Chapter 4 links the theories of social sustainability to urban development. It touches on powerful international organisations that have instituted work on urban social sustainability, and the political nature of such decision making. Three case studies follow, showing how the cities of Vancouver, Canada and Adelaide, Australia, fashioned policy frameworks on social sustainability. Another multi-city example from a UNESCO programme is given.

The chapter moves from macro-level to the micro-level where social sustainability is introduced as an approach to urban design. Selections of urban form, design features and spaces can influence pro-community behaviours and psychological responses as related to social capital and cohesion. The concept of socially aware planning that enhances communities’ social sustainability is discussed, and the conditions necessary to implement it. There is a brief historical recap of seminal figures and key design movements geared towards positive social effects. The authors’ chosen definition of urban social sustainability is outlined.

Finally, the key theoretical framework that itemises the pro-community behaviours and psychological responses contributing to social sustainability that built environments are most capable of influencing is outlined, plus a discussion of how these dimensions interact, and are related to social capital and social cohesion. The authors advocate socially aware planning that taps these dimensions.