Examining the Impact of Social Factors on Spatial Desirability of Urban Neighbourhoods

Abstract

The increasing importance of neighbourhoods in urban planning, combined with an enhanced focus on the social aspects of designing desirable communities and societies, has emanated the necessity of developing a clear understanding of spatially desirable neighbourhoods. When considering various dimensions of social vitality and existing urban planning norms for residential neighbourhoods, it appears essential to consider and integrate both social and spatial aspects to formulate a desirable community. This article examines the impact of social factors on spatial desirability and vitality of residential neighbourhoods in the context of Iran. The historic city of Yazd has been selected as the case study. Following thorough evaluation of existing neighbourhoods in the city, three study areas have been selected for detailed study; Zortosht neighbourhood, Shahrak University residential complex and Baqiyatullah Azam residential complex. Based on the nature of this study, a qualitative method has been adopted to conduct this research. Extracting from the literature review, three factors of safety and security, sense of attachment to place and social interaction are among the most important socio-cultural factors that can affect the social vitality of a neighbourhood. After the content analysis of the interviews (through semi-structured questionnaires) from the stakeholders and residents of the study areas, observation and documentation of physical and spatial structure of the neighbourhoods and analysing data by interrelating social, as well as spatial aspects, the study concluded that social and spatial aspects are interconnected and both are impacting each other to result in social vitality and spatial desirability of a neighbourhood. Moreover, it was observed that spatial layout of neighbourhoods can increase the potential for social vitality and liveliness. Finally, research recommends design policies for socially integrated and spatially desirable neighbourhoods in the context of Iran, which may be applicable in other similar contexts too.