Social capital and the spatial quality of neighborhoods: Parameters, indicators & strategies

Abstract

Although there is extensive literature on the issue of social capital, studies that focus on the social issues of residential neighborhoods complain about a lack of socio-physical relations in planning and design strategies. Since social capital is one of the effective paradigms for creating social sustainability, its dimensions and parameters in neighborhoods remain questionable. This study aims to propose a model for increasing social capital in residential areas and suggest strategies and design criteria based on it. With this issue in mind, the present study applies a qualitative approach. In an attempt to identify the components and indicators of social capital, this paper primarily focuses on the developments of social capital. Then based on the analysis of theoretical studies, the development of social cap- ital indicators are defined in residential neighborhoods. As a result, the compo- nents of social capital are categorized as a) social networks, b) common values, c) norms, and d) trust. Our final four-parameter model consists of “social par- ticipation and interaction” (social dimension) and “place attachment and spatial equity” (physical dimension) based on literature review in neighborhood studies. Based on the stated parameters, planning strategies and design criteria are recom- mended as “creating and supporting public realm” (social interaction), “resident participating in the physical space management and construction” (social partici- pation), “increasing the presence of citizens in public and open spaces” (place at- tachment), and “appropriate distribution and location of functions and amenities” (spatial equity).