Sense of Community in Smart City’s Public Space

One way to build a strong sense of community in the city is to create high quality public spaces. Citizen well being may also improve due to the greater sense of community from feeling safe, secure and sufficient civic participation in the neighbourhood. Francis et al. (2012) found that the two most important types of public space to enhance the sense of community in cities are shops and green open space. Shops play a role in providing a place where people meet, pass time and engage with other social exchanges. Security, attractive devore, cleanliness and variety of service are some characteristics of a good shopping area for the community. While shops are crucial for social exchanges, it is more critical for a green open space to be accommodating to personal recreational activities.  The physical condition of the park and its accessibility to other amenities, are the qualities that enhance the place as a building block for enhancing the sense of community. 

Reference:

Francis, J., Giles-Corti, B., Wood, L., & Knuiman, M. (2012). Creating sense of community: The role of public space. Journal of environmental psychology, 32(4), 401-409.

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