White Space for Water Ways

I encountered the term white space after reading Malcolm Gladwell's Blink. White Space is a security concept that essentially means room for action. White Space is any condition that allows a person more time to react to a situation. White Space thus includes keeping crowds away from VIPs or cops standing behind a stopped driver instead of beside the driver-side window.

This concept should be included in our design paradigms for managing public spaces. Part of our enforcement problem is the lack of space to detect and deter wrongdoing. Poorly lit areas and twisty alleyways provide cover for criminals. A lack of convenient pedestrian walkways encourage jaywalking. Residences directly abutting streams and rivers encourage pollution.



Lets look at the idea of White Space used near a river or stream. Suppose we implemented a law preventing certain structures from being placed in within 10 meters of a river or stream. With no nearby houses it won't be as easy for residents to mindlessly drop a plastic bag out the window into the water. The trickle of trash then can't accumulate into a larger problem such as clogged drains and water ways. That means a lessened chance of polluted floodwaters making people sick and destroying their property.

Speaking of floods, there will be less danger that heavy rains will endanger people residing at the river banks - there will be none. It will also be easier for government to construct safety structures without damaging private property.

Now imagine that the area will be lighted at night and rails and a walkway placed in the area. Now those residents have a park they can enjoy for free. Children can play without worrying about being run over. It also allows law enforcers a line of sight across the neighborhood. Visibility deters small crimes. And if more cops are needed they can easily get through a 10 meter space.

People seem to have the impression that filling up every available space is the best way to maximize its effectiveness. That's not true. Sometimes the open areas can be more important and more effective in creating good living conditions.