Effects of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design on the Formation of Sense of Community through Social Interaction among Students in University Campus

Crime prevention and safety issues have been major concern in educational facilities to serve students’ particular spatial needs. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of physical environment by CPTED on their perceived sense of community(SOC) and social interaction. Literature review contended that high level of SOC contributed to the safe environment, thus making a better interactive place to build strong social ties among college students. The χ 2 analysis on personal characteristics by SOC and CPTED indicated there exists statistical significance regarding gender, grade, type of activity area, and personality. A linear regression analysis showed that CPTED factor was statistically related to student’s SOC. Additional stepwise regression analysis also noted that the primary predictors in the formation of sense of community were ‘convenient and clean environment’ and ‘enough lighting and illumination’. An IPA analysis found that keeping up current good environmental attributes was supportive from the perspective of importance and satisfaction. In conclusion, the study suggests that the careful application of CPTED into campus area be needed to support social interaction and to provide diverse other academic purposes.