ABSTRACT
Parking lots and parking garages must have natural surveillance and natural access control. Proper landscaping design and principles can certainly make the difference toward creating an "open" parking garage or surface parking lot and a "closed" parking garage or surface parking lot. Parking lots or parking garages that have dark areas because there is not adequate lighting are considered "closed" environments that do not "feel" safe. Studies show that in both urban and suburban environments, parking structures are problematic. Crime prevention through environmental design strategies can improve parking lot and parking structure safety without tremendous costs. Parking areas can be potentially dangerous during nighttime hours as they many times afford cover for criminals who understand the vulnerability of individuals returning to their cars. For this reason, it is important to park as near as possible to the parking lot attendant's office, if one exists.
