Many Australian cities boast lively cultural scenes and night-time economies. However, two out of three women do not feel safe in public spaces after dark. Improving lighting in urban areas can significantly help address this issue. According to a Safer Cities Survey conducted by the NSW government, people are more likely to use public transportation and engage in the night-time economy when they feel safe. Women, in particular, prefer well-lit walking routes with other people around, and well-maintained public spaces. To tackle this problem, the Safer Cities program has partnered with 10 councils to improve perceptions of safety through place-based projects shaped by local women and girls.
Arup, a built environment consultancy, partnered with the United Nations Development Program and the University of Liverpool to commission two research pieces that aim to make cities safer and more inclusive for women and children. The research identifies key areas for improving women’s lives in cities and proposes a gender-responsive approach to planning and design, from initial brief to implementation and monitoring.
Arup collaborated with Monash University’s XYX Lab and Plan International to study the impact of lighting on women’s and girls’ perceptions of safety at night in cities. The study used crowdsourced data from Plan International’s Free to Be campaign, which collected over 900 safe and unsafe night experiences from women and girls at 84 sites throughout Melbourne.
The results indicated that lighting was the most significant design factor in influencing people’s perceptions of safety in public places. Our cities are no longer designed solely for a 9-5, Monday-to-Friday experience or for people who use public transport or cars to leave the city.
The research suggests that we need to consider public spaces holistically and how they will be used at night, as well as ensuring that women and children feel safe walking around.
The Parramatta government’s 24-hour economy strategy includes Purple Flag, an international program that rates areas for vibrancy, diversity, and safety at night. Parramatta recently received a Purple Flag.
Read more at The Urban Developer.