The Impact of Neighbourhood Built Environment to the Sense of Community in Malaysia: A Qualitative Study

Communities are vital for providing people with a sense of identity and shared purpose.Given the significant influence of neighbourhood environments on people's sense of community, this relationship needs more study.Although research suggests that the physical environment can affect neighbourhood community, the specific mechanisms and variables involved are not well understood.This study explored how the neighbourhood environment shapes the sense of community among residents in Malaysia after the COVID-19 pandemic.From June to October 2024, twelve professionals, including urban planners, architects, housing developers, landscape architects, local authorities, and policymakers, were interviewed.Thematic analysis identified five key themes: defining sense of community, the role of physical design, community engagement, challenges and successes, and future visions for communityoriented planning.The findings suggest that physical design elements like community spaces, street connectivity, and amenities are critical in shaping residents' sense of community.Participants highlighted the importance of integrating resident feedback in the planning and design process to ensure the environment meets community needs.The study also identified challenges in promoting community, including budget issues, competing priorities, and resistance to change.Overall, this study offers insights into how the neighbourhood environment can be leveraged to build a stronger sense of community, which is particularly important after the pandemic, where social connection and community resilience are vital for public health and well-being.