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Public Space and Placemaking: What is CPTED?

October 16, 2025 by Mandy Z.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Principles work hand in hand with Placemaking, which is all about creating vibrant, community-oriented spaces. 

Unless the spaces in a building are arranged in a sequence that corresponds to their degrees of privacy, the visits made by strangers, friends, guests, clients, and family will always be a little awkward.

A pattern language

1. Design Harmony: Placemaking and CPTED are like two peas in a pod when it comes to designing spaces. They should be best friends from the start, working together to create environments where everyone feels safe and connected.


2. Open and Welcoming Spaces: Imagine places where you can easily see what's happening around you. Placemaking encourages friendly environments where everyone feels safe.


3. Tailoring to Needs: Every place is unique, just like every person. CPTED principles can be adapted to suit the specific character and needs of a place. It's all about making it feel just right.


4. Ownership and Community Pride: Placemaking thrives on the idea that people feel a sense of belonging to their spaces. "This place belongs to us." When people take pride in their surroundings, they tend to look out for each other.


5. Guiding the Flow: Placemaking celebrates the idea that spaces should be easy to navigate. It's like creating a welcoming path for everyone. 


6. Strong Foundations: Placemaking doesn't shy away from making places secure. Adding clever security measures will help ensure everyone can relax and enjoy the space without worrying about safety.


7. Ongoing Love and Care: Placemaking insists on well-loved and well-maintained spaces. Regular clean-up and maintenance are like giving a space a big, friendly hug. A clean and well-kept area sends a clear message that it's cherished and watched over.


8. Community Connection: Placemaking is all about bringing people together. Encourage everyone to be a part of making decisions about their spaces. When a community works together, it creates a stronger sense of safety and belonging.


9. Continuous Improvement: Placemaking is a journey, not a destination. Keep checking how well our space is working and listen to what the community has to say. 


By combining Placemaking and CPTED principles, we can create friendly, vibrant spaces that look beautiful and where everyone feels safe, welcome, and connected. 


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October 16, 2025 /Mandy Z.
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