Creating Defensible Space

Philadelphia : DIANE Publishing, 1996. — 123 p. — ISBN-10: 0788145282; ISBN-13: 9780788145285. Reading Oscar Newman is an exercise in tolerance. One must tolerate his individualistic approach and writing style to reach the substance of what is being said. In some ways, reading Creating Defensible Space (April, 1996) is an interesting study into the personality of Oscar Newman. On one hand, for those unfamiliar with his original 1972 book Defensible Space, his latest book is an excellent summary of the principles and tactics of an idea he created 24 years ago. Newman provides three engaging examples of how he has applied the concept in the field. These examples are useful to those interested in planning and development, as they articulate important principles with which all design professionals should be familiar. They should also be required reading in schools of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning. From this perspective, Creating Defensible Space is a necessary addition to any planning and development library. Illustrations Acknowledgements Introduction Defensible Space Principles Mini-neighborhoods in Five Oaks, Dayton, Ohio The Clason Point Experiment Dispersed, Scattered-Site Public Housing in Yonkers References Addendum A: Defensible Space Guidelines Used in Yonkers RFP Addendum B: Tenant Training Course The appearance of Oscar Newmans Defensible Space in 1972 signaled the establishment of a new criminological subdiscipline that has come to be called by many Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design or CPTED. Over the years, Mr. Newmans ideas have proven to have significant merit in helping the Nations citizens reclaim their urban neighborhoods. This casebook will assist public & private organizations with the implementation of Defensible Space theory. This monograph draws directly from Mr. Newmans experience as consulting architect. Illustrations.