This study explores the intersection of urban safety, gender, and the nighttime economy by combining women’s subjective perceptions with objective spatial and statistical data. It seeks to define what constitutes a "safe public space" and to identify areas in Amsterdam that are either perceived or demonstrated to be unsafe during nighttime hours.

As a background, the research examines the role of formal institutions such as the Amsterdam municipality and NGOs in addressing urban safety concerns. It highlights a significant limitation in current approaches: while existing strategies tend to prioritize the security of private venues such as nightclubs and bars, they often neglect the safety of outdoor public spaces—where many incidents and perceived threats actually take place.

This oversight is particularly critical given that women are disproportionately affected by safety concerns in public spaces at night, both in terms of actual incidents and heightened perceptions of risk. According to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2014), 55% of women in the EU avoid certain places or situations for fear of being assaulted, especially after dark. Such gendered disparities highlight the need for safety strategies that go beyond crime statistics to also include emotional and psychological dimensions of urban space.

This study approaches the topic of urban safety from two lens: the female perspective lens and the temporal lens of nighttime. Methodologically, the study adopts a multi-method approach including spatial data analysis, surveys, interviews, and literature reviews. Special focus is placed on incorporating female perspectives through street interviews. Based on the insights generated, the research proposes a design intervention using pattern language methodology within the Bijlmermeer district.

The intervention aims to assess the area’s potential for attracting nighttime economic investment and to develop inclusive spatial strategies that enhance safety through urban programming. The proposed framework not only offers a desirable future vision for Bijlmermeer, but also provides a replicable model for other neighborhoods in Amsterdam.By advocating for closer collaboration between economic stakeholders and human-centered safety interventions, this study aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive nighttime economy—one that promotes not only safer public spaces but also gender equality and the long-term social sustainability of urban communities.