Crowding and neighborhood mediation of urban density

Abstract

The mediating effects of local neighborhood variables in the ex perience of urban density were considered by surveying and inter viewing residents of moderately dense urban areas. The presence of local markets and pharmacies seemed to increase use of the public sidewalk and street areas, and this appeared to interfere with residents' ability to regulate contact outside of their homes. Group development and conversion of public space to semi-private space were inhibited, and reported crowding increased. Residents of streets on which these stores were located were less likely to be observed interacting with others in exterior neighborhood space, and complained more fre quently of excessive unwanted contact. The implications of these findings for understanding urban experience were considered.