Study Site Context
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Analysis and Results
will investigate specific areas and elements that contribute to safety concerns. Through collaborative efforts with the university community, the study will also develop targeted design solutions that address these concerns. The anticipated findings will improve safety perceptions and enhance the overall usability of the Concrete Lawn, contributing significantly to the broader goal of campus safety. The Concrete Lawn at the University of Melbourne, centrally located on the Parkville campus and flanked by significant structures like the Glyn Davis Building and Union House, acts as a vital intersection for students, staff, and visitors. Its diverse landscape, featuring paved and grassy areas, trees, shrubs, and amenities such as seating, lighting, waste bins, and a coffee truck, supports a wide array of activities, from gatherings to quiet study, enhancing its appeal throughout the year. The Lawn not only foster academic and social interactions but also reflects the university’s vibrant ethos, establishing it as a key communal space.
Given its importance, maintaining this area’s safety is crucial. While existing theories and design practices have underscored the importance of environmental design in promoting public safety, this research aims to investigate users' perceptions of safety across different locations and landscape features within the Lawn. The goal is to generate practical insights that will guide the redesign of the Concrete Lawn into a safer and more inviting space within the campus. Analysis and Results
• The Photo Q sort interview aims to delve deeper into user-perceived safety by understanding how the influence of different landscape elements
• 25 Photos of the concrete lawn will be taken with the insights from the behaviour mapping, focusing on areas with lower traffic and shorter visit duration, also capturing people activities at the same time period (evening). The photos will be indicated with different types of elements, including natural elements, lighting, Seating, Fixtures /Amenities and Walking Paths
A booth with be set up at the campus which participants can easily access for three days to capture a more diverse sample, targeting 50 participants.
Participants will be asked to arrange the photos into a template according to their perceived safety, followed by a short interview asking them to briefly explain their sorting. Each sorting will be recorded using Excel and the interview will be voice-recorded.
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4.1 Prototype workshop
• The prototype workshop will be an open application for the school community (students and staff), using a first
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4.2 Public exhibition and voting
The prototypes will be presented from different angles and variations during the day and at night.
• A digital voting system will be set up and accessible via a mobile website, presenting all those prototypes.
Public voting will be promoted on the campus with booths and online eg. Social media or email newsletter)
• Analyze the votes to identify the top-rated designs and examine common features among the most popular choices.
Analysis and Results