Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

“Eyes on the street” refers to the idea proposed by which urban advocate?

1. Jane Jacobs

2. Robert Moses

3. Le Corbusier

4. Donald Appleyard

The correct answer is: Jane Jacobs

"Eyes on the street" is a concept championed by urban advocate Jane Jacobs, primarily in her influential work "The Death and Life of Great American Cities." This idea emphasizes the importance of well-populated public spaces and the presence of people in urban environments to promote safety and discourage criminal behavior. Jacobs argued that natural surveillance, which occurs when people watch over public spaces as part of their daily activities, can lead to a safer community. The presence of "eyes" in the form of residents, shopkeepers, and passersby helps create an environment where potential criminal activities are less likely to occur, as the visibility and activity discourage wrongdoing. In contrast, other urban figures mentioned do not focus primarily on this concept. Robert Moses, known for his large-scale urban planning projects, often prioritized automobile traffic and infrastructure over pedestrian-friendly environments. Le Corbusier advocated for modern architecture and design principles that sometimes lacked consideration for how spaces feel in terms of safety and community interaction. Donald Appleyard conducted studies on the impacts of street design on people's interactions with their neighborhoods and traffic, but his work did not encapsulate the same emphasis on the importance of community presence as Jacobs’ concept of "eyes on the street."