Safety perception of different plant designs in pedestrian and car streets

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of safety factors on site preferences and offer suggestions for site design by evaluating the role of plant materials in the design of safe urban landscapes. Images taken from the centre of Ataturk University’s campus were visually assessed. A total of 10 images representing periods of foliation and dormancy were studied. Eighty-one participants were asked to assess the images presented within the predetermined parameters. Overall, people felt safer in the environment during the period of seasonal foliation. Sites clearly defined by the differences in plant tissue were perceived to be more secure. Participants preferred the environment aesthetically and felt more secure during the period of full foliation. When considering the final data, it was discovered that there was a positive correlation between preference and security (r═0,558, P<0.01). Factors used in the analysis and design of contemporary landscapes include topography, climate, land and water. Landscape design that causes a feeling of insecurity within a space should be avoided. Nowadays, the perception of security in open areas has become an important issue. In this study, plant design and aesthetics of urban climate were found to be important in terms of human perception.