Social capital in action in urban environments: an intersection of theory, research and practice literature

Abstract

This paper attempts to widen our understanding of the relationship between social capital and the physical environment through an exploration of the intersection of theory, urban design practitioner guidance and empirical research on social capital that considers the built environment as a variable. Theory suggests that social capital in a neighbourhood can grow over time, and that stability of residency and opportunity for social interaction can help to establish the bonds, bridges and networks that build trust and participation. The content analysis of a selection of literature on urban design guidance revealed 12 recurrent attributes that help people to live, work and relax and thus encourage formal or informal interaction and longer‐term residency in the area in which they live, and hence the growth of social capital. As urban design guidance does not use such a term, these attributes were substantiated through reference to empirical research and social capital theory. This exercise gives a better understanding of the specificities of environmental variables, aiding our conceptualization of social capital. If we aspire to assessment tools that incorporate knowledge of predictable relationships between the variables concerned, then it becomes clear there is a long way to go in developing our understanding of the interplay of urban development and social capital.