At first glance, the idea that buildings can affect the way people act may seem bizarre, however, sociology has bought to light new information, regarding how humans react to their surroundings, which may have a huge impact on on the future of architecture and housing.
The broken window theory in sociology, tells us that results prove that areas where buildings become run down and are uncared for, are likely to suffer from more crime, than housing areas where buildings are kept in good condition.
In the past, poor areas of cities, have been left in a run down state. When people can’t afford a decent place to live, the council has placed them in such areas. The buildings they live in are often squeezed in tightly, and flat upon flat is layered, one above the other, in tall buildings, with dimly lit hallways and malfunctioning lifts.
It doesn’t take a genius to assume that crime in such areas if rife. The way buildings are crammed together, coupled with a lack of lighting, and with dire conditions, all adds up to make such places concrete crime dens.
Psychologists and sociologists are now sending out the message that society can better itself by taking more care when it comes to both designing buildings, and with their upkeep. It seems that when people exist in buildings, which are decent dwelling places, they are likely to treat them with more respect, and, more importantly, to treat other people with more respect too.
It’s possible, that when a human being is placed in a housing complex full of negativity and dereliction, a lack of hope exists amongst the debris. Where there are no signs of a happier future on the horizon, people may not bother to make an effort to improve their lot, or to live their life along a straight and narrow path, free from crime.
Buildings which provide secret, dark alleys and derelict areas, give people who have no hope a place to take drugs, or to rape and murder. Buildings that are bright and airy, provide safety and a feeling of well being, that promotes generosity and strength, rather than fear and the temptation to live the life of a criminal.
It may be, that by taking care of buildings, and by providing positive living areas for the population to dwell, society can become happier, and more crime free than it has ever been before.
