“Landscape of Fear” is a topographic model introduced by John William Laundré which suggests that a territory can be mapped according to the movements of prey and predator. It represents relative levels of predation risk as peaks and valleys that reflect the level of fear of predation a prey experiences in different parts of its area of use. It postulates that prey are in a constant state of fear/a constant state of awareness, and has the ability to learn and respond to differing levels of predation risk.

Laundré also proposes that, within the concept of the “Landscape of Fear”, the insertion of new predators on a given territory affects its biodiversity, affects the presence of other predators and variety of prey, and consequently the flora - transforming the landscape itself.

In an urban setting such conceptual frameworks can also be applied. Our movements within our habitats are defined by safety and risk - the urban space is designed with such purpose. And while this is more obvious when we talk about the usage of hostile architecture, it exists on a deeper level in every device that constitutes the public and private spaces. From kerbs, to doors, to sidewalks, parks and roads, our space is designed to orchestrate our daily life, and such concepts become interiorised in ways that also determine our relation with the Other, and with the topographies that surround us.