Enhancing Satisfaction in Residential Neighborhoods Through Social Cohesion with the HPTED Approach
Keywords:
Resident satisfaction, social cohesion, social justice, social interaction, health promotion through environmental designAbstract
Enhancing resident satisfaction in residential neighborhoods is one of the most significant dimensions of improving urban quality of life, exerting a direct influence on individuals’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. One of the emerging approaches in this field is Health Promotion Through Environmental Design (HPTED), which emphasizes the design of urban environments in ways that not only strengthen residents’ physical and mental health but also enhance social cohesion and social justice. By considering human needs in spatial design, this approach creates healthy, equitable, and inclusive environments for social interaction. The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of HPTED on enhancing social cohesion and resident satisfaction in residential neighborhoods. In this study, HPTED is considered an urban design framework that places particular emphasis on ensuring equitable access to resources, public spaces, and facilities for all social groups. By reinforcing the design of spaces that provide equal accessibility for all individuals, this approach can contribute to reducing inequalities, increasing social interactions, and ultimately strengthening residents’ sense of belonging and psychological security. The present article examines various dimensions of environmental design, including access to green spaces, appropriate lighting, public spaces for gathering and social interaction, and their impact on promoting public health. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that urban environmental design based on the HPTED approach not only enhances residents’ quality of life and well-being, but also, through adherence to principles of social justice, provides equal opportunities for all social groups, thereby reducing tensions and improving satisfaction within neighborhoods. The findings indicate that the HPTED approach can effectively contribute to strengthening social cohesion, improving quality of life, and enhancing perceptions of social justice within residential communities. By emphasizing the creation of equitable urban environments with equal access to resources and facilities, this approach is particularly effective in reducing inequalities and fostering neighborhoods characterized by stronger feelings of belonging and security among residents. In addition, the active participation of residents in urban design and planning processes, together with collaboration among architects and urban authorities, can lead to the development of more sustainable and equitable communities.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Shokoufeh Ghasemi (Author); Raheleh Rostami; Mobina Rouhi (Author)
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