Abstract

This study focuses on the neighbourhood square and explores the perceived levels of sociability and satisfaction that residents experience within two newly constructed New Urbanist communities in Montreal, Bois-Franc and Angus Park. From an early age, we are socialized to live within a community. One can envision communities consisting of a series of concentric circles beginning in the centre with the family unit and widening out to include schools, neighbourhoods and entire geographical regions. The community in which we live shapes our characters, influences job and education decisions and prepares us for interactions with broader segments of society. Most people seek and are comforted by the sense of belonging and connection to those they physically live close to. New Urbanism recognizes this human need and attempts to address it through physical design. The study concludes with a discussion of interview and questionnaire results from a sample of residents in each community, regarding the relationship between the physical design and presence of the neighbourhood square and levels of social interaction experienced.