From his classic study of the use of plazas in New York, Whyte (1980, p. 18) observed that males sat in the “front” while females tend to sit in the “back.” I tested whether this seating pattern still occurred in 2009, and whether seating choice related to fear of crime or feelings of vulnerability.
I observed two places: one outdoors, the other inside. Contrary to Whyte (1980), I found that females were more likely to sit in the front and males were more likely to sit in the back. Females reported higher levels of fear and vulnerability, but this did not relate to seating choice.
The present study is a form of Post Occupancy Evaluation. Further research should be conducted to test patterns of use and perceptions of space. Through systematic evaluations of use of public places, landscape architects can refine and improve future designs.