Intelligent Space Partnership have developed a new method of modelling 'natural surveillance' using computer software. The technique is described in an article published in the international peer-reviewed journal Environment and Planning B. The article sets out a new methodology for assessing the level of natural surveillance of a public space by its adjacent buildings, which is considered an important factor in reducing crime risk.

The article has been written by Jake Desyllas and Frank Hebbert of Intelligent Space Partnership, and Phillip Connoly of Living Streets (The Pedestrians' Association). Intelligent Space's innovative computer analysis techniques were combined with Living Street's experience in the field of pedestrian movement and crime to produce groundbreaking techniques for supporting crime reduction through environmental design.

Abstract:

Many commentators have suggested that the 'natural surveillance' of public spaces can have important social consequences such as preventing or deterring crime. In this paper we introduce a model of natural surveillance in public space which uses visibility graph analysis. The model is applied to two study areas with very different urban morphologies: a traditional street network and a modern university campus. Levels of surveillance in the traditional street network are found to be much higher than in the university campus. It is suggested that the model can be used to test for the importance of natural surveillance as a risk-reduction factor in crime prevention through environmental design.