Female
According to researcher and designer Eva James, that is no coincidence: “The public space was designed at a time when most urban builders, architects and planners were men. The female perspective on which makes a place safe or pleasant, is therefore hardly included for a long time.”
Together with her we visit an underpass at the Wibautpark. “Here you see it immediately,” she points out. “The lighting does not always work, there is no lighting before or after the tunnel, the bend is unclear, it feels isolated. You do not know who or what you encounter on the other hand and that feels unsafe for many people, especially women.”
According to her, that kind of factors – light, overview and social control – are crucial to experience a place as safe. “Safety is not only in figures or incidents, but also in feeling. If you feel uncomfortable somewhere, you will avoid that place. And that means you lose your freedom in your own city.”
Invest
The municipality wants to invest more in public spaces from a women’s perspective. Last year an investigation started into how public space can be better arranged for girls and women. “We talked to many women from the city,” says a spokesperson.