Open spaces with few buildings predict an unsafe area.

Computational-Content-Analysis-2018 / 2-Mar-3-Computer-vision-uncovers-predictors-of-physical-urban-change

Naik, Nikhil, Scott Duke Kominers, Ramesh Raskar, Edward L. Glaeser, César A. Hidalgo. 2017. “Computer vision uncovers predictors of physical urban change.” PNAS 114(29):7571–7576.

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Open spaces with few buildings predict an unsafe area. #1

Open ghost opened 6 years ago

ghost commented 6 years ago

I was curious why enclosed streets with tall buildings are indicated as 'safer' than open streets with few buildings. From my perspective, open spaces allow me to see further so I would generally feel safer. The picture shown in the paper to illustrate this fact was a picture of run-down buildings -- therefore, maybe open spaces simply predict urban decay. Are there other psychological reasons enclosed spaces feel safer?

sushmitavgopalan16 commented 6 years ago

Tall buildings => other people around => can cry for help? as opposed to a more sparsely populated street maybe?

I'm from India where I'm used to crowds and because of that silent/empty streets ring alarm bells for me - I'm sure what we see as safe/unsafe is based on past experiences / cultural norms.