Abstract

This article focuses on issue of security in Marlborough East neighbourhood of Harare, Zimbabwe. Residents in the neighbourhood have suffered severe losses of property, life and valuables. The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between neighbourhood security and the physical environment by establishing patterns of spatial insecurity through the lens of environmental design in order to suggest sustainable security measures for the place. This research was designed as a case study in which data were collected by means of a feasibility study, key informant interviews, photography. Data analysis entailed use of SPSS 16. It was established that in Marlborough East, there is a strong relationship between security issues and the built environment. To a great extent, security enhancement in the built environment should embrace aspects of place habitability, promotion of surveillance and visibility. Moreover, security by-laws need to be enforced during the design process and that the primary solution to security is provision of livelihood sources. It is stressed that spatial-oriented security in Harare’s neighbourhoods is a function of livelihoods availability, environmental design and environmental stewardship.

Key words: Security, environmental design, place maintenance, livelihoods, economy.