Theory
Defensible Space
Explore in the Atlas →Oscar Newman's theory that the physical layout of residential environments — clear territorial definition, natural surveillance, controlled access and a sense of ownership over semi-public ground — can reduce crime by enabling residents to exercise control over their surroundings.
Power Dwelling
Details
- Introduced
- 1970s
Classifications
- Holder
- Individual
- Source of authority
- Observation
- Subject
- Human centred
- Degree of codification
- Pattern based
- Mode of transmission
- Text drawing
- Knowledge type
- Propositional
- Epistemic cluster
- Western philosophical
Connections
- relates to Heterotopia
Referenced by
- Oscar Newman proposed
- Hostile Architecture (defensive design) relates to
Sources
- Oscar Newman. Defensible Space: Crime Prevention Through Urban Design. Macmillan, 1972.
Cite this entry
First published May 2026Last revised Jul 2026
CLAD. "Defensible Space." Atlas of Architectural Thought. CLAD, 2026. https://www.cl-ad.com.au/research/atlas/theory/defensible-space/. Accessed July 17, 2026.