Understanding the Relationship between Urban Public Space and Social Cohesion

This journal article reviews empirical evidence to understand the relationship between public space and social cohesion. It synthesises findings from 63 studies published between 2000 and 2023, identifying various physical aspects of public spaces, such as accessibility and street furniture, that can encourage social interaction and cohesion. The impact of these spaces is influenced by sociodemographic factors like ethnicity, age, and length of residence, as well as perceptual factors such as safety and place attachment. The article highlights the fragmented nature of research across disciplines like urban design, sociology, and public health, and calls for future studies to focus on the intangible aspects of urban space to assess social performance and promote social cohesion.

Abstract based directly on original source.