Improving community street lighting using CPTED: A case study of three communities in Korea

Abstract

This study proposes design alternatives for community street lighting by applying “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED) concepts to enhance natural surveillance and feelings of safety. We conducted simulations to analyze how these designs would improve three communities. To find ways to enhance community safety at night, we considered lighting standards and CPTED guidelines, using Relux Pro for a simulation analysis. We came up with design alternatives considering visibility and the facial recognition for street lighting; based on this, we proposed that more security lights be installed or existing lights be modified or oriented in a different direction. When we applied the proposed changes to the study areas, we found that our simulations would improve the “average horizontal illuminance” and the basic conditions for perceiving people. The study contributes alternatives for community street lighting based on CPTED, compares the alternatives to existing lighting using simulation software, and discusses the effects of these alternatives.