Neighborhood Connectivity and Social Sustainability: A Study of Hyderabad’s Residential Areas

Hina Marvi (), Reena Majid Memon, Rabia Soomro, Irfan Ahmed Memon () and Aneel Kumar
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Hina Marvi: Department of Architecture, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76062, Sindh, Pakistan
Reena Majid Memon: Department of Architecture and Planning, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi 74800, Sindh, Pakistan
Rabia Soomro: Department of Civil Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Campus, Khairpur Mir’s 66020, Sindh, Pakistan
Irfan Ahmed Memon: Department of City and Regional Planning, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76062, Sindh, Pakistan
Aneel Kumar: Department of Civil Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro 76062, Sindh, Pakistan

World, 2025, vol. 6, issue 2, 1-17

Abstract: Rapid ribbon development in Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad, has resulted in fragmented neighborhoods due to unplanned urban expansion. This study evaluates the critical factors influencing social sustainability in residential communities, focusing on neighborhood connectivity, safety, and green spaces. Employing a quantitative approach, data were collected through quota sampling from 5–7% of government-approved housing schemes in Qasimabad. A Satisfaction Index was developed to assess residents’ perceptions of accessibility, safety, amenities, and community engagement and analyzed via SPSS-22. Key findings revealed severe dissatisfaction: only 19% of private vehicle users reported satisfaction, while over 60% rated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure as inadequate. Green spaces intended for communal use deteriorated, causing a 21.58% reduction in satisfaction. Despite moderate daytime safety ratings (+53.95%), the overall social sustainability index remained negative (−148.61%). This study underscores the urgency of integrated urban strategies—enhancing accessibility, revitalizing green spaces, improving safety measures, and fostering community engagement—to address fragmentation and achieve socially sustainable neighborhoods.

Keywords: social sustainability; urbanization; residential neighborhoods; residential planning; social cohesion; public interactive spaces; Hyderabad city (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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