What is a fundamental design method in CPTED aimed at reducing crime?

Minimizing blind spots is a fundamental design method in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) that directly contributes to reducing criminal activity. This approach focuses on enhancing visibility in public spaces, allowing for better surveillance and natural monitoring of areas. When blind spots are minimized, potential offenders are less likely to commit crimes, as they are aware that their actions can be more easily observed by others.

In environments where visibility is poor, individuals may feel unsafe or hidden, creating opportunities for criminal behavior to occur. By designing environments that eliminate these concealed areas, such as through the strategic placement of lighting, landscaping, and transparent materials, public spaces become less favorable for criminal activity. This not only promotes safety but also encourages community engagement and social interaction, which are also key elements in deterring crime.

The other options, while they may have valid applications in landscape and architectural design, do not target crime prevention as directly. Decorative elements can enhance aesthetics but do not inherently improve safety. Increasing the number of trees could positively impact the environment but may also create additional blind spots if not well-planned. Lastly, utilizing open spaces without boundaries can lead to a lack of defined areas, making it difficult to manage and monitor. In contrast, minimizing blind spots directly addresses the