Abstract
Although an ever-increasing number of social interactions are taking place virtually, people’s relationships with their neighbors remain important. Apartment residents make up a growing proportion of the population in cities worldwide, but there is evidence that many find it challenging to form and maintain local social connections, especially those renting their home. This can negatively impact physical and mental health, and have implications for the management of apartment complexes and local area social sustainability. In this paper, we draw on interviews (n = 41) with renters of four large case study condominium complexes in Sydney, Australia, to investigate their local social interactions. The findings reveal that while many renters desire greater local connection, their opportunities and motivations are limited by factors relating to mobility, tenure security, prejudice, and exclusion from building-related governance. The paper concludes by considering the scope for interventions in design, management and governance to enhance opportunities for social connection.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Urban Affairs |
Early online date | 14 Apr 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 14 Apr 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, and a UNSW Built Environment PhD Publication Award. Thanks to all the participants who made this research possible, and to the anonymous reviewers who assisted in strengthening this paper.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Urban Affairs Association.
Keywords
- Apartments
- density
- design
- planning
- social connection
- weak ties
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Sociology and Political Science
- Urban Studies