Too often, measures against crime and antisocial behaviour can have almost as unpleasant an effect on an environment as the things they aim to prevent. An approach being proposed in Sydney suggests uplifting alternatives.
The Living Laneways project set out to deter graffiti without alienating those who were responsible for creating it. It was felt that the involvement of respected artists in the street-art community alongside community centres that deal directly with youths on the streets would allow for a 'true' representation of Sydney to be projected onto the environment.
Long-term, it was hoped that communication with young people via stickers and information packs would lead to a strong relationship. However, in the short term it was felt that there simply needed to be a solution to the prevalence of illegal tagging, stencils and throw-ups.
The dark and unused laneways in the city centre were mapped out in order to identify the most appropriate treatments for each area.
It was proposed that a system of signposting laneways by block-colouring garage and roller doors would liven up previously dark and dreary areas and compliment a coloured sticker system that was also being developed. Anti-graffiti coatings would also be applied to the doors, making these awkward surfaces much easier to clean. A system of sensory lights would also be placed in deep doorways, deterring unsavoury activity.
The project is an excellent example of carrot and stick measures synthesised by design. It recognised from the start that the goal was to create safe, accessible and inviting spaces, not merely to prevent graffiti and other crimes. However, it also found that deterrents to crime and antisocial behaviour could be incorporated seamlessly into ways of beautifying the city.