Assessment of Urban Landscape Elements Associated with Women’s Perception of Safety in Public Spaces in Chiang Mai

Abstract

        The safe use of public spaces is an important factor associated with women’s quality of life and their right to access urban environments. However, the physical characteristics of urban landscapes are related to women’s perceptions of safety in public spaces. This research aimed to: (1) assess the women’s perceived level of safety in using public spaces in Chiang Mai and (2) examine urban landscape elements associated with women’s perceptions of safety in public spaces. This research employed a quantitative methodology. Data were collected through questionnaires from a sample of 120 women using public spaces in Chiang Mai, selected through convenience sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire measuring perceived safety across five key urban landscape elements, including lighting conditions, visibility, clarity of circulation paths, maintenance, and the presence of people. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings indicated that women’s overall perception of safety in public spaces in Chiang Mai was at a moderate level (µ = 3.55, S.D. = 0.81). The urban landscape elements with the highest mean scores were adequate lighting, clear visibility of surrounding areas, and the continuous presence of people. In contrast, areas with insufficient lighting, blind spots, or inadequate maintenance tended to be avoided by women. These findings highlight the necessity of urban landscape design and management that consider women’s safety, particularly through improving lighting systems, enhancing spatial visibility, and promoting continuous public use of public spaces. These findings can serve as practical guidelines for planning more secure and inclusive urban environments for women.