Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2019, Industrial and Systems Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

A rise in sexual violent crime at Ohio University led to this study. The purpose of this study is to analyze and determine potential associations between Ohio University students' perception of risk based on crime and lighting levels on campus, so that recommendations can be made to improve campus safety. Results from the analysis indicated that individuals related lighting levels to perceived safety but were unable to specify a crime area according to perceived risk. Recommendations include investigating lighting levels for pathways that are well traveled as well as considering other solutions preferred by students. These solutions could include a safety app that would document crime areas on campus, a nightly chaperon service, and self-defense classes for students are also recommended.

Committee: Diana Schwerha (Advisor); Dale Masel (Committee Member); Tim Ryan (Committee Member); Dean Bruckner (Committee Member) Subjects: Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Occupational Safety

Master of City and Regional Planning, The Ohio State University, 2019, City and Regional Planning

The built environment has been known to effect perceptions of safety, and many tools and theories have been created to measure and address the characteristics of the built environment that effect these perceptions of safety the most. A new movement in city planning, Gender Mainstreaming, has emerged out of the need to create cities that are more inclusive to women and people of all genders. This study aims to analyze the gendered perceptions of safety around the Ohio State University's Columbus Campus through a safety audit and subsequent narrative and photo reflections. This multi-faceted study produced findings including significant differences in perceptions of safety between men and women, especially in unsafe areas, and differences in the ways that men and women interact and internalize characteristics of the built environment as they relate to their perceived safety. Further, the stress of constant surveillance and fear of their surroundings limits women's access to opportunities in their college carrier.

Committee: Jason Reece PhD (Advisor); Bernadette Hanlon PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Urban Planning; Womens Studies

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2008, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture

The construction of many new public housing facilities makes its inhabitants feel vulnerable and offers very little physical or emotional security. This, in part, is due to the failure of the designer to take into account how people perceive spaces, resulting in buildings that are either monotonous and under stimulating, or ones that produce feelings of anger and fear which facilitate violent crime. Externally, the central notion of safety will be explored via Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, making crimes so risky that they are averted. Internally, the solution to the problem involves using behavioral manipulators to purposefully influence behavior conducive to the notion of safety by creating meaningful spaces through the prescription of acceptable activity. The resulting building will serve as a model for multi-family housing by providing life-affirming conditions in which its occupants can live and thrive.

Committee: Jay Chatterjee (Committee Chair); Michael McInturf (Committee Chair) Subjects: Architecture