Neighbourhood Built Environment and Sense of Community in Tropical Residential Neighbourhoods: An Observation-Based Comparative Study in Malaysia

Abstract

The neighbourhood-built environment plays an important role in shaping social interaction and the development of a sense of community, particularly in rapidly urbanising tropical cities. While previous Malaysian studies have primarily used perception-based surveys, limited empirical attention has been given to the actual observation of physical neighbourhood features and their influence on social interaction and community cohesion. This study uses an observational analysis of two master-planned townships in Shah Alam, Selangor: Setia Alam and Bukit Jelutong, to evaluate the link between neighbourhood-built environment characteristics and a sense of community. A structured observation protocol was employed to assess eleven neighbourhoodbuilt environment attributes, including residential density, green infrastructure, architectural style, and recreational facilities, using a three point assessment scale. The findings indicate that although both neighbourhoods possess physical characteristics that support community development, they achieve these outcomes through different spatial planning approaches. Setia Alam scores in architectural, housing design excellence, and strong urban integration, promoting community identity and social interactions. Bukit Jelutong, on the other hand, benefits from lowered density, greater block sizes, and large green networks, which enhance spatial comfort and spontaneous social connections. The study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable neighbourhood planning by providing observational evidence on how physical design characteristics influence community cohesion in Malaysian urban settings. Keywords: neighbourhood-built environment; sense of community; social sustainability; observation analysis; Malaysia