Relevant Ecological Theories on Urban Safety: A Literature Review For The Urban Planner

Abstract

The fields of urban planning and urban sociology are closely intertwined. One creates the space the other studies how people interact in that space. I believe more explicit crosscommunication between these fields can help make sure our urban spaces are designed in ways that create safer, more fun, more sustainable, and healthier cities. Planners have the difficult task of having to be knowledgeable about a range of topics such as engineering, political science, sociology, sustainability, etc., because all of these disciplines play a role in urban planning. I believe that better urban planning can happen when these disciplines communicate relevant ideas in their field to the planners directly. In an attempt to set another example of this kind of communication, this paper is a literature review of four ecological theories on urban safety that are relevant to planners specifically. They reveal shared concepts that make communities safe: Natural surveillance, social cohesion, and taking care of the physical space around you.