Socio-Spatial Bridging Through Walkability: A GIS and Mixed-Methods Analysis in Amman, Jordan
Decades of migration and refugee influxes have driven Amman’s rapid urban growth, yet newer neighborhoods increasingly grapple with fragmented social cohesion. This study examines whether walkable design can strengthen community bonds, focusing on Deir Ghbar, a car-centric district in West Amman. Us...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/12/1999 |
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| Summary: | Decades of migration and refugee influxes have driven Amman’s rapid urban growth, yet newer neighborhoods increasingly grapple with fragmented social cohesion. This study examines whether walkable design can strengthen community bonds, focusing on Deir Ghbar, a car-centric district in West Amman. Using GIS and mixed-methods analysis, we assess how walkability metrics (residential density, street connectivity, land-use mix, and retail density) correlate with sense of community. The results reveal that street connectivity and residential density enhance social cohesion, while land-use mix exhibits no significant effect. High-density, compact neighborhoods foster neighborly interactions, but major roads disrupt these connections. A critical mismatch emerges between quantitative land-use metrics and resident experiences, highlighting the need to integrate spatial data with community insights. Amman’s zoning policies, particularly the stark contrast between affluent low-density Zones A/B and underserved high-density Zones C/D, perpetuate socio-spatial segregation—a central critique of this study. We urge the Greater Amman Municipality’s 2025 Master Plan to prioritize mixed-density zoning, pedestrian retrofits (e.g., traffic calming and sidewalk upgrades), and equitable access to amenities. This study provides a replicable GIS and survey-based framework to address urban socio-spatial divides, aligning with SDG 11 for inclusive cities. It advocates for mixed-density zoning and pedestrian-first interventions in Amman’s Master Plan. By integrating a GIS with social surveys, this study offers a replicable model for addressing socio-spatial divides in cities facing displacement and inequality. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-5309 |