Do smart residential environments influence social relationships between neighbors? A case of the Eco Delta Smart Village, Busan, South Korea

Purpose While smart residential environments with technologies have had positive impacts on environmental and economic performance, there is little research on social performance. Accordingly, this study aims to explore whether and how a current smart residential environment influences social relationships. Design/methodology/approach A framework was developed to evaluate neighbor relationships in smart residential environments and applied to the Eco Delta Smart Village through field surveys and residents’ interviews. Findings This study identified 14 critical indicators, categorized into the four aspects of psychological well-being, social well-being, accessibility/usability and engagement/participation, which could improve neighbor relationships in a smart residential environment. This study identified multiple integrated factors in a smart residential environment that influence the social relationships between neighbors. In particular, the interplay between physical elements, such as layouts and walls and technical features, including CCTV as well as between programmatic aspects, such as regular meetings and technological tools, such as collaboration platforms, plays a significant role. The study revealed the potential for technology to enhance neighbor relationships through increased interaction and engagement among residents by creating synergies in the functions and purpose of the built environment and programs. Originality/value This study provides a novel evaluation framework for smart residential environments regarding social relationships between neighbors. This study proposes a potential model for enhancing social performance and neighbor relationships by implementing the three technology-based systems: a smart co-parenting system, a smart networked learning system and an independent operation system. This study contributes by offering empirical data to scholars, practitioners and government agencies who endeavor to create better future housing environments using the high-end technologies that are continuously changing human lives.