ABSTRACT
The issue of security is a third dimension in diverse neighborhoods that designers can respond to. Housing enclaves – developments turned inward, with restricted access – are most likely born out of a desire to detach from the surrounding neighborhood in the hopes of increasing security. Yet if every development were to act defensively, the net effect would be decreased security because no one would be paying attention to the surrounding streets and public spaces. It is possible to enhance the surveillance, control and responsibility for public spaces. To promote natural surveillance, buildings should front public space. People should be able to look out of their windows directly on to the public realm in front of them. Diverse places tend to have strong edges, composed mostly of transportation and industrial corridors. Residences can be protected from harsh edge conditions by establishing a buffering greenway, or, by adding resilient building types – like offices or light industrial buildings.
