Dead edges of cities refer to the areas that lack active engagement. As a result, these spaces remain empty and deprived of people dues to various reasons. These reasons, to name a few are blind walls, ‘lacking eyes’ or windows on the street, lack of streetlights, feeling of insecurity, abandonment, invaluable land, useless, outdated and non-appealing. Therefore, instead of leaving these places unattended, it is necessary to revive them using precise design strategies specific to the location. Increasing the vitality through placemaking is the focal element which creates an active and healthy urban environment. Attending dead edges also aids in creating diverse areas which are exciting and attracts people to reside, thrive and work. It also aids in reducing city expansion which in return aids in the mitigation of climate change.

In order to avoid dead edges, it is necessary to make a porous design which provides good visual connections with the immediate surroundings and activates impermeable edges. It also aids in avoiding blind walls and increases the eye on the street factor. One of the indicators of achieving this is to have several doors and windows directly visible to the pathway users. This is beneficial for both the passer-by and the people inside the buildings. This can be achieved by having active rich boundaries rather than blank and passive. The permeability will make spaces more inviting and approachable for the people. The walking experiences and the street life becomes more enjoyable due to active edges.

This article will further explain ways of permeability which will aid in revitalising dead edges.