Socially Sustainable Urban and Architectural Design

Dear Colleagues,

In the face of rapid urbanization and evolving societal needs, designing socially sustainable urban and architectural environments has become increasingly critical. Socially sustainable design holds the potential to enhance quality of life, foster community interactions, and promote human-centered functionality within urban settings. However, despite its essential role in shaping vibrant, interactive, and resilient communities, socially sustainable design remains an underrepresented focus within urban sustainability research. Integrating this dimension into the built environment is not only practical but crucial for creating cities that are sociable, equitable, and pedestrian-friendly.

This Special Issue seeks contributions that explore the diverse aspects of socially sustainable design within the built environment, with a particular focus on factors that create spaces conducive to social interaction and community building. Key themes include the influence of urban morphology and spatial configuration on fostering social environments. Research employing Space Syntax analysis is especially encouraged, given its capacity to reveal how spatial arrangements can facilitate meaningful social interactions within urban and architectural spaces.

We invite submissions that address the current knowledge gaps in this field, including original research and systematic reviews. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, the integration of cultural norms in social activities, exploring pedestrian behaviors in public spaces across various times and weather conditions, and understanding the role of sensory experiences in shaping social behavior. Studies addressing socio-spatial inequalities, particularly among underserved demographics and people with disabilities, are also encouraged. In addition, we seek research examining how spatial design elements, such as seating arrangements, street furniture, and lighting design, can enhance social connectivity and elevate spatial quality.

This Issue further welcomes research on innovative, underexplored areas, such as the social potential of less accessible urban zones that often go unnoticed in conventional urban studies. Contributors are particularly encouraged to adopt mixed-method approaches, integrating cutting-edge technologies with traditional social science and urban planning methods. Converting theoretical frameworks from environmental psychology—such as sense of security, perception, and cognitive studies, wayfinding behaviors, and place attachment—into practical insights is especially welcomed, as these dimensions are closely correlated with mental well-being and quality of life. By broadening the scope of contributions, we aim to attract interdisciplinary perspectives that can pave the way for socially sustainable built environment.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

• Socially sustainable built environment;
• Social interaction in public spaces;
• Urban morphology and social behavior;
• Space syntax analysis;
• Socio-spatial inequality;
• Pedestrian behavior and social interaction;
• Accessibility in urban spaces;
• Wayfinding and spatial cognition;
• Place attachment and mental well-being;
• Social sustainability and quality of life.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Reza Askarizad
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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