Defensible Space

The term “defensible space” was coined by Oscar Newman (1973a) in his book “Defensible Space.”

About the book, Reynald and Elffers, in their article “The future of Newman’s defensible space theory: Linking defensible space and the routine activities of place”, published in the European Journal of Criminology (6(1), 25-46), wrote (page 29):

“For Newman (…) territoriality is a critical mechanism for creating the impermeable residential environment that defensible space advocates, with the fewest possible entry/exit points, making it well contained and easier to monitor and control. (…) In theory, Newman’s natural surveillance mechanism serves to reinforce territoriality, because it reduces fear among residents by generating the feeling that they are under constant observation by other residents . . . The increased sense of security that is generated by fostering natural surveillance results in the more frequent use of space by residents, which in turn increases surveillance and improves the desire to defend that space.”

Further Reading

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