From: THRIVE: Tool for Health and Resilience in Vulnerable Environments
A Chicago housing project was transformed through an award-winning architectural makeover. Prior to the renovation, tenants did not feel safe enough to sit outside their front door, where chain-linked fences enclosed corridors and created a prison-like environment. In the process of the redesign, the chain link fences were eliminated and the buildings were enclosed with glass. The president of the Tenants' Association explained, "Nobody thought the idea of putting glass over the sides of the buildings would really work, but it changed everything. You couldn't help but see a rosier day."
Improving the ambiance of the community led to 1) a significant reduction in theft and violence in the building. In addition to anecdotal reports, the head of the local Chamber of Commerce has found that reports of small theft and violence from the building have virtually stopped. Improvements have created real changes in both the sense of safety within the complex and actual reduction in reports of some types of crime (housing; look, feel and safety). This improved sense of safety has created opportunities for interaction as people are comfortable being in the common spaces of the complex (social networks and trust) and are more comfortable walking around (getting around; parks and open space).
This community example was written with funding from The California Endowment.