COMPATIBILITY OF SECURITY AND QOL IN DETACHED HOUSING AREA<br>Through a case study in Irvine Ranch, California

Abstract

This paper discusses compatibility of security and the quality of life in detached housing area. City of Irvine, California was said to be one of the safest city in US because of good spatial design and governance in communities. Qualitative interviews with the city officials, the police and homeowners were conducted to know the keys of the safest city. Concerning the design features, those of early villages and those of new urbanism have grown into one and promote activities which enhance natural surveillance. These design features are checked by the police at the planning stage. With regard to the community governance, homeowners associations (HOAs) provide good management and maintenance and various activities to include the youth in communities so as not to let them become delinquents. Activity" and "Identity" are found to be the keys for the compatibility of security and the quality of life, which reduce crime by increasing regional vitality, social contact and community spirit and are not included in the principles of Japanese CPTED.