Neighborhood Connectedness through Physical-Spatial Dimensions: A Case Study of Communities Near Eastern Industrial Estates in Thailand
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Abstract
Neighborhood connectedness is a key dimension of community well-being and resilience, yet prior research has focused largely on social ties while under examining the role of physical–spatial environments. Drawing on place attachment theory, this study investigates how spatial features shape neighborhood connectedness in the context of urban transformation near a major industrial estate in eastern Thailand. Data were collected from 411 residents across four neighborhoods, categorized as long-established “old” communities and recently developed “new” ones. A second-order confirmatory factor analysis was employed to develop and validate a multidimensional model of connectedness, comprising proximal facilities, pedestrian friendliness, vibrancy, pleasantness, road network, and crime and safety. Results show that the overall model is robust across both old and new neighborhoods, indicating that fundamental links between physical environments and place bonding persist despite differences in settlement history and morphology. However, pedestrian infrastructure demonstrated a context-sensitive role: In new, high-density neighborhoods, walkability was more critical for fostering connectedness than in older neighborhoods with long-standing social ties. These findings advance theoretical understanding by positioning physical–spatial attributes as integral to place attachment while demonstrating their context-dependent effects. The validated model underscores how planning and design practices actively shape neighborhood connectedness, provides a transferable framework for comparative research, and offers practical guidance for planners and designers seeking to foster resilient, connected communities through context-sensitive spatial interventions.
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