ABSTRACT
Sense of community is one of the significant theories in sociological and psychological research that investigates the relationship between physical environments, individuals’ feelings, and interactions in a community. Previous studies in social science and environmental psychology indicate that the overall arrangement of a community and its architectural style, as well as many other physical environmental features, play a vital function in fostering and creating sense of community. McMillan and Chavis defined sense of community as “a feeling of belonging, a feeling that others matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that personal needs will be met through a commitment to being together.” The advantages of sense of community are various and potentially embrace increased participation in community affairs and social activities, better physical, mental health, and well-being, finally improve people quality of life. This research evaluates several hypothesis from sociology and psychology to architectural studies that create and reinforce sense of community in distinct residential neighborhoods in Tehran, Iran. Data was obtained from individual interviews, indirect observation, and surveys. The analysis indicates the greater role of socio-demographic features instead of architectural factors on affecting sense of community. The presence of public spaces, green areas, and building layouts are not solely guaranteed to enhance sense of community. However, influential social variables like length of residency, socioeconomic status, age, and gender, also affect residents’ feelings, behaviors, and interactions that contribute to sense of community. The balance between social and architectural elements together will create a robust and resilient sense of community. Identifying the conditions that reinforce sense of community within residential neighborhoods is an essential task for researchers and designers to promote individuals’ feeling of safety, security, civic responsibility and improve their physical and mental health. The findings of this study rely on residential areas in Iran, but can likely apply to residential neighborhoods globally.
