Perakuan

Saya akui ini adalah hasil kerja saya sendiri kecuali ringkasan dan nukilan yang tiap-tiap satunya telah saya jelaskan sumbernya.

4 September 2009 -------------------------------Tarikh

Yeong Kam Loong -------------------------------Nama Penulis

BEA 070047 -------------------------------Nombor Matrik

Tuntutan Pihak Ketiga

Projek Ilmiah ini disediakan bagi memenuhi sebahagian daripada syarat keperluan bagi pengijazahan Sarjana Muda Sains Seni Bina oleh Universiti Malaya. Pihak Jabatan Seni Bina, Fakulti Alam Bina, Universiti Malaya, tidak bertanggungjawab atas sebarang tuntutan dari pihak ketiga yang berhubung kait dalam penyediaan Projek Ilmiah ini.

4 September 2009

Disclaimer

This Academic Project is prepared here in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science Architecture by the University of Malaya. The Department of Architecture, Faculty of the Built Environment, University of Malaya bears no responsibility for any claim from the third party with regards to the production of this Academic Project.

4 September 2009

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my supervisor of this topical study, Professor Saari Omar for his continuous support and guidance throughout the process of producing this topical study. Also, I would like to thank officers from PKNS for their generosity to supply us with key drawings and also extra information of the sites which is vital for this particular topical study as we can get a better insight to the site. The patience of locals answering my enquiries during interview session is much appreciated. Without either one of the aid from people I mentioned above, this topical study could not been a success.

BIBLOGRAPHY

Cozens, P. M., Saville, G., Hillier, D., 2005, Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED): a review and modern bibliography. 23(5): 328-356. Jeffery, C. R., 1999. CPTED: Past, Present, and Future. Proceedings of the International CPTED Association at the 4th Annual International CPTED Association Conference. Sept 20-22, 1999. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Kitchen, T., Schneider, R. H., Crime Prevention and the Built Environment. 2007. Abingdon, Oxon : Routledge. Newman, O., 1977. Creating Defensible Space. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research. http://jpnin.gov.my/v4/?q=ms/node/380. 23/9/2009

Page Acknowledgement Abstract List of Tables List of Figures CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 1.2 Defensible Space Theory CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.4 1.2.5 1.3 Territoriality Surveillance Access Control Activity Support Image/ Management

SBD (Secured By Design)

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 The Theories 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.2 2.3 Defensible Space Theory CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Crime Prevention Strategies In Malaysia Conclusions

CHAPTER 3 CASE STUDY: LOW COST HOUSING PROJECT IN KUALA LUMPUR 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Site Information Site Issues Site Analysis Conclusions

Page CHAPTER 4 PROPOSAL: ENHANCE EXISTING SITE SECURITY WITH PLACE-BASED CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGY 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Objectives Issues to Solve Proposal of Solutions Conclusions

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS BIBLOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT

The theory of Defensible Space and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) are introduced in the United States in America since the 1970s aiming to reduce the fear and incidence of crime with the effective use of the built environment. Through some of the successful implementations, it has become a trend to implement the theories in housing and commercial developments. A similar version of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is also developed in Britain, named Secured By Design. The objective in this study is to analyse and evaluate the theory of Defensible Space and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The mentioned theories will be reviewed regarding to its relevance and suitability to be implemented in Malaysia and how it can be adapted to the social and climate context of Malaysia which is of the different altitude location and cultural value. A number of housing projects in Kuala Lumpur will be selected for case study. Brief interviews will be conducted to the locals in the selected public housing projects in order to gain a clear picture of the crime rate and security issues within the built environment. More priority is given to the design aspects in this particular study. Hence, questionnaire method will not be applied. Drawings of the particular housing project (plans, sections and elevations) will be studied and analysed regarding its effects towards the security environment of the housing project as a whole. Proposals will be recommended targeting to solve the current security issues through introducing/enhancing the current crime prevention strategy in the neighbourhood. Evaluation will be done again regarding the effectiveness of the proposed strategy and its potential setbacks.

ABSTRAK

Teori Defensible Space dan Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) telah diperkenalkan di Amerika Syarikat sejak 1970an bertujuan untuk mengurangkan ketakutan dan kejadian jenayah melalui penggunaan elemen alam bina yang efektif. Melalui keputusan-keputusan positif selepas aplikasi teori tersebut di sesetengah tempat, teori tersebut telah menjadi satu trend untuk diaplikasikan dalam pelbagai projek-projek pembangunan perumahan dan komersial. Satu versi teori yang hampir sama dengan Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design juga dibangunkan di Britain bernama Secured By Design (SBD). Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk membuat analisis dan penilaian terhadap teori-teori tersebut. Penilaian teori tersebut akan berdasarkan kesesuaian dan keberkaitan teori tersebut untuk diaplikasikan di Malaysia dan bagaimana teori tersebut boleh diadaptasikan untuk selari dengan konteks cuaca dan sosial negara kita yang berlainan lokasi altitud dan nilai budaya berbanding dengan negaranegara Barat. Sebilangan projek perumahan di Kuala Lumpur akan dipilih untuk kajian topikal ini. Penduduk tempatan akan ditemu ramah secara rawak untuk mendapatkan pemahaman isu dan keadaan keselamatan dalam projek perumahan tersebut dengan jelas. Pengutamaan akan diberi terhadap aspek reka bentuk dalam teori tersebut untuk kajian ini. Lukisan-lukisan seperti pelan, seksyen dan pandangan sisi untuk projek perumahan tersebut akan dikaji berdasarkan kesannya terhadap keselamatan projek perumahan tersebut secara keseluruhannya. Cadanagan-cadangan akan dikemukakan bertujuan untuk mengatasi isu-isu keselamatan di kawasan perumahan tersebut melalui memperkenalkan ataupun penambahbaikan strategi pengelakan kejadian jenayah di projek perumahan tersebut. Penilaian akan dijalankan berdasarkan keberkesanan strategi tersebut dan kesan-kesan negatif yang mungkin akan dihadapi oleh penduduk.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Brantingham and Brantingham (1991) have argued that there are four dimensions to any crime namely, the law, the offender, the target and the location. Hence, crime prevention strategies are mostly placed-based, focusing on crime site where crime rates are high due to the physical environment of the place itself. Placebased crime prevention theories, to name a few, are Defensible Space, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in America and Secured By Design (SBD) in Britain.

1.1

Defensible Space Theory

Oscar Newmans Defensible Space theory was introduced in year 1972. Inspired by the fall of Pruitt-Igoe housing project and the perseverance of Carr Square Village in St. Louis, the concept aims to restructure the physical layout of communities to allow residents to control the areas around their dwellings. The massiveness of Pruitt-Igoe which houses 2740 units, and the majority of singleparent and welfare families, along with the introduction of mere open community area at ground floor with river of trees which doesnt work, is the main reason why the housing project failed though the design intention was noble. From the study of the author himself, the more a space is shared by its occupants, the less responsibility the occupants felt towards. To evoke and enhance the sense of propriety by its residents towards their housing area is the main strategy where the design aims to allocate public space under the responsibility of residents or even by limiting the number of public areas such as lobby and access point shared by them.

For academics, it signifies the establishment of a new criminology subdiscipline renowned as CPTED or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The concept contributed much to what academicians regarded the first generation CPTED. However, it ended up with criticisms from researchers, practitioners and policy makers for the strategy just being mere physical. Second generation CPTED was then introduced then through refinement of the previous generation with added social factors. (Cozens, Saville and Hillier, 2005) However, Oscar Newman argued that the CPTED movement, a spin-off from the Defensible Space theory, had misunderstood and misused his ideas. The end product was shallow application of the theory in housing projects resulting in short-lived crime prevention outcome. He denied that his interventions are based on either physical determinism or social determinism as regarded by the academicians who criticised his works. Besides, he stressed that people especially practicing professionals, should follow up by studying Community of Interest (1980) or Design Guidelines for Achieving Defensible Space (1976) and not limiting themselves to Defensible Space (1972).
I am surprised by how poorly the Defensible Space concept is understood and how often it is misused. I had always thought of my ideas as comparatively simple and down to earthYet a whole cult has sprung up around these misunderstandings, with its own pseudo-language, misbegotten concepts and rituals. After reading the literature and examining the projects that have been built in the name of CPTED and Defensible Space, I am troubled by my failure to communicate my ideas clearly. (Newman, 1996: 3)

1.2

CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) CPTED, originated by C. Ray Jeffery, who was a criminologist, proposed a

broad, system-based approach to the relationship between crime and the environment which is more controversial than Newmans Defensible Space theory. It was based majorly on the utilitarian models of philosopher Jeremy Bentham (1789/1907) and on experimental psychology and stimulus response models developed by skinner (1938), and was designed as a strongly proactive and positivistic approach to crime. For him, criminal justice system does not prevent crime from happening and so, he proposed a crime prevention model based on moulding award and punishment stimulations which relies on the feedback to individuals provided by the physical environment that will eventually shape their response to the same occurrence in the future.

It is based on the psychological learning theory that that a person will respond to gain pleasure and behaviour can be shaped in this way, whereas punishment creates escape and avoidance responses, aggressive responses, and learned helplessness. A person who is punished will become aggressive and will not learn new adaptive responses to the environment. Punishment must be immediate and certain. In the criminal justice system it is neither swift nor certain, and less than 10% of the crime is punished . (Jeffery, 1990: 1)

The revised edition of the theory in 1977 injected more biological context and systems approach to the original conception by taking account of the relation between the internal physical changes in the brain and external physical environment. (Cozens, Saville and Hillier, 2005) Jeffery states that the CPTED being practiced today are more likely the adapted version of Newmans Defensible Space Theory and not based on his concepts and theories. The core principles of CPTED being practiced today include:

1.2.1

Territoriality

A design concept aimed at reinforcing the sense of propriety of space by residents which defines the area of concern where users felt responsible thereby reducing the chance of offence by intruders. Territoriality can be enhanced through access control and surveillance.

Figure 1.2.1: Example of territoriality in row houses. Occupants has the highest territoriality over the area around the house. Open area in front of each house will be under the influence of residents as they are treated as semi private space.

1.2.2

Surveillance

Physical design which provides the opportunity of observation of space by residents which subsequently reduces the potential of crime with offenders perceived that they are being watched at all times. Surveillance can be achieved by building layout design (e.g. position of windows), activity support (e.g. street activity) or even by formal (police patrol) and mechanical (CCTV) means.

Figure 1.2.2: Example of natural surveillance.

1.2.3

Access Control

Strategy focused on reducing the potential of crime by limiting or denying access to targets and creating heightened perception of risk by offenders. It can be natural (spatial organisation), formal (security personnel) and mechanical (fences and locks). (Cozens, Saville and Hillier, 2005)

Figure 1.2.3: The effect of number of access point to the controllability by its residents to their dwellings

1.2.4

Activity Support

Design concept which encourages intended use of public spaces to certain activities which contributes to natural surveillance through public participation and high pedestrian intensity at the area.

Figure 1.2.4: Example of activity support.

1.2.5

Image/ Management

Constant maintenance which promotes positive image in the built environment intended to create positive signals to all users while ensuring the physical environment continues to function effectively which in turn reduce crime and the fear on crime. (Lynch, 1960)

1.3

SBD (Secured by Design) In Britain, modern CPTED has been approved and promoted by the

government as policy to local authorities under the name of SBD (Secured by Design). It is a police-led initiative aimed at applying place-based crime to the built environment. (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Office, 2004) Evaluations of SBD versus non-SBD housing in public sector housing have supported its implementation as a means to reduce certain type of crime and fear of crime.

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1

The Theories

2.1.1

Defensible Space

Defensible Space theory focused on evoking the sense of propriety and authority of residents towards their neighbourhood through design. To allocate space within the responsibility of residents is the main intention. With the introduction of mini neighbourhoods (example: cul-de-sac layout introduced in the Five Oaks Community project), responsibilities are given to the homeowners. Subsequently, through access control, locals are then more sensitive towards the presence of strangers or intruders within their boundary of authority to the extent that they even pose the authority to question strangers entering their neighbourhood. When theres less people sharing access to their living place, residents could define acceptable behaviour at places within their territory better as well.

Figure 2.1.1: Cul-de-sac layout

Figure 2.1.1: Mini neighbourhoods

Indirectly, this theory intends to enhance the relationship among the locals in the neighbourhood with the implementation of mini neighbourhoods. Taking account of the example of Five Oaks Community project, with the elimination of cut through traffic by applying cul-de-sac layouts, children are safer to play at the internal streets. People get to know their neighbours easier and are able to look out for each other with the significant reductions of strangers entering the neighbourhood due to cut through traffic. This mean of natural surveillance contribute much in reducing crime rate in the neighbourhood. With reduced crime rate, estate value for that particular housing area subsequently increased while residents regain the initiatives to refurbish their housing units for a better estate value. Racial integration and social change is one of the side benefits brought by such scheme. (Newman, 1996)

The University of Daytons survey found that 67 percent of residents thought their neighbourhood was a better place to live, while 13 percent said it had remained the same; 39 percent said they knew their neighbours better, while 53 percent said they knew as many as before; 24 percent said it was easier to recognise strangers; and 36 percent were more involved in the community (that is, through block clubs, civic activities, neighbourhood watches). Most importantly, there was no difference in these perceptions between African Americans and whites, renters and homeowners. Drugs, theft from houses and cars, and harassment were all found to be less of a problem than a year earlier. (Newman, 1996: 56)

However, the implementation of such theory requires an enormous effort; policy-making, participation of the community, authority and local public institutions as a whole is the key of success, not to mention continuous support, cooperation and contribution of views from all of the participants stated. As the social and urban fabric of the neighbourhoods differs from each other, each proposed scheme must be sensitive towards its environments. Tolerance in design has to be done sometimes to meet inadequate funding by the local government authority. The concept can be implemented only when the neighbourhood is not infested by the majority of criminals, or else the concept might even worsen the condition faced by the residents. (Newman, 1996) A subsequent evaluation of Five Oaks has suggested that the significant drop in crime rate was due more to opportunity reduction factors through the elimination of cut through traffic, than to community mobilisation factors where community attitudes are indirectly affected by defensible space or other changes related to the physical design of the environment. (Donnelly & Kimble, 1997) The design of cul-de-sac layout by Newman also clashes with new urbanism ideas

which in favour of high permeability in urban design intended to promote social interaction between residents, which is of the same aim although approaches differ.

2.1.2

CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) On the other hand, the original idea of CPTED developed by its originator,

C. Ray Jeffery, is intended to shape desirable behaviour with pleasure rather than to avoid undesirable behaviour with punishments through criminal justice system. It focuses on the development of the human psychology through the relation between the physical brain and the changes in the environment. How the environment change will consequently change the response of the physical mind of individuals. (Schneider and Kitchen, 2007) Similarly, Defensible space theory emphasises on the development of positive human psychology in the long term, by means of passive security design through active human participation. However, it involves the community living in the area as a whole compared to individual physical mind development mechanism of CPTED. In the evolved version of CPTED which is implemented in most practices nowadays, more focus is being put on infrastructural development that enhances the security of a range of land uses including town centres, residential areas, commercial areas, parking and transportation facilities, recreation and park areas, public institution and mixed-use developments through lighting, access control, target hardening, boundary definition and etc. Social aspects are not well included as part of the intervention strategies as they are fully exerted by the local authority with the absence of community participation. When crime prevention strategies overly reliant on target hardening without sufficient community participation, fortress mentality can result where residents withdraw behind walls, fences and fortified homes. (Cozens, Saville and Hillier, 2005) However, as a matter of fact, community participation in such strategies would take a lot of time while policy makers and local authorities are concerned with speed of implementation and instant outcome. That explains how both Defensible Space and CPTED is adapted to meet the needs of authorities and practicing professionals in terms of speed and ease of implementation, which both of the originators of Defensible Space and CPTED had denied of its accordance to their principles. Though there are arguments between these two concepts, these two

concepts actually adapted to each other through the application and implementation by both practitioners and professionals.

CPTED, as it is known and practiced today, is therefore a closer adaptation of Newmans defensible space than of Jefferys original concept, even though it blends the element of both. It has evolved over the past two decades and continues to blend with other place-based strategies such as situational crime prevention and environmental criminology. Much of this evolution comes from the gradual incorporation of CPTED strategies into local building and development codes in the United States and national policy in Britain. (Schneider and Kitchen, 2007: 24)

It should be noted that certain CPTED strategies only work sometimes in certain locations to some specific crimes; it cant be treated as the ultimate remedy as the environment is so vast and diverse where generalisation of relationships between crime and place are difficult to support empirically. (Schneider and Kitchen, 2007)

2.2

Crime Prevention Strategies In Malaysia

The implementation of security guard post and surveillance camera as means of access control has been the trend of access control and surveillance measures used medium and high cost high rise private housing nowadays. Residents pay an amount of money each month/year to the management to sustain the cost for maintenance of the cameras and salary for the security guards. Such expenditure can be saved for better use if defensible space/CPTED theory is effectively applied there. Though this could be an effective measure of crime prevention, too much trust is being allocated on the guards and the consequences of defected guards cannot be neglected. Not to mention that the number of foreign workers in the security industry has been increasing. (Pakistani Security Guard Wanted for UTAR Student Murder- The Star, 4th August 2007) Furthermore, this measure indirectly contributes to the lack of social interaction between members in the society nowadays as they do not care what happens at the outside to the extent they do not even know the name of their neighbours next door. This reflects the fortress mentality which comes from the over dependence target hardening measures in terms of crime prevention strategy.

While in terrace housing area, examples of renovations to the house lots by increasing the height of boundary walls or fencing to enhance security is one of the common target hardening strategies utilised by the homeowners to foil off potential burglary and robbery. Alarm systems are offered by developers as one of the housing unit purchase package has become a popular trend lately. Further reinforced by toughened doors, locks and windows, these target hardening strategies have made housing units have become fortress-looking. It is interesting to find out that the practice of providing residential units above retail stores is one of the recent developments in the Western countries as a mean of activity support to the area (Wekerle and Whitzman, 1995; Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2004) whereas the typology of shop house in Malaysia has existed since a long time ago. While the rapid erection of modern shop office has replaced shop house as the trend of commercial development nowadays, it is worthwhile to restudy and reconsider the potential of developing of shop house in a way which is more sustainable to the current economy and social demand. A similar version of neighbourhood watch programme practiced in the United Kingdom which is of the same concept is being introduced in Malaysia, namely Rukun Tetangga by year 1975. The practice is aimed to reduce and prevent crime in the neighbourhood during the nights through patrols by participation of its members who are residents in the neighbourhood. However, during 1984, the emphasis of the program was switched to foster racial integration under the role of Jabatan Perpaduan Negara Dan Integrasi Nasional. In year 2001, the approach has widened to community development and eventually night patrol program is reintroduced on voluntary basis in year 2003. It is a good example of showing how policy making can contribute to crime prevention in the built environment even though it does not involve design aspects in building or urban planning. The program was able to promote neighbourliness as well as the security of the neighbourhood through participation from the community, apart from instilling the sense of responsibility and propriety among the members towards their living ground. It is a shame to witness many of the current modern housing developments that had neglected the importance of the program, resulting in a housing project with no community centre at all, intended to maximise land areas for housing units. However, the statement made by Minister of the Prime Minister Department in 2009 to conduct a review on the Rukun Tetangga scheme and allocation of more

government funding in the programme has shed some light towards its development.

2.3

Conclusions

Target hardening, is seen as one of the crime prevention strategies being practiced in Malaysia nowadays. With the implementation of such strategy, targets are more resistant and time-consuming to breakthrough, and hence entail more risk, effort and energy for potential offenders. Though it is successful in preventing crime at targeted area, the implementation somehow created a harsh environment to the public while bearing the possibility of deflecting crime to other areas which is more vulnerable. Indirectly it exerts social impact to the society in the long term, worsening the lack of commonality and civility among neighbours which increases their vulnerability to criminals. Its time to take a few steps back and look into the past and review the potential of some of the folklores such as the shop house typology and Rukun Tetangga which had faded through time to make way for more convenient and elegant solutions to meet higher living standards.

CHAPTER 3 CASE STUDY: LOW COST HOUSING PROJECT AT KUALA LUMPUR.

3.1

Site Information

The housing project is located next to Persiaran Kenanga at Section 4, Kota Damansara. Developed by PKNS, the 6 storey low cost apartments project houses 800 units in 10 blocks occupying a total area of a 4.35 hectare. Recreation area which is 10 percent of the total project area is located at the middle of the project while surau is located at the southeast corner. A total of 440 car parking lots and 132 motorcycle parking lots are provided to the residents. Adjacent to the housing project is a secondary school, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seksyen 4 Kota Damansara which is located across the street and Sekolah Agama a few blocks away. The housing project is managed by a property management office stationed at ground floor of one of the housing blocks. They are in charge of the facilities management of the housing project.

Figure 3.1.1: Location plan

Figure 3.1.2: Site plan

Each unit consists of three bedrooms, one bathroom and toilet each, one living room, dining room, kitchen. Kitchens are situated next to the entrance into the units, with yards which are facing the voids of the each floor. Dining rooms are located between kitchens and living rooms. Bedrooms and living rooms are located around the perimeter of each unit with windows overlooking the parking lots below. Each block is divided into two strips of units with eight units per strip, separated by an internal corridor. Each floor is linked by a staircase at both ends of the internal corridor with openings providing views to the outer space. Six voids per floor are provided to allow daylight penetration to each the floors below.

Figure 3.1.1: Typical unit.

Figure 3.1.2: Housing block massing

Figure 3.1.3: Typical floor plan

Figure 3.1.4 & 3.1.5: Photo showing front and side elevation of each block.

3.2

Site Issues

According to the information from the residents, crime rate at the housing project was high before, involved mostly on car and motorcycle theft. Ever since the establishment of residents association by the locals two years ago, crime rate has reduced significantly as they took initiative to look after each others properties. The only major concern by the residents nowadays is the gang fighting involving Indian students from the neighbouring secondary school in the housing compound. In fear of revenge by the gangsters, residents choose not to report or interfere to stop the fights. There is an unreported murder case where one student is beaten to death by eight gangsters of the same school six months ago. The students from the neighbouring school are notorious for playing truant by hanging around the housing area during school hour. Teachers are seen in the housing compound looking for students sometimes. As gang fights mentioned above is regarded as irrational offence which are less likely to respond predictably to any crime prevention initiatives, (Cozens, Saville and Hillier, 2005) this issue will not be analysed further in this particular study.

3.3

Site Analysis

From the bigger scale, the mixed development of housing projects with a variety from low cost to high cost housing in one particular area is intended to avoid segregation of certain groups especially low income groups in one particular section as crime rate at areas with high intensity of low income population is proven high. (Newman, 1996) This can be witness with the positioning of Villa Damansara which is medium cost housing next to the site. The positioning of schools in each section would encourage family ownership of the housing projects. Situated close to Persiaran Kenanga, one of the major arterial roads in Kota Damansara, the site has the highest susceptibility to crime. Furthermore, the provision of only one common entry into the housing project of 10 blocks provides anonymity to people entering the building complex which can contribute to criminal activities as occupants could not differentiate residents or strangers entering the compound. With such orientation, residents could not exert responsibility to the entry point as it is shared by all residents, making it hard for them to have the sense of propriety towards it and eventually reduces the territoriality of the housing project by its residents as a whole. On the other hand, restricting access point into one would also mean by limiting escape route of criminals into one with perimeter of the housing area fenced. Hence, there are pros and cons behind such orientation. Zero cut through traffic across the site would mean opportunity reduction in crime.

Figure 3.1.1: Black dot showing the only entrance to the housing project.

Figure 3.3.2: Black patch showing undefined open space

The ground floor level of the housing blocks is left empty to provide space for community activities which eventually ended up as parking space for motorcycles and bicycles. Without well-defined entrance, the housing blocks provide unlimited access to its ground floor without proper surveillance. Furthermore, undefined space shown in Figure 3.3.2 displays low sense of propriety by the residents where it becomes the dumpsite of residents unused items. As the place owned by no one, it is more vulnerable to penetration of outsiders into the housing block from there, right from the housing project entrance.

Figure 3.3.3: Ground floor community space being used as motorcycle parking.

Figure 3.3.4: Rubbish dumped at open area next to staircase.

Floor plan of typical units showing the location of living room facing the streets and kitchen next to the entrance of each unit could provide natural surveillance to the outer environment and entrance to each unit respectively. Entrance doors, reinforced with iron grilles, are the only openings facing the internal corridor of each floor. Narrow spacing of corridor between units would promote interaction between neighbours. Despite the narrow space between facing units, the sight of used furniture being placed at the internal corridor at certain floor and ground floor shows some amount of sense of propriety by residents to the mentioned public space.

Figure 3.3.5 & 3.3.6: Placement of used furniture at internal corridor and ground floor.

Figure 3.3.7: Positioning of windows facing the outer environment. Note: resident observing strangers (author) presence.

In terms of community, the residents get to know with each other mostly through communal activities such as surau prayer in the evenings. It helps for residents to recognise the properties owned by their neighbours and able to warn or even stop in event of potential vehicle theft. Also, residents get to voice out the issues they faced in the housing project at meetings after prayer where the communities would try to solve together. Residents are active in community activities where announcement notices of activities can be seen pasting on the walls and columns at the ground floor. In addition, voluntary residents would station at the ground floor community space to safeguard the housing blocks during the nights. This would explain the sight of used furniture being placed at ground floor.

Figure 3.3.8 & 3.3.9: Announcement notices of community activities found on ground floor.

Each block consists of four captains, two male and female respectively. They are in charge of ensuring the order and cleanliness of each housing block. In event of burglary, captain will get all the residents gathered at ground floor and conduct checks. This can be an effective mean to curb with burglaries among

residents especially when the residents are mostly from low income population if it is conducted continuously. Sights of new-looking paint gives a positive image to residents and visitors that the place is well-managed by its occupants. This would able to reduce the fear of crime by the users subsequently.

3.4

Conclusions

Despite some setbacks in the housing project in terms of design, the initiative of the community there to take charge of the built environment allows the place to be maintained continuously in order although it suffered high crime rate of automobile theft before the establishment of residents association. This shows the strength of community when its members work together as a whole. Mixed-use development, with the provision of small business zones within or around housing area could promote natural surveillance through activity support at the area, especially when most of the residents are out for work during the days. Notable example: four- storey shop-house development at Section 17, Petaling Jaya. As human interaction reduces by ten percent with a difference of one floor level, (Brand, 1997) it is suggested that future housing developments to incorporate design elements which could enhance interaction among residents. This in turn, will not only enable people to watch over each other but that they will be more responsive to criminal acts acted on each other.

CHAPTER 4 PROPOSAL: ENHANCE EXISTING SITE SECURITY WITH PLACE-BASED CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGY

4.1

Objectives

To introduce a series of intervention aiming to resolve the security issues faced by the residents based on the analysis conducted of the site itself. The intervention strategies are based on the crime prevention knowledge acquired throughout the making of this topical study.

4.2

Issues To Solve

Weak boundary definition of each housing block with high permeability has caused the ground floor community space becomes motorcycle parking area while providing easy access and escape for criminals. Undefined zone near to the primary entrance to the housing project, which is without fencing, would allow trespassing of outsiders into the housing compound by foot.

Figure 4.2.1: Weakly-defined building boundary.

Figure 4.2.2: Green area.

Figure 4.2.2: Undefined zone.

Figure 4.2.3: Unfenced edge.

4.3

Proposal of Solutions

Based on the analysis, 3 schemes are proposed: Reinforcing the boundary definition of existing housing blocks. Transformation of existing undefined zone into recreation area. Reinforcing the edge (shown in Figure 4.2.3) of proposed recreation area.

Since the first and third schemes are almost identical in terms of method, these two schemes will be discussed together in the same sub topic.

NOTE: DIAGRAMS TO BE DRAWN

4.3.1

Reinforcing the boundary definition of existing housing blocks

It is proposed to be implemented at the edge between existing green area and car parking lots of each housing blocks with boundary defining elements while limiting access points into the housing block into a total number of two per each block. There are a variety of materials which can be used such as: Landscaping (shrub) Low wall or fencing Decorative steel fencing

Which intends to avoid creating fortress-looking environment around the housing area which could subsequently contribute to fortress mentality as mentioned in Chapter Two. Intervention will block motorcycle access into the community area as motorcycle parking will be relocated to the parking lots outside the housing blocks as according to the initial planning of the housing project.

4.3.1.1 Landscaping (shrub) This means of solution is able to create minimal visual impact to the existing site. However, routine maintenance (trimming) of the plants is required as to prevent its overgrowth.

4.3.1.1 Low wall or fencing The solution which requires less maintenance work but creates higher visual impact compared to landscaping method.

4.3.1.2 Decorative steel fencing The most expensive choice of solution which requires continuous repaint works to prevent rust. It exerts the highest visual impact to the site as compared to the other two.

4.3.2

Transformation of existing undefined zone to recreation area As the current condition is: nobody uses or owns the space, which explains

the reason of that area becoming a dumpsite, the strategy is intended to encourage public usage of that particular zone while to instil the sense of propriety of residents towards the space. This activity support method aims to bring in natural surveillance by residents to the primary entrance into the housing project at certain period of day as the by product. Taking account of work hours and school hours, the particular zone will not be occupied at all times. With the addition of boundary reinforcing method around the zone as discussed in the previous sub topic, trespassing of outsiders into the recreation area would be discouraged. Wakafs, benches and tables will be incorporated to the recreation area. No trees will be planted as it would provide shade and hiding place to potential criminals during the nights. Lighting equipment will lit up the area during the nights and hence provide surveillance opportunity of occupants towards the area. If the intervention of rezoning this area were to fail, this area could become a place for both playing truant and gang students to hang out which might impose fear of crime to the residents

4.4

Conclusions

The solutions are theoretical, practicability is yet to be proven with actual implementation and study displaying its effectiveness. In the process of proposing intervention to the site, the phrase certain CPTED strategies works only on certain place and situation is understood better as the proposals given aims to be specific to the site. Though effectiveness of the proposal unknown, it is always a good learning experience.

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS

After the throughout study of place-based crime prevention strategies, it is discovered that behind the reason of every debate and criticism of the theories, the cause is always the imbalance of the effectiveness crime prevention strategy with its social impact to the community. It can be noticed that each of the strategies strives to incorporate more biological context as it evolves from time to time. Though target hardening and lighting strategies are proven highly effective in crime prevention, they are the less humane means of solution while some of the crime prevention strategies which are sensitive to biological context might not be successful. A balance has to be established in between. As the social pattern of Malaysia differs from those in Western countries, a thorough study of the crime pattern and community fabric of the society should be conducted by experts in order to tailor a localized crime prevention measures which is more relevant to its context. There are possibilities that crime prevention strategies which failed in the Western countries might work here. The strength of community working together as a whole shall not be neglected as there are potentials for it to become the one of the main crime prevention strategies instead as a reinforcing factor. Crime prevention strategies should be considered during the planning stage, be it a town or building, instead of treating it as guidelines to cope with place-based crimes in a particular built environment. Such knowledge should be shared with the members of the public to equip them with the ability to prevent crime and not limited only to the experts. There is possibility that crime prevention strategies can enhance racial integration, urban regeneration and even social mobility of society as a whole to make Malaysia a more harmonic place to live, for all of us, for our next generation.