Lighting plays an important part when we talk about the role of urban design in promoting a safer and inclusive night-time environment for women. But Prof. Dr. Marion Roberts points out that it’s not just about that, it’s about creating a comfortable environment that promotes safety. In addition, another differentiating factor is the presence of a diverse mix of people.
Proper lighting does not mean glaring spotlights, but rather a well thought-out lighting design. Next, the concept of natural surveillance/’eyes on the street’, as theorised by Jane Jacobs, should be incorporated, giving rise to an increased sense of safety and available assistance. Creating safer routes is essential, and Mexico City serves as an inspiring example of this. Here, due to increasing violence against women, authorities have implemented streets artistically adorned with help buttons and artwork. In doing so, they have transformed these spaces into welcoming havens that convey a sense of care and protection. This approach can also be extended to public transport, with visible staff (such as ticket collectors) who can offer assistance if needed, she says.
However, it is important to recognise that urban design is not a stand-alone solution. It is part of a larger societal shift towards safety and inclusion.
Prof. Dr. Marion Roberts will be present at the Culture of Nightlife Conference in Timișoara to bring an academic and anthropological perspective on how urban design can change cities. Marion is a professor at the University of Westminster and also an authority on urban design, with a focus on the interaction between gender and the nightlife city.
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This project is part of the national cultural program “Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023” and is financed through the Grow Timișoara 2023 program, carried out by the Project Center of Timișoara Municipality, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Culture.
The Night-Art Festival is presented by George, the first smart banking.
Sponsors: Fan Courier, Iulius Town, ATP Motors, Pepsi
Project partners: Leeds City Council, In-Edu Association Timișoara, German Cultural Center Timișoara, Cluj Cultural Center, West University Timișoara, University of Art and Design Cluj-Napoca, Polytechnic University of Timișoara
Communication partners: Getica OOH, Aushopping galleries, Kiss Fm, Euromedia, Pressone.ro, G4Media.ro, World Wide Print, Daisler Print House, Știri din România, Tion, Express de Banat, IQOOL, Zile și Nopți, Știri de Timișoara, NewsVest, Adevărul, TVR, Radio Timișoara, România Pozitivă, Best of Timișoara
