Overview of the Theory
The theory of the defensible space is a proposal by Oscar Newman. It is a theory that emphasizes that the physical design of the house speaks volumes of the building’s ability to deter crime and crime perceptions ( Newman, 1972). From this Theory, Newman claims that a building that is in line with the philosophy of a defensible space has stronger territoriality, better natural surveillance, and a right image that can give an impression of a friendly and controlled and secure neighborhood. Therefore, the foundation of the defensible space, according to Newman, lies on territoriality, the milieu, natural surveillance, and image. Territorial is the capacity of a building to convey the message that it is private.
On the other hand, image is a situation where the building makes people perceive the fact that there are people who inhabit the place, and there is no sense of isolation in the building. On natural surveillance, Newman claims that a building must allow people to have natural monitoring of their living environment ( Newman, 1972). Lastly, the concept of milieu means that within the location where the building is, there are also good houses that create the perception of security within the neighborhood. These are the concepts that come together to develop a sense of security as par Newman's Theory of defensible space.
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Critiques of the Theory
Like any other theory, the defensible space theory by Neman also has some weaknesses that different research studies have been able to point as its limitations. For instance, some researchers claim that the theory overemphasis on some elements of building that may not play too much role in creating defensive perceptions( Newman, 1972). For example, some research studies claim that factors such as the height of a building cannot necessarily produce the impression of its security, as Newman emphasizes. On the other side, some also claim that despite the Theory emphasizing the defensive ability of the design to the residents, they may not alter the perception of the residents about their social status ( Newman, 1972). Therefore, it may not create the perceived sense of social security that Newman emphasizes.
The defensible space theory does not thus explain well about criminals that live within the house or the neighborhood. The approach emphasizes the design of the house as a potential deterrent to criminals who probably come from other places. These people may have to select based on features such as the balcony, the low or high slabs, and corridors. They may also have a perception of the place based on the building features and the perceived social class. However, these features may work well for those criminals from outside. However, they may not be successful for those who live within the neighborhood and understand such features as mere perceptions and not reality.
Evidence for the Theory
Different research studies also prove Newman’s idea about the relationship between the building features with security. Like Newman’s Theory, Cohen and Felon’s routine activity theory also reveals that there is variation in crime based on the opportunities that people give such criminals ( Newman, 1972). They claim that systematic opportunities can lead to crime. Other than that, different research studies back up Newman's idea by claiming that a high rate of traffic, the number of access routes, and escape routes could indicate areas where the crime rate is high. The studies' results point to the fact that there is a link between the crime and the physical design. Physical design can limit offense by increasing the chances of criminals being caught and altering their perception about the situation in the building. Such features are also reducing their accessibility to the building ( Newman, 1972). The evidence thus supports Newman’s Theory that, to some extent, designing buildings in some specific features may deter crime.
Policy Implications of the Theory
Newman’s Theory of defensible space informs the policymakers regarding the architecture and design of building regarding the crime. The emphasis should be on the critical features of the building that enhance security to the residents. The features such as corridors, the playing ground, the space in front of the building, the amount of space a building structure should occupy regarding the total land space should be part of the policies for the designers.
Research studies on this topic ascertain the fact that there is a relationship between crime perceptions with the building features. Therefore, the theories make people understand that crime is also about the impression that people create for themselves. If the people are careless about how they live, they expose themselves to crime than the situations where they are careful. Therefore creating the perception of a cohesive society is critical in preventing crime in the neighborhood.
Reference
Newman, O. (1972). Defensible space (p. 264). New York: Macmillan.
Question four of the Case
Clarke’s Theory vs. Newman’s Theory
Clarke’s Theory of situational crime prevention claims that people should not bother changing the motive of the criminals or their underlying dispositions. Instead, they should focus on reducing the opportunities that allow for such crime to happen. In the same manner that Newman's Theory insists on designing buildings to reduce the chances of crime, Clarke also focuses on reducing the opportunities for crime. The two approaches coincide as they see as a product of the failure of the society to fill the loopholes that allow crime to happen in the community.
