The impact of neighbourhood built environment to the sense of community in Malaysia: a qualitative study

Communities play a significant role in human existence because they provide individuals with a feeling of identity and purpose. It is necessary to investigate this link further since the physical surroundings of neighbourhoods have a significant impact on individuals' sense of community. There is currently little knowledge on how this occurs, and which physical variables have the most systematic influence, even though research has proven that the physical built environment may affect neighbourhood sense of community. This qualitative study, conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic, explored how the neighbourhood-built environment shaped the sense of community among residents in Malaysia. Between June and October 2024, we interviewed 12 related professionals, including urban planners, architects, housing developers, landscape architects, local authorities, and policymakers, to capture their perspectives and experiences. Five key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: Defining and operationalizing sense of community, the role of physical design in fostering community, community engagement and feedback, challenges and success stories, and future visions for community-oriented planning. The findings suggest that various physical design elements in the neighbourhood, such as the availability of community spaces, street connectivity, and access to amenities, play a crucial role in shaping the sense of community among residents. Participants emphasized the importance of incorporating resident feedback and community engagement in the planning and design process to ensure the built environment aligns with the community's needs and preferences. The study also highlights the challenges faced by professionals in promoting a strong sense of community, such as limited budgets, competing priorities, and resistance to change. Overall, this qualitative study provides insights into how the neighbourhood-built environment can be leveraged to foster a stronger sense of community, which is particularly relevant in the post-pandemic context where social connection and community resilience are crucial for public health and well-being. Keywords: Sense of Community; Neighbourhood built Environments; built environment; qualitative; physical activity.

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