Gender-sensitive architecture: Spatial strategies for enhancing safety and well-being of women and girls in Latin American cities

Original Article

Abstract

This article examines how gender-sensitive architectural and urban design strategies contribute to the safety and well-being of women and girls in Latin American cities. Through a comparative case study of 16 public spaces in Quito, Santiago, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires, the research applies a mixed-methods methodology combining spatial analysis, structured field observation, and gender-sensitive audits. Results reveal that lighting continuity, visual permeability, proximity to care infrastructure, and active social presence significantly influence perceived safety. Peripheral areas with limited access to care services exhibit lower safety scores and higher levels of spatial exclusion. The study highlights structural limitations in conventional urban planning, which often neglects gendered experiences and fails to prioritize inclusive design principles. By integrating both quantitative indicators and qualitative insights, this research provides evidence for the spatial impacts of gender inequality in urban contexts. The article concludes with a set of practical recommendations to mainstream gender equity in urban design and planning, promoting inclusive, participatory, and context-responsive strategies for safer cities.