Evaluation of Crime Prevention Theories through Environmental Design in Urban Renewal: A Case Study of Ankara- The Vicinity of Hacı Bayram Mosque

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study is to obtain novel results in current conditions by evaluating the built environment with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, in the prevention of crime in urban space. Design/Methodology/Approach The methods of this study; identification of CPTED theories, principles and implementation tools and CPTED principles are evaluated on a particular space due to the fact that the relationship between crime and space varies according to place-specific factors. Therefore, the vicinity of the Hacı Bayram Mosque was determined as the case study area and the physical-spatial characteristics of this area, which is a part of the historical, cultural, religious and tourism centre of the city of Ankara, were defined. Then, the transformation process of the area into a focus of crime and the crime data of 2009-2010 were evaluated with Crime Intensity Analysis to determine the crime types, rates and space-time relationship. It was evaluated whether crime data and CPTED principles were taken into account in the built environment created by the implementation of the 2010 urban design project in the renewal process of the case study area. Finally, with the inferences obtained for the development of CPTED principles and implementation tools, suggestions for the built environment in the study area were developed. Findings CPTED principles applied in urban design projects should be developed with factors such as time-space interaction in the built environment, change of crime types. Values to be preserved in cultural heritage sites and areas adjacent to sacred sites are not obstacles to the implementation of CPTED. Research Limitations/Implications The lack of crime data for the area after 2010 is the most important limitation of this study. Social/Practical Implications The methods and results of this study will contribute to the creation of safe urban spaces and to the planning literature and practices. Originality/Value It has been determined that the effectiveness in the time-space relationship, of the CPTED principles adopted in urban design projects, may decrease after the implementation.