Changing public space

concepts have been specified in six quantifiable and observable dimensions: three related to fear/
secured public space and three to fantasy/themed public space. Each dimension is assigned an
ordinal value according to three levels of intensity: low (L), medium (M), and high (H). With
regard to the dimensions of surveillance and events, a low intensity actually implies an absence
of recording devices and no organised events, respectively. This might be confusing, as the term
‘low’ indicates an occurrence (of, in this case, cameras or events), albeit on a small scale. However,
when a public space rates low on CCTV, this does not automatically imply that surveillance is
not important at all. The public space might be supervised in another way, for example by police
patrols, which would fall under the dimension of regulation. Similarly, a low rating on events
does not necessarily mean no spontaneous events occur at all, only that there are no organised
events. The dimensions do not express value judgements; a low rating does not imply that a
square is malfunctioning. For example, it is not a problem if a square rates low on surveillance as
long as the users feel safe.
The degree to which the dimensions listed in Table 5.4 occur in public space can be assessed
by observations, literature research, and analysis of policy documents. The ensuing intensities can
be depicted in six-dimensional diagrams. The outer ring of the diagram indicates the extreme
rating for each dimension on a scale of one to three (low, medium, and high). The fuller the
coverage in the upper half of the circle (dimensions 1 to 3), the more that particular place is
Table 5.4 Operationalisation of fear and fantasy in secured and themed public space
Dimension Intensity Description
Secured public space
1. Surveillance L.
M.
H.
2. Restraints on loitering L.
M.
H.
3. Regulation L.
M.
H.
Themed public space
4. Events L.
M.
H.
5. Funshopping L.
M.
H.
6. Sidewalk cafés L.
M.
H.
No CCTV
CCTV is installed, images are recorded
CCTV is installed, images are watched live
Benches are present, public space cannot be fenced off
No benches available, public space cannot be fenced off
Public space can be fenced off, regardless of presence of benches
Regular local ordinance, enforced by local police
Regular local ordinance, enforced by local police and private security
Additional regulation, enforced by local police and private security
No organised events
Events are organised, no permanent facilities available
Events are organised, permanent facilities available
No/limited number of shops (50 per cent of total surrounding
property)
Majority of shops of ‘fun’ nature* (>50 per cent of total surrounding
property)
No/limited number of sidewalk cafés present (< 10 per cent of total
surface)
Present, small coverage of terraces (10-50 per cent of total surface)
Present, large coverage of terraces (>50 per cent of total surface)
*
Runshops include convenience stores selling groceries or appliances. Funshops are stores with discretionary shopping goods
such as clothing and jewellery (based on Gorter et al., 2003).
95