An exploration of the influence of the built environmental elements on crime in informal settlements: a case of Naguru Go-Down in Kampala.

Abstract

In the last couple of years, crime and violence in many African countries has been shaped by deep social-economic inequalities. However, the spatial design and different built environment element factors have also played a big role in the crime and violence wave. The major objective of this research was therefore to find out the relationship between crime and violence happening in urban informal settlements with the built environmental elements. By understanding the causes of crime and it`s correlation with the low-income houses, open drainage, systems, road, route, and junction types in informal settlements, brown and green fields. This research employs empirical explorative monitoring through observations, measurements and deep interviews and indicates that crimes and violence are random in different places, spaces and times with differing factors depending on the motives of the potential offender and suitable target. The study concludes by outlining the different built environment elements and their relation with crimes and violence and suggests different environment design strategies for eliminating crimes within informal settlements.