Impact of Public Space in Primary and Secondary Schools Based on Natural Visibility Ratio

Campus safety is an essential prerequisite for the development of the education system, as it directly impacts the security of life and property for a significant number of students and faculty members. In recent years, the safety of primary and secondary schools has garnered considerable attention from policymakers and architects, necessitating rational design methods to develop effective strategies that optimize the campus environment. This study utilizes algorithmic simulations, spatial analysis, and statistical methods to examine the relationships between the layouts of buildings, public space morphology, and campus safety. This study analysed 53 schools, which are mainly located in urban areas of China, and variations in their design that were generated through computational modelling. It revealed that, while the architectural layout has a relatively limited direct impact on the safety of school public spaces, the shape and scale of these spaces can significantly enhance their safety performance by allowing for improved natural surveillance. The findings of this study underscore the critical importance of controlling the form and configuration of buildings and public spaces in school design, providing a robust foundation for safety-oriented campus planning.