For many people, safety is defined by the absence of crime. In urban development, however, it is about something more fundamental: how places are experienced, and whether people feel able and willing to spend time there. A range of factors contribute to creating a sense of safety.

“Security is about cameras, access control and police in the streets. But that does not necessarily make you feel safer. It can even create a sense that something might happen. Safety is created by people, activity and places that invite you to stay,” explains Camilla Aakre at LINK Arkitektur.

 

If the most vulnerable feel safe, everyone feels safe

Older people, women, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups have a greater need for overview, accessibility and clear orientation than others. These considerations will only grow in importance in the years ahead, with an increasingly ageing population.

“If older people and vulnerable groups feel safe in an area, most others will too. It is perhaps the most important indicator we have,” Aakre says.

She points out that if the most vulnerable in society feel that it is unsafe to use the city, whether because it is slippery, distances are too long or there are too many unclear crossings, then the city cannot be considered safe. Only when the vulnerable feel safe can everyone be safe, and that must apply at all times of the day.

“Safety is also about having choices. If a passage feels dark or uncomfortable to walk through in the evening, there must be an alternative route. More connections and better flow provide both safety and improved accessibility for everyone,” Aakre continues.

Belonging creates safety

Safety is also about belonging. When people feel ownership of a place, they use it differently. They care more, spend more time there, and contribute to making it a place where everyone thrives.

“If an urban space is too predefined, young people won’t use it. They need places that aren’t fully programmed, where they can define the activities themselves. That creates ownership and belonging, which in turn creates safety,” Aakre explains.

Opportunities and offerings for activity give people a reason to visit an area. Places that cater to different target groups and needs attract more people and create greater presence. For example, grocery stores and playgrounds function as important everyday destinations, drawing activity and people into local neighbourhoods.

The most important measures are people

People feel safe when others are around them. If someone is sitting out on their balcony enjoying the spring sun, or if there are people at a café along the street, you know that the urban space is being watched, and that someone can help if an accident occurs.

When urban spaces are in use, a form of social control emerges. It prevents unwanted incidents, but it also makes the place feel safe in itself.

That is why it is crucial to create what is known as “critical mass”, meaning enough people and enough activity for an area to feel alive throughout most of the day.

“Office areas are full of people during the day, but empty in the evening. Then they feel unsafe. If we mix the functions build housing, workplaces and shops, we create continuity in presence, and the areas will feel safer,” Aakre concludes.

Eight keys to safe cities

• Facilitate diverse groups — Ensure a varied mix of people and continuous presence by offering a wide range of activities that suit different users at different times of the day.

• Enable visibility — Being able to see and be seen is essential. Prioritise overview, openness and clear sightlines.

• Design lighting for recognition — Lighting should allow people to see one another, recognise faces and understand their surroundings.

• Create well‑kept places with identity — Close, pleasant and well‑maintained places with a distinct identity signal that people care — and they foster well‑being.

• Offer alternative routes — Minimise friction by avoiding bottlenecks and providing variety in movement options.

• Protect personal integrity — People must be able to choose whether to participate, observe or simply be themselves.

• Make orientation easy — Ensure that people can easily understand the place. Clarify what is private, semi‑private and public.

• Provide external protection — Safeguards against crime should be present without creating a sense of insecurity.