| Summary: | Abstract The public space is often perceived as more unsafe for women than for men and it is therefore a question of gender equality. Opinions differ on how the public space should be changed to improve women’s feelings of security. This case aims to discuss the possibility to change the physical environment to create a safer public space for women. This study is a case study focusing on the so called Stationstunneln located on Järnvägstorget in Umeå municipality. Stationstunneln was inaugurated in 2012 and had the aim to increase both women and men´s perceived safety in the public space. The tunnel has with its shape, lighting etcetera, aimed to increase security. This is as mentioned a gender issue and the topic is important to be able to continue the work for a more equal society. The result of this study is based on six semi-structured interviews and has a qualitative approach. The interviews were conducted with six female respondents who all have a relation to Stationstunneln in Umeå municipality. Three of the respondents also had a relation to the previous tunnel located on Järnvägstorget called Hagatunneln. The interviews have been analyzed through thematic analysis. The results of the study demonstrate that light and people in motion is the key factors in what makes the respondents feel safe in public spaces. All of the respondents agreed that Stationstunneln compared to Hagatunneln was seen as bright and had people in motion and that was some of the reasons why they felt safe in Stationstunneln. They also thought the place felt welcoming and safe when it comes to the trafic which also made them feel safe in and around the tunnel. However, many of the respondents said that they didn´t feel safe in and around the tunnel during the evenings because of the people occupying themself there at night. Overall, the respondents agreed that the design was important for their perceived safety in the public space. Keywords: Public space, safety, women, physical environment, tunnel, gender equality.
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