Source – Author

The garages on the ground floor also posed a security threat and the Estate with its failing infrastructure and related problems with time became famous for its criminal activities.

In 1995 the tenants and leaseholders of Stockwell Park Estate, under the right

to buy voted to take the management out of Lambeth’s hand and decided to manage the area themselves through a tenant management organisation as they were unhappy with the way the site has being managed by Lambeth Council. This led to the formation of Community Trust (Stockwell Park Homepage). Eventually the management of nearby Robsart estate and some 180 street properties have also been taken up by the Community Trust.

With the formation of the Community Trust, a new hope for regeneration also

aroused, but the Lambeth Council did not have the financial competence to carry forward major regeneration works and with more than half refurbished, Lambeth council declared itself unable to complete the refurbishment works. YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 70

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE



To

capture

finances

for

improving the housing conditions and to complete the redevelopment process, the council and Community trust with majority public votes decided to transfer stock to Community Trust Housing (CTH) in March 2007. The CTH is a resident led organisation established with an aim of improving the quality of life and resolving Fig.19 – Community Trust Housing Association Source – CTH website

housing issues along with capturing finances for redevelopment works.

Now, the Community Trust

and Community Trust Housing both work with one aim of enhancing and by

improving means

of

the

environment

reducing

poverty,

improving education and employment opportunities and trying to create racial

harmony.

Various

training

programs and activity workshops are

conducted

regularly

by

the

Community Trust. A few among them are music, dance classes, sewing class, English class, skateboarding facility, Brixton bicycles facility and Fig.20 – Community Trust and

many other similar programs.

Community Centre Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 71

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE



Besides focusing on completing the refurbishment process, the Estate also

suffers problems of security threat and anti social behaviour (Stockwell Park Homepage). To resolve this threat, CCTV cameras have been installed within the Estate. CCTV’s have resulted in 70% drop in reported crime (Stockwell Park Homepage). Besides this, another major concern involves youth employment. A lot of young children from the estate as a result of youth boredom and unemployment, profit from selling A class drugs (Stockwell Park Homepage). This issue still exists as mentioned in the interviews that were conducted at CTH and the youth club is trying means for crime diversion.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 72

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE 3.2 INTERVIEW – INFERENCES



The interview was conducted with Mr. Jahziah Dodds and Mr. Olu Adedotun at

Community Trust Housing (CTH) Office. Mr. Dodds and Mr. Adedotun have been involved in upgrading the housing conditions of Stockwell Park Estate since CTH has been established. The full interview has been attached in the Appendix 2. According to Dodds, walkways as a design feature have been the most influential in providing opportunities to commit youth crime. The lack of education and employment opportunities have been a major concern pertaining to young people in the Estate. The photographs and table below summarises the points discussed in the interview pertaining to Crime prevention through the various morphological layers of the built environment.

Fig.21 – Walkways connecting one building to another providing opportunity as an alternate escape route and a hiding space Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 73

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE

Fig.22 – Long corridor and Entrance to the building Long corridors comprising of multiple flats and having one common entrance can increase the risk of anonymity and provide opportunity for the offender to easily reach the target Source - Author

Fig.23 – Houses that have entrances which lack natural surveillance can provide opportunity for burglary and robbery, if the house is vacant of if residents are away. Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 74

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE

Fig.24 – Common entrances can provide opportunity for mugging and hiding Source - Author

Fig.25 – Dark and Dingy entrances can provide opportunity for crime Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 75

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Buildings

Problems in the built Result of the problem environment Walkways connecting one Results in providing opportunity building to another

to hide or escape after committing crime. Lack of sufficient lighting in the walkways and high parapet walls provide good shelter for hiding.

Long Corridors within the Multiple flats connected by a long building sharing common corridor entrance sharing staircase, leads to increase in the risk of

staircase and entrance

anonymity. These long corridors provide opportunity for strangers to enter and become a hiding space. Drug selling activities takes place in these corridors Buildings and

Empty and Vacant houses If houses lack natural surveillance,

components

become locations for

then they provide opportunity for

burglary and robbery

burglary and robbery as the risk of being caught is very less.

Buildings and Interface

One

entrance

by

shared Building entrances should be

multiple houses. designed having a street access;

Entrances

lack

natural this increases the risk of being

surveillance. Easy to get caught and potentially reduces the attacked

or

mugged

at opportunity to commit crime. If the

night. Opportunity for drug buildings have street access, they dealing and other anti social are under natural surveillance by the flow of people who use the

behaviour

street throughout the day. Dark and dingy entrances Building entrances should be well can provide opportunity for lit and should have an access from the offender to attack the the main street which has sufficient target, as it the fear of being light all throughout the day. Dark and dingy entrances can increase the

caught is less

crime risk resulting in degradation of the quality of space Table15 – Summarisation of the Interview at CTH Source –Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 76

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE 3.3 SITE ANALYSIS – INFERENCES

The analysis questions developed in section 1.3 of Conceptual Framework

chapter have been used to analyse Stockwell Park Estate. The inferences of this site analysis are used to comparatively analyse the inferences of Angell Town which were developed in the previous chapter. The inferences from the comparative analysis are used to formulate the design principles. The table below to page 85 explains the site analysis in relation to morphological layers at Stockwell Park Estate.

Morphological Layers Underlying Landscape

Analysis Questions

Stockwell Park Estate

Does the existing landscape The

existing

landscape

is

an

provide levels, undulations even terrain but the design of the which

have

resulted

in structures results in spaces which

designing spaces that lack lack natural surveillance. natural surveillance? Public Space

Where are the parks and In certain areas the parks and green

Network

green open spaces located? open spaces have been designed Are they well maintained around the structures which provide with efficient lighting and natural surveillance all throughout vegetation?

the day. In some areas these green

The open space can be open spaces are visually accessible accessed from how many but not physically. Vegetation is well routes?

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

maintained but insufficient lighting.

Pg. 77

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Public Space Network

Analysis Questions

Stockwell Park Estate

What are the activities for The activities for youth include a youth in the area? How community centre, internet café, well are they connected? English

learning

class,

Game

Are there social interaction parlor, vocational training courses spaces and local shops and for the toddlers within the residential area? community

trust,

a

Early years crèche,

a

How many bus stops are separate

play

provision

called

mothers

and

toddlers

group,

there within the area?

baby massage facility and anger management classes for all. All the facilities are housed under one structure – community centre and early years community trust which are accessible. There are few shops on the main street ‘Stockwell road’. The estate is well connected to the Brixton road and there are two bus stops on the stock well road, just outside the estate.

What is the existing land Predominantly

housing

with

use pattern? What are the shops and cafes on the main building profile types? Are road ‘stockwell road’. There are they

only

residential

or car parking provisions inside the

mixed use buildings? Where structure at ground level as well as are the cars parking areas? some street parking

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 78

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE

Morphological Layers

Analysis Questions

Stockwell Park Estate

Public Space Network

Which kind of street pattern Integrated

street

layout.

Lacks

– Integrated or cul –de- sac sufficient lighting at building layout? The street width and entrances and ramps. Vehicular location of bus stops, street and pedestrian routes are separate, lighting and street furniture? providing opportunity for alternate Are streets used for car escape routes. parking? How well is the internal street connected to the closest major artery? What happens at the street corner- corner shop? Are vehicular and pedestrian routes separate?

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 79

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Public Space Network

Analysis Questions What

is

Stockwell Park Estate

housing There are enough neighbourhood

the

density? Are the facilities in facilities which are well maintained the neighbourhood sufficient as well. There are no vacant for the residents? Are the houses but there are a couple of facilities well maintained?

problems faced by the residents

How many vacant houses in terms of noise, drugs within the in the residential areas and neighbourhood. The design offers the reason for vacancy? parcels of land which demands Are there any unnecessary maintenance parcels

of

between

open

houses

land which

demands maintenance?

Plots

Are

the

uniform? types

of

plots No the housing plots are not

housing

many uniform in length as well as height.

How housings

have The area doesn’t offer a lot of

been designed within the variety and the public spaces lack neighbourhood?

Are

the natural surveillance.

public spaces under constant natural surveillance from the surrounding houses?

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 80

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Plots

Analysis Questions

Stockwell Park Estate

How is the plot and street Since the vehicular and pedestrian interface

designed?

Is routes

are

separate

there

is

there a footpath system no continuous footpath system maintained? Are the streets maintained. This therefore results adjoining the plots under in lack of natural surveillance natural surveillance?

Are

the

building

fronts Some building fronts have been

designed overlooking the designed overlooking the main main street?

street while some have their backs facing the main street with an entrance from the internal court.

Buildings

How many flats have been There are several flats on each floor designed on each floor? with staircases at the extreme ends How many entrances do of the building units. Such a design each floor have – staircase, feature increases the risk of stranglifts?

ers entering the block and fails to know the neighbours. Possible opportunity to commit crime if strangers can access the block easily

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 81

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Buildings

Analysis Questions

How

is

the

Stockwell Park Estate

connectivity Most

of

the

buildings

are

from one building to other connected from the main street. designed?

Some buildings have entrances

Are they all accessible from from the internal courtyard. A ramp the main street or is there is used to connect the street to the any other design feature building. Bridges are designed to that serves as an alternate connect one building to another as route?

an alternate route. These bridges lack natural surveillance and have high parapet wall which provides opportunity for hiding resulting in an escape route.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 82

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Buildings

Analysis Questions

Stockwell Park Estate

Landscape is not very well Landscape

is

not

very

well

maintained and obstructs maintained and obstructs visibility visibility of the adjoining of the adjoining streets and houses. streets and houses.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 83

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Components

Analysis Questions Are

all

the

Stockwell Park Estate

building The refurbished buildings have

entrances designed from a entrances from the street while the main street? How far the other buildings are visually is the main street from the connected from the street, but nearest bus stop? Is there have entrances from the internal sufficient street lighting near courtyard. No, there isn’t sufficient lighting near the entrances.

the entrances?

Are there any underground There are no underground car or open car parks in the parks in the estate. Few buildings neighbourhood?

Are

the have parking on streets while some

open car parks visible from have their ground level as parking. the houses? Are they well Ground level parking can provide maintained and properly lit? opportunity to hide and demand Are there huge trees in the high maintenance. open car parks which can become a possible hang out location? How many staircase and No, elevators have been

the

number

of staircases

designed per block is very less which

designed per floor? Are they increases the risk of anonymity and sufficient for the number provides opportunity to commit of flats on each floor? Is it crime. The flats are connected to visible from the street?

each other through long corridors which demands high maintenance and become good location for committing crime. Some entrances are visible from streets.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 84

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE Morphological Layers Components

Analysis Questions

Stockwell Park Estate

Is the main door visible from In some blocks the main doors are the adjoining street?

visible from the adjoining street, while some have their entrances from an internal court. The design of the building offers a niche on some floors where the main door is not visible to the street

Interface

Are all the buildings having The refurbished buildings have an

entrance

from

the entrances from the adjoining roads.

adjoining public road?

Other

buildings

are

accessed

through the internal courtyard Table.16 – Stock well Park Estate site analysis inferences Source –Author Photo credits in the table - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 85

STOCKWELL PARK ESTATE 3.4 CONCLUSION



After analysing Stockwell Park Estate, the walkways and long corridors have

been identified as design features that provide opportunities to commit crime. Besides these two design features, the environment of the estate also plays an important role in providing opportunities to crime. If the design provides ease to reach a target, committing crime becomes easy and frequent. Though the refurbishment process has been partly completed, the whole estate still faces crime related problems. A list of recent criminal activities obtained from Brixton Police Station and Community Trust Housing has been appended (Appendix 3) which indicates the crime committed at Stockwell Park Estate over the last three months (May – July 2009). From the list it is evident that, the design still provides opportunities for committing crime, which in turn creates an unhealthy urban living, limiting resident’s freedom of movement.

The site analysis inferences of both these case studies have been comparatively

analysed with each other, which would result in the development of Urban Design principles.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 86

CHAPTER 4 - DESIGN PRINCIPLES

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Chapter 4 - Design Principles

The objective of this chapter is to develop Urban Design principles that reduce

the opportunities to commit youth crime through the design of the built environment. These principles are developed from the conclusions of case studies 1(Angell Town) and 2 (Stockwell Park Estate). In the previous two chapters, the case studies were analysed with the analysis questions developed in Chapter 1 (Conceptual Framework). The inferences from that have been compared and contrasted with one another resulting in the formation of the Urban Design principles.

4.1 ANALYSIS OF CONCLUSIONS OF CASE STUDY 1 AND 2



The table in the following pages compares and contrasts the conclusions of Table

14 on pages 62 -67 (Angell Town) and Table 16 on pages 77- 85 (Stockwell Park Estate) to develop Urban Design principles.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 87

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion (2)

Results of 1 and 2

surveillance

overlooking that will result in

surveillance

all

throughout accessibility

of

physical maintenance

Without

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

commit crime.

places can provide opportunity to

and lacks sufficient lighting. These

which has not been well maintained

designed facing the main street maintained but insufficient lighting.

to crime.

green pockets of land have been but not physically. Vegetation is well Such spaces become vulnerable

streets adjoining it. However, some open spaces are visually accessible to the degradation of the space.

and can be accessed from all the the day. In some areas these green space becomes difficult and leads

with proper lighting and vegetation natural

houses. They are well maintained around the structures which provide accessible.

have been designed around the open spaces have been designed it should be visually and physically

constant natural surveillance Public Space Nework The parks and green open spaces In certain areas the parks and green If a green open space is designed

in lack of natural surveillance

on a flat surface which do not result results in spaces which lack natural streets and blocks with windows

terrain. The structures are designed terrain but the design of the structures designed to have a sequence of

Underlying Lanscape The existing landscape is an even The existing landscape is an even Existing landscape should be

Morphological Layers

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 88

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion (2)

Results of 1 and 2

empowerment.

There

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

natural surveillance.

connected to main Brixton road.

constant flow of people increasing main street ‘Stockwell Road’and is well

well maintained and well lit with accessible. There are few shops on the

connects to Victoria. The area is early years community trust which are

stop just outside the estate which one structure – community centre and

Max Roach park and there is a bus for all. All the facilities are housed under

connected to the main Brixton road, facility and anger management classes vicinity

easily accessible. The area is well and toddlers group, baby massage devoid of hang out spaces in their

few shops are within the town and separate play provision called mothers such that the youth don’t feel

square. Yes these spaces and a Early years community trust, a crèche, a spaces provided within the design

there is a provision for Little Angels training courses and for the toddlers should be various hang out

ball court while for the toddlers learning class, Game parlor, vocational youth

The activities for youth in the area The activities for youth include a The design should incorporate Public Space Nework include a youth club and basket community centre, internet café, English various facilities that will facilitate

Morphological Layers

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 89

Morphological Layers Public Space Nework

is on street. some street parking

continuous

pedestrian

flow

sustaining.

in making the economy self

A mixed use scheme also helps

resulting in natural surveillance.

the structure at ground level as well as a

facilities. The car parking provision There are car parking provisions inside place livable and also allows

offices to let , shops and youth cafes on the main ‘Stockwell road’. shops, cafes, etc makes the

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) Predominantly housing with some Predominantly housing with shops and A mixed use housing with local

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 90

Network

Morphological Layers Public Space efficiently

designed. lighting at building entrances and of routes which are all visually

street

should be designed parallel to each other with a continuous foot path system.

routes. Vehicular and pedestrians alternate escape routes.

routes are designed parallel to one

another.

another offering a high variety of are separate, providing opportunity for vehicular and pedestrian routes

Streets are well connected to one ramps. Vehicular and pedestrian routes and physically accessible. The

is

Integrated

Lighting

The

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) layout Integrated street layout. Lacks sufficient The design should offer a variety

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 91

Network

Morphological Layers Public Space that

for

every

human

This

parcel of land maintenance

offers parcels of land which demands

doesn’t offer any un used open within the neighbourhood. The design unused land spaces

houses at the moment. The design the residents in terms of noise, drugs surveillance.

will

avoid

maintained. There are no vacant there are a couple of problems faced by parcel of land is under natural

such

residents. These facilities are well well. There are no vacant houses but involvement

are scope

there

neighbourhood facilities for the facilities which are well maintained as continuous

Yes,

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) sufficient There are enough neighbourhood The design should incorporate

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 92

Morphological Layers Plots

maintained.

under constant surveillance.

there is no path system maintained. Vehicular

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

plots and vice versa.

surveillance

the day.

maintain surveillance throughout

provides natural surveillance to the This therefore results in lack of natural designed parallel to each other to

parallel to the vehicular route. This continuous footpath system maintained. and pedestrian routes should be

system maintained that is designed routes are separate

There is a continuous footpath Since the vehicular and pedestrian There should be a continuous foot

the built to un built should be

to the place. The public spaces are

in housing types creating an identity public spaces lack natural surveillance. Uniformity in the ratio between

height. The town offers a wide variety doesn’t offer a lot of variety and the plots and the adjoining streets.

in width or length but are uniform in in length as well as height. The area maintained between the housing

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) The housing plots are not uniform No the housing plots are not uniform There should be a proportion

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 93

Buildings

Morphological Layers Plots The

entrances

overlooking for

the

the while some have their backs facing the The proportion of street width

main designed overlooking the main street with an entrance from the street.

internal court. narrow

street

become vulnerable .

with

entrances

carefully considered. Tall buildings

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

strangers entering the block. the block easily.

stranger becomes difficult.

maintenance and identifying the

corridors which demands high

with lot of flats, it results in long

If the staircase block is shared

commit crime if strangers can access help in identifying any stranger.

This allows in keeping an eye on neighbours. Possible opportunity to to know the neighbours which

three flats share a staircase block. entering the block and fails to know the than 3-4 houses. It is important

intervals such that not more than feature increases the risk of strangers should not be shared with more

staircase blocks designed at regular of the building units. Such a design the stranger. A staircase block

entrances from the street level and with staircases at the extreme ends entrance. This helps in identifying

A well designed block with individual There are several flats on each floor Each block should have a separate

the main street

building have been designed from main street with an entrance from the to the building height should be

street.

designed

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) Yes the building fronts have been Some building fronts have been Each building should be designed

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 94

Morphological Layers Buildings the

buildings

should

Results of 1 and 2 be

through

bridges

alternate escape routes.

escape route.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN walls.

use of ramps with high parapet

opportunity for hiding resulting in an from the main road will avoid to

have high parapet wall which provides building entrances if designed

bridges lack natural surveillance and lack natural surveillance. The

another as an alternate route. These demand high maintenance and

doesn’t provide an opportunity for designed to connect one building to vulnerability. These bridges also

constant natural surveillance and the street to the building. Bridges are for the offenders and increases

road. Therefore each road is under courtyard. A ramp is used to connect become an alternate escape route

have entrances from the main have entrances from the internal Connection

from the main street. The buildings from the main street. Some buildings connected from the ground level.

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion (2) All the buildings are connected Most of the buildings are connected All

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 95

Morphological Layers Buildings the

in places that will obstruct natural

in lack of natural surveillance between

the

houses making

the

place

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN foliage

doesn’t natural surveillance.

the

obstruct

maintenance is not difficult and

be planted on streets where

vulnerable. Large trees should

offenders,

can become a hiding space for

planted

surveillance, eg Large trees if

a large foliage should be avoided

on a flat surface which don’t result streets and houses.

terrain. The structures are designed and obstructs visibility of the adjoining tendency to grow fast and have

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) The existing landscape is an even Landscape is not very well maintained Huge trees which have

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 96

Morphological Layers Components a

street

access. They

from

the

streets.

entrances

entrances.

come vulnerable.

else back of the building can be

in the internal courtyard as well;

should be uniform and sufficient

and near all entrances. Lighting

and uniform street lighting near the there isn’t sufficient lighting near the well maintained on the streets

Brixton Road. There is sufficient from the internal courtyard. No, Lighting should be uniform and

road. Angell Town is accessed from from the street, but have entrances connected

stops are located on the Brixton other buildings are visually connected should be visually and physically

designed from the main street. Bus entrances from the street while the have

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) The building entrances have been The refurbished buildings have a The building entrances should

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 97

Morphological Layers Components

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN and demand high maintenance.

to

Failure

the

and

can

day.

good

crime.

provide opportunity to commit

maintenance

throughout

maintenance

lighting

high

ground level parking demands

parking can provide opportunity to hide Underground car parking and

ground level as parking. Ground level on the cars parked on street.

on streets while some have their allows the owner to keep an eye

the main road.

and

become

good entrances are visible from streets.

location for committing crime. Some

maintenance

long corridors which demands high

are connected to each other through helps in identifying the strangers.

opportunity to commit crime. The flats or shared by 3-4 households. This

entrances have been designed from the risk of anonymity and provides should have an individual staircase

have a separate entry. Individual per block is very less which increases and enhance safety, each house

Each block comprising of 3-4 houses No, the number of staircases designed To reduce the risk of anonymity,

underground car parks.

have been designed. There are no the estate. Few buildings have parking made on street. Street parking

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion Results of 1 and 2 (2) Provisions for on street car parking There are no underground car parks in Car parking provisions should be

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 98

Morphological Layers Components

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion (2)

Results of 1 and 2

main door is not visible to the street

the factor of safety.

towards it. This helps in enhancing

be designed with windows facing

lit during night. The street should

offers a niche on some floors where the which is well maintained and well

internal court. The design of the building entered from an accessible street

some have their entrances from an The entrance can be secured if

the adjoining street in all the blocks. visible from the adjoining street, while element for preventing crime.

Yes, the main door is visible from In some blocks the main doors are Secure entrances are a key design

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 99

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

the

buildings

have

been The

refurbished

buildings

Results of 1 and 2

have The buildings should have an

Stockwell Park Estate Conclusion (2)

buildings

centre on a regular basis.

Photo credits in table - Author

Source - Author

Table 17 - Comparative Analysis of Case study inferences

should soon get materialised.

for

youth

facilities

make

in

social activities.

results in youth gangs and anti

evenings. Lack of such spaces

to learn and hang around in the

which will give them opportunity

youth empowerment program which programs conducted at the Community provisions

design

important should

is achieving safety.

for

Management

the internal courtyard

Other buildings are accessed through design of public private interface

Currently there is a proposal for There are several youth empowerment The

main road.

designed to have entrance from the entrances from the adjoining roads. access from the main road. The

Yes,

Angell Town Conclusion (1)

Design and

Interface

Morphological Layers Components

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Pg. 100

DESIGN PRINCIPLES 4.2 FORMULATION OF DESIGN PRINCIPLES



From the above table, the case study inferences have been compared and

contrasted. The conclusions of the two case study inferences have been used to formulate the urban design principles. The case study analysis has been conducted through the analysis questions which have been developed as conceptual framework from the various existing theories of youth crime prevention and Urban Design.

On analysing Angell town, it was observed that through the design of the new

built environment, the opportunities that once existed before the regeneration process no longer exist, and the place now contributes to the factor of safety and security. Similarly on analysing Stockwell Park Estate, it was observed that the design of the built environment still provides opportunities to commit crime, generally committed by the youths classified as youth crime. The case study inferences explain the design features at different morphological layers and their role in behaving as a catalyst in crime opportunity. These inferences relate to the theories and principles discussed in Chapter 1 (literature review). The urban design principles developed through these inferences are comprehensive and are based upon the two identified case studies.

Therefore, these principles summarise the ideas discussed in literature review

and conclude by adding new principles to the existing theories. These urban design principles may be used as practical recommendations for future developments. The urban design principles have been summarised under the headings of the morphological layers considering the risk and effort factor of opportunity to commit crime by explaining the relationship of urban design element with risk and effort.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 101

DESIGN PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING LANDSCAPE



Underlying landscape discusses the natural topography of the land. The land

which has levels is perceived to provide higher opportunity to crime flat land. This is because the land with levels has more undulations, which results in designing buildings accommodating the levels. This typology results in the design of structures which tend to provide alternate escape routes and hiding spaces for criminals in the form of stairways, bridges, ramps and other types of connectivity for creating access from one undulation to the other. If the design offers a larger proportion of stairways, bridges, ramps and connections, the amount of opportunities to escape, hide and attack the victim is easy and the risk of being caught is less.

Therefore if the land provides undulations, the undulated land should be excavated

to make a flat levelled surface. Uniformity of land helps in creating a sequence of streets and buildings in the same level, providing similar character to the area. The Character of a street defines the area in terms of surveillance, accessibility, image and land use. As explained in the literature review, Newman’s defensible space (1973) theories explain the need for surveillance, image and use. Accessibility by Barry Poyner (1983) is more important than the building profile itself. These factors contribute to define street character. All these factors can be achieved if uniformity of land is maintained. Uniformity of land is an outcome of flat land designed with sequence of streets and building, where by building overlook the streets and street provide access to the buildings. The interface of the two along with accessibility helps in increasing the risk of being caught and makes it harder for the offender to reach his target.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 102

DESIGN PRINCIPLES PUBLIC SPACE NETWORK Parks and Green Fields

Green open spaces and parks demand high maintenance, as the usage of the

spaces are limited to specific times. As discussed by Jacobs (1961) any space, having a continuous movement of people, increases the factor of safety by the presence of passer by’s and also helps improving natural surveillance. Parks and green open spaces have a larger footfall during the day as compared to night. During the night, it is important that the area is well lit and under constant natural surveillance. To generate a constant flow of movement, it is required to propose land uses that generate a constant flow of people e.g. – shops, market, restaurants, cafes, housing which correspond to human activity throughout the day.

If houses are designed around parks and green open spaces, it increases footfall

in the area and also provides natural surveillance throughout the day and night. The parks and green open spaces should have a street access as well, with the proximity of the bus stop, the park gets connected to larger masses and the area experiences a large footfall. If access to the surrounding houses is designed through parks, it leads to efficient maintenance of such spaces and helps in maintaining a uniform lighting system at night. If these spaces don’t have any activities at night, they tend to become cost inefficient for maintenance and results in slow degradation of the place. The photograph in the following page is an example of Crookes Valley Park in Sheffield.

At Crookes Valley Park, Sheffield, residential accommodation has been designed

around the park with windows overlooking the park. The area of the park is large and receives a good amount of footfall during the day. At night, the footfall reduces due to lack of activities in the park. Lighting is insufficient and failure to maintenance of vegetation leads to opportunities to crime. The photographs show the potential opportunities for crime.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 103

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Fig 26 – Crookes Valley Park, Sheffield Source - Author

Provision of green open spaces is not just sufficient. It is necessary to make provisions for continuous use of the space as well to be safe and effective. Parks and Green fields should be designed around areas which have constant human involvement like residential areas, shops, restaurants etc. This helps in increasing natural surveillance in the parks. It also helps in efficient maintenance of parks and green fields as the area is constantly used by people to commute to the surrounding areas.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 104

DESIGN PRINCIPLES Location from neighbourhood to centre

Accessibility plays an important factor in the framework of ‘safety’. Accessibility of

a place to its closest town centre contributes to the safety of a place. If the neighbourhood is well connected it reflects in the overall quality of life. It also enhances freedom of movement for the residents, by providing late night bus services. Late night buses should have a good frequency and there should be a few bus stops located in the vicinity of the neighbourhood. Adequate bus stops within the neighbourhood, provides the traveller to get off closest to his destination, which is more important at night.

If the place is not well connected, it can result in isolation of the neighbourhood

which may result in poor transportation as well. Such places eventually degrade the quality of space creating a negative impact on the neighbourhood.

Therefore connectivity of the neighbourhood to its surrounding is important.

This can be achieved through the means of public transportation. Walking should be an alternate means of transportation as well. The neighbourhood should be well connected at night through provisions of frequent late night bus services, taxis, trains (if station is close by) and well lit pedestrian routes (with improved uniform lighting, CCTV’s) Location of Public Activities

The design should incorporate facilities for all age groups. These public facilities

should be easily accessible within the neighbourhood. Public facilities should include youth development and youth empowerment programs. These facilities provide youth a safe space to interact with one another and participate in activities they enjoy. These spaces should be multiuse use spaces so that there can be continuous flow of people throughout the day. As discussed by Colquhoun (2004) schools should be designed as multiuse spaces such that during the day it functions as schools and during evenings it functions as after school club, activity club for youths and children. Schools designed within the neighbourhood should be located around residential areas, such that the school is under constant natural surveillance by the residents. When these spaces function as multiuse spaces it helps in providing natural surveillance after school hours.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 105

DESIGN PRINCIPLES Other public facilities should include community facilities, shops, hospitals, cafes, restaurants etc. in the neighbourhood. These spaces provide activities and vibrancy to a place throughout the day. It provides a high footfall throughout the day, keeping the place active and vibrant. Presence of people on the streets enhances the factor of safety within the neighbourhood. It also helps in efficient maintenance of the place. Lighting becomes an integral part of the design and results in efficient maintenance of the place with the continuous flow of people.

Public facilities should be provided within the neighbourhood such that it is under

constant natural surveillance and is easily accessible. Multiuse public facilities should be designed, so that the spaces are under constant use, offering vibrancy and safety to the place.

Land use Pattern

A mixed land use offers a high variety of public activities with residential

developments. Public activities results in increased footfall, which in turn results in constant natural surveillance by the people who use these activities. Mixed land use helps in stabilising the economy and provides local employment opportunities. Improvement in the local economy helps in raising the quality of life, which results in neighbourhood satisfaction. These urban design principles not only aim at reducing the opportunities to commit crime in the design of built environment, but also aim at improving the overall performance of the neighbourhood by achieving better quality of life. Various existing principles and theories support the design of mixed land use pattern for its efficiency in creating vibrancy and variety which helps in increasing surveillance by the people who use the facilities. The idea of mixed land as seen below in Angell Town has been successful through the provision of local shops, schools, and offices within the neighbourhood and should be implemented in the design of built environment as they contribute to enhance the factor of safety as well.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 106

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Fig 27 – Mixed use development in Angell town Source - Author

Street Pattern

The layout should offer a choice of routes. Each route should have some form

of activity in the form of a shop, café, restaurant, activity club etc. which will be in use throughout the day. This will make the route active with continuous flow of people. If the design is an integrated layout, the alternate routes offered by the design should be well maintained. Maintenance can be achieved by provision of bus stops as well. This helps in connecting the route to rest of the area through public transportation. Efficient lighting should be provided in all the routes, to improve the factor of safety. An integrated layout has been successful as seen in Angell town, but this can only contribute to the factor of safety if the alternate routes are well maintained.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 107

DESIGN PRINCIPLES PLOTS

Plots should be uniform in size. Variations in the uniformity of plot sizes can lead

to isolation of the plots from its surrounding. Plots should be designed in a series of houses and streets.

Fig 28 – Regenerated Angell town with sequence of streets and houses and uniform plots Source - Digimap Ordnance survey maps and Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 108

DESIGN PRINCIPLES The buildings designed on these plots should be uniform in character. The entrances should be designed from main street. The ratio between the building heights to the street width is an important aspect with respect to surveillance. If the buildings are tall (more than 4 levels) it may become difficult to have a visual connectivity with the street below. The visual connectivity may be obstructed due to the landscape below. If trees with huge foliage are planted on the street level, it becomes an obstruction in the visual connection from the above floors to the street. The photograph below from Angell Town explains one such possibility of landscape being an obstruction in the visual connectivity

Fig 29 –Visual Connectivity obstruction due to Landscape at Angell Town Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 109

DESIGN PRINCIPLES BUILDINGS

Buildings should be designed preferably with individual entrances. If the

residential accommodations are flats, then the entrances should be shared with 3-5 people. If the residential accommodations are houses, each house should have individual entrances from the street level. Individual entrances reduce the risk of anonymity and help identifying strangers. The existing theories and principles reinforce the provision of individual entrances, and along with the entrances it is also necessary for maintaining uniform lighting along the footpaths lining the buildings.

All the building connectivity’s should be designed from the street level. Use of

pedways and bridges can contribute towards opportunities to crime. Balconies facing the street level should not have opaque material parapet walls. Hiding behind opaque parapet walls can increase the risk of being victimised for those who use the street below. At Angell town, balconies facing the street are made out of a transparent material which reduces the possibility of hiding and attacking the victim. While at Stockwell Park Estate, the opaque material parapet walls become a hiding space for the offender.

Fig 30 – Transparent balconies at Angell town Source - Author

Fig 31 – Opaque balconies at Stockwell Park Estate Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 110

DESIGN PRINCIPLES COMPONENTS

On street car parking should be provided to provide surveillance and reduce the

risk of auto theft as seen in Angell Town. Underground car parking requires high maintenance and can provide alternate escape routes and hiding spaces. Ground level parking creates dingy entrances for the buildings and such spaces if not well maintained can contribute to crime risk.

Fig 32 – On street car parking provision in Angell town Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 111

DESIGN PRINCIPLES INTERFACE

The public private interface plays an important role in achieving safety, through

natural surveillance. As discussed in the literature review, the main door should have street access. Secure by design is an approach catering to the main doors position. The access to a building should be from the street. Adequate lighting should be maintained at the entrance. Light focusing on the lock of the door is essential; this helps the house owner to enter inside quickly in case of any fear of crime. Lack of lighting on the main door or entrance can provide opportunity to commit crime.

Fig 33 – Secure by Entrance approach at Angell Town Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 112

DESIGN PRINCIPLES DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

Neighbourhood design should focus on the overall community development.

As seen in Angell town and Stockwell Park Estate, community development through youth programmes are required as an addition to the design of the site. This helps in encouraging the youths to participate outside academic learning. It also encourages them to be occupied in extra-curricular activities rather than ‘hanging out’ in the neighbourhood. Lack of such opportunities can result in negative youth culture. Youth participation is easy and therefore facilities for capturing their potential should be provided. Sports centres, youth club, activity club, after school club, home work club are a few spaces that may be provided in the design.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 113

CONCLUSIONS

CONCLUSION

Conclusion

The objective of this conclusion is to summarise the development of the Urban

Design principles that reduce opportunities to commit youth crime through the analysis of the morphological layers. This chapter has been divided into three sections, each section explaining one objective, its outcome and the method used to achieve the outcome. The outcome of each objective has been used to analyse the next objective.

Section 1 – This section explains the first objective of the dissertation and explains the process employed and the outcome of the process. The outcome of first objective is used analyse the second objective.



• Objective 1 - To develop a conceptual framework to analyse the relationship between youth crime prevention and urban design.

This objective has been achieved by analysing the various existing theories and principles relating to youth crime prevention and urban design. For accomplishing the aim of this dissertation, it was necessary to develop a conceptual framework which consisted of analysis questions. These analysis questions were used to analyse the two identified susceptible areas in London, Angell Town and Stockwell Park Estate. To analyse two different case studies, it was necessary to have a set of common questions. This set of common questions has been developed through the understanding of existing theories and principles relating to this subject.

The literature review has been organised into three schools of thought which

have been analysed and categorised into the various morphological layers of the city. These layers and their analysed characteristics have been plotted against the ‘risk’ and ‘effort’ factor of opportunity to crime. The analysis questions have been developed in relation to the level of risk and effort required to be caught and reach the target. These two factors are related to the design of built environment and explain the different design features/qualities that behave as a catalyst in the crime process. Formulation of analysis

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 114

CONCLUSION questions may be referred in Chapter 1 pg (42-53)

The conceptual framework laid a foundation for this dissertation, and the site

analysis of the two case studies have been analysed using the conceptual framework. The conceptual framework helped in identifying the design features of Section 2

Section 2 - This section explains the second objective of the dissertation and explains the process employed and the outcome of the process. The outcome of second objective is used analyse the third objective



• To use the conceptual framework to comparatively analyse the nature of



youth crime patterns in two identified susceptible areas (Angell Town, London



and Stockwell Park Estate, London).

This objective has been achieved by using the conceptual framework on the two identified case studies. This dissertation aimed at choosing two case studies, similar in design, location and history. Two sites of Angell Town and Stockwell Park Estate are very similar in design, location and history and therefore were selected for the case study. The analysis questions developed as conceptual framework were analysed on these two sites. An extensive site survey through photo documentation and interviews was carried out to research answers for the analysis questions. Interviews were conducted at Angell town and Stockwell Park Estate with Mr. Thomas Esterine (Director of Angell Town Community Project, ATCP) and Mr. Jahziah Dodds (Senior Housing Officer, CTH, Stockwell Park Estate) and Mr. Olu Adedotun (Housing Officer, CTH, Stockwell Park Estate) to investigate crime and anti social problems in these areas.

The results of interview helped in identifying the locations and various design

features that behave as catalysts in providing opportunities to commit crime. At Angell town, the regeneration process contributed by reducing the rate of crime, while at Stockwell Park Estate, which has the same design features like Angell town before regeneration highlighted the various design elements in the built environment that provide

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 115

CONCLUSION opportunities to commit youth crime. The inferences from the site analysis and interviews of both these case studies have been explained in Chapter 2 and 3 Pgs (62 -67 and 77 -85). The inferences obtained through analysing the individual case studies have been compared with each other to develop urban design principles. The following section explains the development.

Section 3 - This section narrates the third objective of the dissertation and explains the process employed and the outcome of the process. The outcome of this objective was to achieve the aim of the dissertation – development of urban design principles that reduce opportunities to commit youth crime in the design of built environment.



• To use the results of the comparative analysis to formulate design principles that may be used for future developments.

To develop Urban Design principles, it was necessary to comparatively analyse the inferences of the individual case studies with each other. These inferences helped in identifying the design elements at each morphological layer which behave as a catalyst crime process. Angell town demonstrated success in reducing crime rate while Stockwell Park Estate continues to face problem of youth crime. Through comparative analysis, the negative and positive aspects of design have been identified. The conclusions from the comparative analysis result in the development of the urban design principles. These principles have been explained in Chapter 4 of the dissertation with the risk and effort factor. The design principles are comprehensive and may be used for future developments as practical recommendations.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 116

CONCLUSION

Analysing the existing theories and principles relating to youth crime prevention through Urban Design

OUTPUT

Development of Conceptual Framework Set of Analysis questions for analysing the two case studies

SECTION 1

Using the analysis questions on the two case studies – Angell Town and Stockwell Park Estate

OUTPUT

Comparing and Contrasting the analysis of two case studies to develop the design principles

SECTION 2

Use of the case study inferences to analyse the various design features that reduce youth crime opportunities

OUTPUT

The conclusions from the case study inferences used to develop the Urban Design Principles used to reduce youth crime opportunities

SECTION 3 Fig 34 – Summarisation of the dissertation outcomes Source - Author

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 117

CONCLUSION LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The development of Urban Design principles has been on the basis of the

inference from the comprehensive comparative analysis of the two case studies. Due to limitation of time and resources, only two case studies have been conducted. If more case studies of exactly similar nature are conducted, chances of identifying other design elements in the built environment may be higher.

The idea for conducting Fear Map surveys with the local residents at the selected

case studies did not materialise as the permission to do so was not granted by the local authorities as they felt it would be detrimental and inappropriate. Fear Map surveys incorporated participation of 15- 20 local residents ranging from all age groups to identify locations in their area, where they felt fear of crime or have experienced crime problems may help in identifying design elements based on personal experiences of crime.

SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

‘Urban Design’ and ‘Crime’ has been an approach since early 1960’s in United

States and United Kingdom. Research on this subject has been active since then with different authors identifying various susceptible locations in these two countries and giving their opinions on the same. This research can be carried further with the same conceptual framework being used on various other susceptible locations around the World. Youth Culture being an increasing phenomenon, and youth crime being on a high in many countries across the Globe, the design of various morphological layers can be analysed using the conceptual framework as well as by conducting more interviews, fear map surveys and may be conducting a workshop with the youths about their fears and culture.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 118

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography BOOKS AUDIT COMMISSION, (1996) Misspent youth: young people and crime: summary. London, Audit commission. BARTON, H...[ET. AL] (2003) Shaping neighbourhoods: a guide for health, sustainability and vitality. London, Spon BENTLEY, I. (1985) Responsive environments: A manual for designers. Oxford, Architectural Press BENTLEY, I. (1999) Urban Transformations - Power People and Urban Design. London, Routledge BOTTOMS, A.E, CLAYTOR, A. & WILES, P. (1992) Crime, policing and place: Essays in environmental criminology. London, Routledge BRANTINGHAM, PAUL J, (1984) Patterns in crime. New York, London, Macmillan, Collier Macmillan. BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. (1990) British standard guide for security of building against crime. London, British Standards Institution COLEMAN, A. (1985) Utopia on Trial: Vision and Reality in Planned Housing. London, Shipman COLQUHOUN, I. (2004) Designing out crime – creating safe and sustainable communities. Oxford, Architectural press, an imprint of Elsevier Clarke, R. and Mayhew, P. (1996) ‘Preventing crime in parking lots: what we know and need to know.’ In Crime Prevention through Real Estate Management and Development. Washington D.C.: Urban Land Institute. CRAWFORD. A, NEWBURN.T. (1998) Crime Prevention and community safety. London, Longman Limited. YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 119

BIBLIOGRAPHY EAMONN CARRABINE ... [ET AL.]., (2002) Crime in modern Britain. Oxford modern Britain, Oxford, Oxford University press ED. DAVID CANTER AND LAURENCE ALISON., (1999) The social psychology of crime : groups, teams and networks. Ashgate, Aldershot FELDMAN. P, (1933) The psychology of crime : a social science textbook. Cambridge, Cambridge university Press HILLIER, B & HANSON, J.(1984) The social logic of space. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press H. J Eysenck, (1970) Crime and personality. London, Paladin JACOB.J, (1961) The death and life of Great American Cities. New York, Random House LLEWELYN - DAVIES. (2000) Urban Design Compendium. London, English Partnerships MAGUIRE.M, MORGAN.R AND REINER.R., (2007) The Oxford handbook of criminology. Fourth edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press MASEY, A. (1994) Safer homes scheme snubbed by builders. London, BBC MIKE. H (2004) Youth crime and youth justice: public opinion in England and Wales. Researching criminal justice series, Bristol: Policy Press MOIR, A.JESSEL, D. (1997) A mind to crime: the controversial link between the mind and criminal behaviour. London, Signet MUNICE, HUGHES, McLAUGHLIN. (2002) Youth Justice Critical Readings. London, California, New Delhi, SAGE Publication NEWMAN, O, (1973) Defensible space: crime prevention through urban design. New York, Macmillan. NEWMAN, O. (1973) Defensible space: People and design in the violent city. London, Architectural Press.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 120

BIBLIOGRAPHY POYNER, B. (1983) Design against crime, beyond defensible space. London, Butterworths. RULE. J WELLS. R.,(1997) Crime, protest, and popular politics in southern England, 1740-1850. London, Rio Grande, Ohio: Hambledon press SCHNEIDER R.H & KITCHEN. T. (2007) Crime Prevention and Built Environment. London, New York, Routledge SORRENTINO, A. Organizing against crime, redeveloping the neighbourhood. New York, Human Sciences Press STEVE O, HENRY S. (1995) Safer neighborhoods? Successes and failures in Crime Prevention. London, Safer Neighborhood unit

JOURNALS, ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS ATKINS, S. (1991) The influence of street lighting on crime and fear of crime. Crime Prevention Unit series; no 28, London: Home Office BRITISH JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGY (1993) Fear of crime: Read all about it? Vol 33, London CABE, Crime Prevention through Environmental design. London, Office of Deputy Prime Minister COZENS, P.M (2002) Sustainable Urban Development and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design for British Cities. Towards an Effective Urban Environmentalism for 21st Century. Glamorgan, Pergamon DAVIDSON, NORMAN.R (1981) Crime and environment. Croom Helm series in geography and environment. London, Croom Helm DERRICK A… [ET.AL] (1995) Children, risk and crime: the On Track Youth Lifestyles Surveys, Home office research study; 278, London: Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 121

BIBLIOGRAPHY ED. PAINTER KATE, TILLEY NICK, (1999) Surveillance of public space : CCTV, street lighting and crime prevention. Volume 10, New York, Criminal Justice Press FELSON, CLARKE. (1998) Opportunity makes the Thief: practical theory for crime prevention. Police research series, Paper 98, London, Home Office Policing and Reducing Crime Unit GLOBAL REPORT ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS, (2007) Enhancing urban safety and security. London, Sterling, Earthscan GREAT BRITAIN, SCOTTISH OFFICE ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT, (1994) Planning for crime prevention. planning advice note, 46, Edinburgh, Scottish office Environment Department GREAT BRITIAN HOME OFFICE, (1997) No more excuses - a new approach to tackling youth crime in England and Wale. Cm 3809, London, stationary office. HARWOOD. S, (2008) Youth Crime Action Plan, Equality Impact Assessment. London, Home Office, Department for Children, Schools and Families, Department of Justice HOME OFFICE, (2004) Safer Places, The planning system and Crime Prevention. London, Office of Deputy Prime Minister HM Government (2008) Youth Crime Action Plan. JANSSON. K, British Crime Survey – Measuring Crime for 25 years . London, British Crime Survey KERSHAW. C ... [ET AL.]., (2000) The 2000 British crime survey, Home office statistical bulletin. London, Home office Research and statistics Directorate. NATIONAL HOUSE BUILDING COUNCIL. (1988) Guidance on how security for new homes can be improved. Amersham, National house building council NATIONAL HOUSE BUILDING COUNCIL. (1992) Standards improving security. Amersham, National house building council

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 122

BIBLIOGRAPHY NCPC. (1997) Designing safer communities: A crime prevention through environmental design handbook. Washington D.C TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING, (1991) Planning natural surveillance back into city centers. Vol.60 V. LORNE STEWART, ED. PAUL C. FRIDAY, (1994) Youth crime and juvenile justice: international perspectives, Praeger special studies in U.S. economic, social, and political issues.New York: Praeger WHITZMAN, CAROLYN, (2008) The handbook of community safety, gender and violence prevention: practical planning tools. London, Earthscan. WILSON. D… [ET.AL] (2006) Young People and Crime: Findings from 2005 Offending, Crime and Justice Survey. London, Home Office

UNPUBLISHED RESEARCH WORKS MCGLYNN, S. (1994) Territoriality, security and public space Ma seminar paper. Oxford, Oxford Brookes University SMITH, ADAM N. (2008) street patterns and crime: an investigation into the influence of residential crime. Oxford: Oxford Brookes University STRUTT, KATY, (2007) Testing place-based crime prevention theory in practice how can urban design help reduce the fear of crime experienced by pedestrians using public streets? Oxford, Oxford Brookes University. SARAMAGO. F, (2003) Gatedness in Social Housing: A method to evaluate practices to break down barriers. Oxford, Oxford Brookes University

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 123

BIBLIOGRAPHY INTERENET RESOURCES BBC NEWS, http://search.bbc.co.uk/search?go=homepage&scope=all&q=youth+crime &Search=Search. Last Accessed on 28th August 2009 CABE CASE STUDIES (2006) http://www.cabe.org.uk/case-studies/angell-town. Accessed on 17th July 2009 COMMUNITY TRUST HOUSING, www.cth.org.uk. Accessed on 23rd July 2009 DIRECTGOV, Crime, Justice and Law, http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/CrimePrevention/DG_072774. Last Accessed on 4th August 2009 FLICKR, http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=crime+scene Accessed on 20th May 2009 HOME OFFICE, Crimes and Victims http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/ Last Accessed on 1st August 2009 JOSEPH ROWNTREE Foundation, http://www.jrf.org.uk/search/apachesolr_search/ youth%20and%20crime. Last Accessed on 20th August 2009 www.justice.gov.uk, Last Accessed on 8th August 2009 www.lambeth.gov.uk, Last Accessed on 30th July 2009 www.lambethcrimeprevention.com, Last Accessed on 4th August 2009 www.londontown.com, Accessed on 15th July 2009 NEW SCOTLAND YARD, http://www.met.police.uk/crimefigures/index.php. Last Accessed on 8th August 2009

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 124

BIBLIOGRAPHY RUDI,http://www2.rudi.net/node/16011 Last Accessed on 24th July 2009 SLAVIN. T (2006) http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2006/jul/26/communities. society, London, guardian.co.uk Accessed on 19th July 2009 TELEGRAPH.CO.UK

(2009)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/

lawandorder/4946255/One-crime-committed-every-two-minutes-by-British-youths.html www.youthinformation.com Last Accessed on 25th May 2009 TOMLINSON. D, (2004) www.stockwellpark.com. Last Accessed on 3rd August 2009 WOODWARD. D (2009) Preventing youth crime: predicting who will offend, the Lambeth Youth Offending Service (YOS) http://www.communitycare.co.uk/ Articles/2009/08/19/112391/youth-crime-action-plan-success-in-lambeth.html. UK Accessed on 20th August 2009 YOUTH INFORMATION, www.youthinformation.com, Last Accessed on 15th July 2009

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 125

APPENDICES

Appendices APPENDIX 1 Interview with Mr. Thomas Esterine on July 16th at Angell Town community project office. 1. How was the Angell Town Community project (ATCP) realised?

Angell Town estate was initially set up in 1976 under the responsibility of Lambeth

Council. From the start people started facing problems dealing with dampness, rat infestation, cockroaches, faulty drainage systems, faulty communal heating systems, pedways connecting to different buildings became a hiding spot leading to various crime issues, garages in the fronts also led to the same. All these issues were getting worse with time and Lambeth Council proved unsuccessful in providing solutions and maintenance. The residents of Angell town estate with a steering initiative of Dora Boatemah in 1987 formed a charitable trust known as Angell Town Community Project (ATCP) with an aim to provide better standard of living for the residents by pushing their problems to the Lambeth Council. Since then ATCP has proved successful in regenerating Angell town Estate to Angell town.

2. What is the current involvement of Tenants Association (TA)? The tenants association has graduated to the Estate Management Board. They are responsible for the day to day running / management of the estate. The workers are not residents, they work for Lambeth. This is one of the reasons the people living in Angell Town are more comfortable talking to the ATCP about their problems.

3. Could you please summarise the regeneration process in brief?

After the pilot project was completed, it came to notice that the Estate action

plan was getting a bit more expensive than it was conceived after we calculated the cost of the later phases. To make good this void funding was sought through the housing corporations such as Ujima Housing association, Presentation Housing association YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 126

APPENDICES both of which were black and ethnic minority housing associations and Family housing association. They were Registered Social Landlords (RSL) and provided the money which allowed for the completion of the Estate action programme. Angell Town did not want Housing associations at the start of the projects as they tend to put rents up substantially, which would have taken away from affordable social housing, and also tend to build ‘match-boxes’. This was countered by a development agreement, which led to a consortium management agreement, it did not allow the housing associations to build structures which were smaller than those which existed, and did not allow the rents to be increased without reason.

The regeneration started in 1998 and was completed in 2007. It was done in

different phases by ‘decanting’ people, rebuilding on the site and bringing those who wished to come back. Some of the phases were internal radical refurbishments such was Holles house and Warwick house. Not all the blocks needed demolishing, the ones which created the most trouble were in the middle and needed to be demolished as it was more vulnerable. The ones along Brixton road were safer.

There were at least five different phases for at least a couple of blocks for the

architects. Burrell Foley Fischer were responsible for Pym house and Hampden house. Greenhill Jenner were responsible for Maston and Ireton house. Levitt Bernstein were responsible for Fairfax and Leys court. Anne Thorne Architects were responsible for Warwick and Holles house.

The contractors for the pilot project were Higgins Ltd. Although they were the main

contractor, the community wished some of the remaining phases to be carried out by smaller contractors.

Porchfern contractors were an Asian practice who built Fairfax house. Sandwood

contracts were specialists in timber framing and built the Boatemah walk. The heating system was reworked to be independent with the houses. The boiler house was made redundant and the floor above is used as a community centre.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 127

APPENDICES 4. Who all are currently involved with Angell Town?

The Lambeth council, the three RSL’s and the Angell town regeneration forum.

5. Any particular reason for having five different architectural companies involvement in the regeneration process?

We wanted to keep away from the uniformity which had existed previously in

Angell town. If you visit Angell town now with the streets and ways, you can still identify the houses as being from the same property from the hues of brick and street feel as compared to having just uniform blocks where everything looked the same. The residents wanted a ‘town’ feel which was made possible with this layout of streets, which allowed Angell Town to be more of a town rather than an ‘estate’.

The architects involved were, Burrell Foley Fischer, Greenhill Jenner (local

architects based in Brixton), Mode One architects (small ethnic minority practice in North London), Levitt Bernstein and Anthorn architects (more environmentally conscious). Anne Thorne architects designed the houses with photovoltaic-roofs roofs providing power to disabled units on ground floor, grey water recycling, organic paints, timber frame (first in the country for social housing) etc.



YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 128

APPENDICES 6. What are the different kinds of problems that the estate faced before regeneration?

After the Brixton riots, Angell Town was always looked upon as a troubled area. It

was known for crimes of all sorts. And also with the failing infrastructure crime problems were an all time concerning issue here. During the regeneration process decanting ‘people’ concerned us the most, as we had to demolish the blocks in different phases, and there were times when the Lambeth council did not have enough properties for these people within the locality.

7. Have there been any crime related incidents in the locality? If so then

which

particular location/areas and are they recurring in nature?

Most of the crimes were committed by people hiding behind walls along the

pedways in the old structure. These walls alternated with every door to a flat and provided safe hiding places, as someone hiding there was concealed from the people walking along the pedway as well as being hidden from the road since the parapet wall were quite high. The areas around the garages were also places where crimes were committed.

8. What kind of crime were the most prevalent?

They crimes most committed included Mugging, rape, attacking pensioners,

crack houses, drug dens and even murders. It was all the more easier when there were power cuts.

9. Did crime rates make a difference with the vicinity of Brixton police station?

The police always had preconceived notions about Angell town since the riots.

Although crime has reduced they are still vigilant. Some of the local community police have made friends here and are welcome.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 129

APPENDICES 10. Have the crime rates decreased after regeneration?

Angell Town still has its issues, but crime rates have ‘substantially’ reduced. The

regeneration in that respect has worked. What has been achieved is brilliant. There are still issues with numeracy and literacy, there are a large number of unemployed people and groups of youths. This is not just a problem with Angell town but a global issue which exists everywhere. After regeneration I have not been aware of any crimes committed. It is much harder for people to commit crime now with the new design.

11. Earlier Angell town seemed to be an isolated estate, how has design helped in changing this and creating a new identity for the place?

Not anymore. We decided to demolish part of Warwick house which extended past

Boatemah walk for which we got compensation. We had the lease for these properties and we decided that two units would be demolished to make way for Boatemah walk, and would allow a clear view of the regeneration from Brixton road, and is connected to the main road by creating a visual connection.

For example, Anne Thorne architects redesigned the pedways in such a way

that it is clearly visible for the Warwick and Holles blocks. Some of the backs of these buildings have been turned to fronts along the pedways. The scheme was conceived to allow more light into the site as it was very dark and dingy. The housing patterns / façade typologies in Amsterdam were studied for this purpose. Different departments were called on board to give ideas and help in planning the layout such as the fire and police department to help create ‘life-time homes’.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 130

APPENDICES 12. What is the youth population in the community?

Hard to know. Either held with the Estate Management, or Lambeth regeneration.

The youth average is on a higher side as compared to pensioners.

13. What kind of activities are the youth engaged in outside academic learning?

There is a youth club above the boiler house which is run by Lambeth. There is

a youth worker who is involved with the football club we also have play schemes etc. The housing associations were committed to social regeneration and had a community regeneration coordinator, Sharon, who worked in Angell Town for three years which was her tenure. She helped promote the play schemes such as summer and Christmas schemes, homework clubs, one to one tutoring etc. These have come to an end because her post came to an end, but we are trying to research that again. There are three landlords, if they are going to continue, to a certain extent; they need to commit to other social processes and projects which are important. The landlords now have a certain amount of social consciousness and through our Angell Town regeneration forum (ATRF) we are thinking of bringing some of the old schemes back. The forum was set up just two years ago. Little Angell square is a toddlers area which is dedicated to them, and there is a basketball court for the older kids to play in.

14. How much of youth involvement has been facilitated in the regeneration process?

The youth are actively involved in voicing their ideas to the forum with what they

want in Angell Town, and what they’d like change, and what they’d like to see. During the regeneration process Dora and I got them involved because it was for them. They came and would comment on the architect’s draw ings when presented which led to some very interesting exchange of ideas and really helped in the design process. We facilitated and encouraged the youths by explaining the drawings in layman’s terms to them and the other residents. The youths and residents drew sketches and images of the kinds

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 131

APPENDICES of spaces they would like which helped the architects in the design process as well. The whole process was mutually beneficial.

15. How many public facilities are available to them? Where are they located?

Angell Town is in the process of building a community centre which will hold

different kinds of facilities through the One generation project. It will allow people to get together, enjoy and engage. It will allow people to be involved in different activities, like training, employment, lunch on clubs for senior residents etc.

The local school is Saint John school, which is located near Saint John’s church.

This school is a part of the Angell town estate. The church was regenerated but not as part of the main regeneration process, it was an independent process. A lot of children from Angell Town go to other schools in the neighbouring area as well.

16. Is there provision for CCTV camera in the estate? Are there areas where they are more concentrated?

There are CCTV’s in Angell town, and they are located in the areas that were

deemed necessary as strategic positions. It is an exercise that is carried out on behalf of three estates, Angell town, Loughborough and Hereford. Some of us thought the amounts of CCTV’s were overkill, but it was an estate initiative. Even with good design and lighting CCTV is still needed to an extent.

17. Is Brixton underground station used as one of the modes for transportion? Is it safe to use that route during late hours?

It is and Brixton is very well connected to the rest of London. There is enough street

lighting now, and it is much safer than it was before. Within the site after regeneration, we still kept meetings to ask residents to inform us of ‘dark spots’ which didn’t get enough light, and those issues were resolved. Now it is much safer, and there is adequate lighting throughout Angell Town.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 132

APPENDICES 18. What is the housing density? Are there facilities in the neighbourhood sufficient for the residents?

It has retained the same density more or less before it was regenerated. I am not

sure about the actual figures but I believe it is more or less the same.

19. Are there any vacant houses? If so, what is the reason for vacancy?

There are no vacant houses in Angell Town. It is a bit ironic that some people who

were decanted and didn’t want to return now come to Angell town and ask if the housing is private, and when they are told it is still social housing they feel like they shouldn’t have left, and ask if there are any vacancies. I doubt whether there are any vacancies now. If anybody expresses the desire to be in any area or place, they would need to approach the local authorities who are responsible for transfers, housing applications etc. which makes it much harder. The houses now go on priority and points so it isn’t necessary that people can get houses where they want to live, but might get housing in that area.

20. Does the neighbourhood lack any youth facilities or public facilities?

Until the one generation project gets built (the funding for which is beingassessed

) the thing that exists is the youth club, which is a Lambeth project.The one generation project will cater to the needs of the youth. It will contain a gym, a café, an internet café, dining space, flexible spaces for conferences, seminars, training days etc. This will sustain the project as companies will book facilities and use them as well.

21. Are there sufficient employment opportunities within the community? There were sufficient employment opportunities during the regeneration process. The architects and the contractors both welcomed the idea of taking residents on their payroll to either work at their offices or on site. Some of those residents still work with them. The contractors even call us to ask for people who would like with them for jobs like painting, carpentry etc.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 133

APPENDICES

When Sharon was here, we used to have employment days, to ascertain the kinds

of skills that people were interested in to acquire, it was a Lambeth initiative to keep them informed. From now onwards we need to gauge what the families in Angell town need in acquiring skills to find employment through a survey.There is a perception for social housing that everyone is on housing benefit, which is not true, there are professionals in Angell town who work. There is a majority of people who work outside.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 134

APPENDICES APPENDIX 2 Interview with Mr. Jahziah Dodds (Senior Housing Services Officer) and Mr. Olu Adedotun (Housing Services Officer) at Stockwell Park Community Trust Housing on 24th July 2009

1. How was the Community Trust housing realised for Stockwell Park Estate? Community Trust Housing is a resident led housing association, realised in March 2007catering to the housing issues of the estate. Unhappy with Lambeth council’s management, the tenants and leaseholders of Stockwell Park Estate in 1995 voted to take the management rights from the hands of Lambeth Council and decided to manage the area themselves through a tenant management organisation called Community Trust. It is a limited company and a registered charity organisation. Over the period, the management rights of nearby Robsart Estate and some street properties were also transferred to Community Trust. The whole of the areas including the nearby properties were together called the ‘Stockwell Park Estate’. A few buildings within the estate underwent regeneration and refurbishment. It was difficult to capture financial income from the Government to continue the regeneration and refurbishment for the complete estate through Community Trust Management and Lambeth Council. In the late 1990’s Central Government’s attitude towards Social housing was that the local council should not be involved in refurbishment and regeneration process. To capture finances and grants to continue the refurbishment in Stockwell Park, the Council and the Community Trust realised the need for a housing association. This idea was well received by the residents of Stockwell Park and through a success of residents vote; Community Trust Housing Association was established.



YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 135

APPENDICES 2. What are the roles of Community Trust and Community Trust Housing? There are set roles for both these trusts, with a common aim of improving and enhancing the environment by providing activities and good facilities for the residents. Community Trust manages the day to day local issues. It tries to reduce social exclusion within the various community groups existing in the Estate. It works on integrating them through various Community led development programs. It works for the welfare of the residents. Community Trust Housing (CTH) manages the housing issues of the estate on behalf of Lambeth Council. Since its development it has been involved in seeking funds for the redevelopment of the Estate. It’s a resident led organisation, where the residents are the decision makers and CTH helps in delivering their decisions to concerned authorities. CTH facilitates the decisions and performs as a mediator.



3. What were the problems that the Estate faced which led to a Regeneration

process?

The estate was built in late 60’s and early 70’s. During that time, living as one big

community was an idea that was incorporated in this estate. Interaction spaces were considered important to know one another living in the estate. Walkways as a design feature were considered as social interaction spaces from where people could overlook the whole estate. While designing, the architects never looked at the negative aspects of such design features and aimed only at creating interaction spaces. These walkways eventually encouraged criminal behaviour with drug dealing and various other anti social problems. With the increase in criminal elements within the estate resulted in intimidating the residents. It is sad that people who design the estate are not the one’s living in the estate, where safety and security of residents was not considered while designing. For people who live in estate, the place has become a nightmare for them. Drug dealing became a serious issue and the walkways and long corridors became ideal locations for these activities. All this led to regenerating Stockwell Park Estate. The regeneration process now involves an active involvement of the residents and their

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 136

APPENDICES opinion is given priority to architects opinion. A community led development is being employed for the regeneration process.

4. Walkways were considered as a design element which influenced criminal behaviour, were there any other location/ design features which provided opportunity for crime? 10 years ago the Estate was a complete nightmare for anyone to live in, but at present after a regeneration process carried out in many blocks, the scenario has improved and the factor of safety is felt by the residents. This factor has been achieved through the provision of improved lighting and by installation of CCTV’s. This has made people feel lot safer, as they are aware that there actions have been monitored by the presence of CCTV’s. It also boosts confidence for people to move freely at night. But one issue still remains a problem, CCTV’s have not been installed within the blocks and this provides opportunity for the offenders to carry on their drug dealing within the blocks where they don’t have the fear of being monitored.

5. Have there been any crime related incidents at Stockwell Park Estate? If so, which particular location/area are they recurring? In the last five years, with the installation of CCTV’s and improved lighting, there has been a drastic change in the rate of crime. Criminal activities have completely reduced and people feel safe to move around the estate with the presence of CCTV’s. My experience as well has been really good so far in this estate in the past two years and I feel completely safe to walk around during night. CCTV’s are truly crime deterrent. Now with the ongoing regeneration process, a lot of difference has been made in reducing crime and making it a safer place to live.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 137

APPENDICES 6. What kind of crime is most prevalent? Drug dealing (crack and heroin) are one of the most prevalent problems faced in the Estate. Besides these, the walkways offered an escape route for the criminals. Kidnapping and escaping through walkways was an issue. Robbery and Burglary have been prevalent for a long time. Burglary in vacant houses or when people are away was considered a common problem in the estate. From the past two years, every month the CTH works closely with the local police to investigate the existing criminal problems in the estate and propose preventive measures. A lot of times, CTH has received information that Stockwell Park Estate is now much safer than what it was a few years ago.

7. Generally who are the people involved in these criminal activities? The people involved in these criminal activities are the youths residing in the estate. With a strong youth culture developed within the estate, it is very difficult for an outside criminal to commit crime in this estate. The concept of one leading group for each Estate is practiced here as well. If groups from Angell town who are famous for being notorious and ruthless enter Stockwell Park, they are not allowed inside the estate.

8. What do you see as the main driving factor behind the involvement of youth in criminal activities? The main reasons behind youth involvement in criminal activities are lack of education and employment opportunities. There are sufficient education opportunities in the vicinity, but not made use of properly. Lambeth College is located nearby, but the youths in the estate do not make use of it. They education attained by the youths here have generally not been of a good standard and most of them are school drop outs. Other children when they mingle with children who are school drop outs get easily influenced by them and ‘greed’ dominates the whole issue. When other children see that money can be made faster through easy means, don’t wish to pursue education or employment.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 138

APPENDICES The mindset of many people here is influenced by some people dealing in criminal activities. Peer Pressure is another driving factor. Youths are generally influenced by watching other youths and come under pressure to commit similar kind of criminal behaviour.

9. What kind of activities are they encouraged outside academic learning? The community trust provides various activities and facilities for people of all age group. A list of activities that are provided by the community trust range from English class, crèche, Internet Café, dance and music workshops, mothers and toddlers group workshops and Anger Management for the vulnerable residents. There is a good participation from the residents for these activities.

10. Where all these facilities located? Are they easily accessible? These facilities are located in the Community Trust and it is easily accessible for all the residents.

11. Are there any vacant houses? If so what is the reason for vacancy? Not any to my knowledge at the moment. Most of houses are now offered for long time tenancy. Flats are houses had become vacant during refurbishment process. They were relocated for a short time period of 3-4 weeks.

12. What is the percentage of youth population in the estate? Not very sure of the exact figures and statistics, but the youth population should be around 25% of the total population

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 139

APPENDICES APPENDIX 3 Crime figures for Stockwell Park Estate for three months (May – July 2009) obtained from Mr. Jahziah Dodds at Community Trust Housing, Stockwell Park Estate, London.

MAY 2009 1st MAY - arrested for possession of Cannabis 1st May - cautioned for possession of Cannabis . 1st May - Theft of Cycle 1st May - Cannabis found, person was not a resident. 3rd May - Resident was arrested for fighting with a knife on the street. 4th May - Domestic Argument 4th May - Random Public Order situation where occupant was threatened. 4th May - Burglary 7th May - Knife Found on floor. 7th May - Cannabis Found. 9th May - Skate Park - Robbery - Victim was a six year old who had his bike stolen. 10th May - Robbery - Occupant was attempting to buy a dog when he was lured into a

trap and robbed by unknown men.

10th May - Victim was robbed by two (2) youths. 13th May - Theft of cheque book. 12th May - Theft. 13th May - Occupant of address was arrested after being chased by Police and found

in possession of three (3) rocks of crack. He then admitted that inside his



house there was another thirty (30) rocks of crack. Arrested for supply. He



has been charged with three (3) counts of supply.

15th May - Broken Windows 17th May - Apparently a visitor to the estate was robbed. 19th May - Rape - Ongoing investigation.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 140

APPENDICES 20th May - Tenant handed to Police an old BB gun. 23rd May - Domestic Argument 24th May - Tenant cautioned for possession of Cannabis 26th May - Female was assaulted and had her head thrown against a concrete pillar.

Suspect arrested and charged.

27th May - Criminal Damage - The words ‘SNITH’ and ‘PUSSY’ were scrathced on door. 28th May - Domestic Assault 27th May - Cannabis found. 23rd May - Windscreen of a vehicle was smashed.

JUNE 2009 6th June - Tenant victim of Fraud 5th June - Occupants are suffering harrassment by an ex-partner of one of the

occupants.

6th June - Number Plates stolen off of a vehicle 6th June - Skate Park - Robbery 7th June - Victim was slapped outside his home address. 8th June - Burglary 12th June - Skate Park - Robbery 11th June - Domestic Assault 12th June - Domestic Assault 17th June - Domestic Argument 19th June - Domestic Argument 20th June - Tenant was assaulted by another tenant 19th June - Burglary 22nd June - Assault - Resident was attacked by youths with sticks. 22nd June - Domestic Argument 22nd June - Assault. This case has been dropped.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 141

APPENDICES 26th June - Criminal Damage to a car. 27th June - Burglary 28th June - Smashed Window 29th June - Burglary 28th June - Theft. The occupant was found dead. 22nd June Domestic Argument 20th June Domestic Assault

JULY 2009 3rd July - WYNNE ROAD - Robbery 6th July - Domestic Argument 5th July - Occupant Assaulted by unknown people who wanted to get into the property. 7th July - Robbery + Burglary - Occupant of the address was forced into his house and a gun held to his head while suspects searched house. 6th July - Theft of Cycle - I have investigated this and the case is closed. 6th July - Smashed window. 7th July - Domestic Argument 13th July - Occupant was bitten by a dog. . 15st July - Theft 16th July - Burglary 18th July -Theft of Motorbike 20th July - Burglary 20th July - Smashed Window 22nd July - Police siezed an aillegal dog from address and arrested occupant for

smoking cannabis in the location. Novelete was present and should be



dealing with this.

23rd July

Robbery. Suspect arrested for this.

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 142

APPENDICES APPENDIX 4 - Angell Town Land Use Plan

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 143

APPENDICES APPENDIX 5 -Stockwell Park Estate Land Use Plan

YOUTH CRIME PREVENTION AND URBAN DESIGN

Pg. 144