The influence of urban design on the safety and security of public spaces has been studied across various disciplines, as the environment shapes human behavior. Feminist theories take this further by asserting that not only do urban elements influence our behavior, but sociocultural characteristics also condition our perception of safety, thus limiting how we use urban spaces. Urban planning is not neutral, and neglecting the needs of the most vulnerable groups in the design process perpetuates societal injustices in the spaces we inhabit. This thesis aims to identify (un)safe areas in Umeå, Sweden, using an intersectional and feminist perspective, incorporating diverse analyses into a GIS workflow. Through a mixed-methods approach that combines GIS analyses with safety perception surveys, the research explores the meanings of urban safety in Sweden's diverse society, assesses concerns overlooked by feminist urban design principles, and examines how Umeå's urban morphology and social context influence perceptions of (un)safety. The findings from surveys and GIS analyses highlight disparities in safety perceptions, influenced by factors such as gender, familiarity with the area, and access to amenities. Significant contrasts are observed between the local population and newcomers, especially regarding definitions of urban safety and prioritized elements. Low-density residential neighbourhoods, lacking everyday facilities and dependent on cars, hinder the development of support networks and accessibility for various groups. In contrast, high-density areas with a wide variety of facilities have greater demographic diversity and better access to support networks. However, safety perceptions in these areas are dichotomous: some feel protected, while others view these urban centers as impersonal and more prone to violence. Incorporating safety perception into urban safety studies is crucial for addressing the real issues of the territory, influenced not only by physical urban design features but also by sociocultural conditions, reputation, or site history. Other factors, such as climate and snow, need further study, as in cold climates like Umeå, they drastically affect urban safety for much of the year. The study underscores the need for integrated urban safety strategies that combine community engagement, inclusive designs, and accurate data analysis to create safer urban environments. Including the population in decision-making for their neighborhoods and raising awareness to create neighborhood identities based on a safe perception is indispensable for developing urban practices with an intersectional perspective.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:umu-226925 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Hillerbrand, Lisa |
| Publisher | Umeå universitet, Institutionen för geografi |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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