Multi-method Approach to Identify the Perception of Safety in Urban Parks

Perception of safety is a crucial factor that influences the use and activity of an urban public space. This study explores multiple methods and approaches to identify the perception of safety and usage of a park within the context of Bengaluru, India. Systematic observations were carried out in the park to assess the age group, gender, and level of physical activity of park users at different times of the day (morning, afternoon, evening, and night). Activity mapping for all the different observation times was prepared separately to analyse the park's activities. A Perception mapping method was conducted with the park users to identify their perceptions of feeling safe. This study was further validated using the Brain EEG measurement, which helped to identify the areas in the park that were perceived as safe and unsafe. The study involved a comprehensive assessment of the park's physical features and safety measures, providing additional credibility to the findings. Activity mapping of the different zones at different observation times clarified how space's movement pattern and functionality are directly related to reducing fear. The results from the perception mapping identified different hotspots for feeling unsafe. The Brain EEG analysis results were further used to validate activity-mapping and perception-mapping findings. From all the above methods, it was identified that the sight of vision and observation a region gets for itself is the vital built environment factor for achieving the perception of safety. Multiple-method approaches could be used to analyse the perception of safety in urban parks and validate the findings.