Can, I.
APA
Can, I. (2016). THE CHANGING NATURE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND NEIGHBORLINESS: URBAN SPACES OF INTERACTION AND SENSE OF COMMUNITY, A CASE STUDY OF IZMIR, TURKEY. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 33(3), 213-234.
Keywords
None
Abstract
This research, derived from a pragmatic approach, concentrates on the problem of segregated urban space and the disconnection between buildings and the street. In Turkey, development plans and policies often neglect the organization of space between indoor and outdoor areas. However, previous research has shown that the organization of space between buildings has an important impact on social interaction. Although modern housing estates, with their lack of inbetween spaces (i.e., spaces that are neither completely private nor public) compared with traditional and mixed-use neighborhoods, support introverted lifestyles, the results of this empirical analysis refuted the hypothesis that modern housing estates would exhibit a reduced sense of community. The outcomes of this study support the arguments developed by urban sociologists and environmental psychologists who claim that physical space may provide for social interactions but not necessarily for a sense of community.
Main finding
The study supports previous arguments by urban sociologists and environmental psychologists that physical space provides for social interaction but not for sense of community. The author suggests that in addition to urban form and spatial configuration, physical and social chatacteristics of neighborhoods, residents' sociodemographic characteristics, walkability, safety, maintenance, and management affect sense of community.
Description of method used in the article
This research conducted case studies of three neighborhoods ( two with traditional street patterns and one with modern housing units) in Izmir, Turkey. The study also used a questionnaire with three types of questions (100 in each neighborhood) - open-ended, multiple choice and five point scale - face-to-face interviews (20 in each neighborhood). The data was analysed using regression analysis based on a linear model of eleven variables.
Verdict
Of some practical use if combined with other research