Re-imagining Streets: Increasing Livable Space Available to People

Abstract

This thesis investigates how urban street design can be reimagined to increase livable public space and improve residents’ perceptions of safety in dense urban neighborhoods. Focusing on the districts of Högaborg, Eneborg, and Söder in Helsingborg, Sweden, the study examines how streetscape design interventions can address persistent negative perceptions of these areas, which residents often regard as unsafe despite crime rates comparable to other parts of the city.
Through a combination of literature review, site analysis, municipal research, and precedent studies, the project explores the relationship between physical urban conditions and perceived safety. Particular attention is given to factors such as lighting, visibility, maintenance, vegetation, social activity, and spatial configuration, and how these elements influence residents’ experiences of public space. The research also situates these issues within broader urban challenges, including increasing urban density, limited access to green public spaces, and the dominance of automobile-oriented infrastructure in central neighborhoods.
The thesis proposes a design strategy that prioritizes people over vehicles by transforming underutilized street space into flexible, inclusive, and environmentally responsive public areas. By integrating green infrastructure, improving microclimatic conditions, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting opportunities for social interaction, the project demonstrates how thoughtful street design can strengthen the public realm and contribute to safer, more livable urban environments.

Popular Abstract

Urban streets are often designed primarily for cars, leaving limited space for people to gather, relax, and interact. This thesis explores how street design can be reimagined to create more livable public spaces and improve how safe residents feel in dense urban neighborhoods. The study focuses on the districts of Högaborg, Eneborg, and Söder in Helsingborg, Sweden—areas that are often perceived as unsafe by residents despite having crime rates similar to other parts of the city.
Using literature review, site observations, municipal data, and examples from other cities, the research examines how physical elements of the urban environment influence people’s perception of safety. Factors such as lighting, visibility, greenery, maintenance, and opportunities for social activity are explored to understand how they shape everyday experiences in public space.
The project proposes redesigning underused street areas to prioritize people rather than cars. By adding green infrastructure, improving comfort and microclimates, supporting biodiversity, and creating flexible spaces for community life, streets can become more welcoming and active places.
The thesis ultimately shows that thoughtful street design can strengthen public life and help residents feel safer, contributing to more inclusive, vibrant, and livable urban neighborhoods.

• author: Perreault, Jessica Marie
• supervisor: Andreas Olsson
• organization: Department of Architecture and Built Environment
• course: ASBM01 20172
• year: 2026
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Arts and Architecture
• keywords: Urban street design, Public space, Perceived safety, Livable cities, Streetscape design, Urban density, Placemaking, Green infrastructure, Biodiversity, Microclimate, Pedestrian priority, Social interaction, Urban regeneration, Helsingborg, Sustainable urban design, SUDes, Högaborg, Eneborg, Söder, urban design
• language: English
• id: 9223849
• date added to LUP: 2026-03-09 14:43:10
• date last changed: 2026-03-09 14:43:10