It's in the social network: The Social Neighbourhood model to unravel local social structures for liveable and safe neighbourhoods. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slingerland, Geertje; Nikolic, Igor; Brazier, Frances
• Is Part Of: Cities. Volume 135(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Policy-making -- Livability -- Urban neighbourhoods -- Agent-based model -- Simulations; City planning -- Periodicals; Urban policy -- Periodicals; 711.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2023.104215
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2751

Abstract

Abstract: Fast growth of cities decreases the quality of life in these places. In response, Municipalities install policies aiming to improve local livability. While literature suggests social structures to have a defining impact on policy effectiveness, current evaluation metrics are not able to take this into account. This paper presents the Social Neighbourhood model, an agent-based model used to simulate and explore how livability changes in a neighbourhood given various social structures and policies. The model is applied to a neighbourhood in The Hague, Netherlands. The main result of the modelling experiments is that social structures have a very strong influence on whether or not a policy to improve livability is effective. Three hypotheses, concerning this relationship between social structures, livability, and policy interventions are drawn up as a starting point for future research. Highlights: ABMs are valuable to study liveability and safety micro-macro interactions in neighbourhoods. Governments need to understand local social structures to design effective policies. Social structures determine how citizens perceive liveability and safety of their neighbourhood.