SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: THE ASSESSMENT OF NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKS LIVE ABILITY IN SHARJAH CITY

This research aims to assess neighbourhood social sustainability and live ability by investigating the ways in which users perceive neighbourhood spatial design and context. The research applied the social sustainability model to assess and question neighbourhood park live ability in Sharjah City. Following a qualitative case study approach, the research operationalized social sustainability principles through several tools: survey, field observations and mapping. The conducted analysis was based on a compilation of coded data from the survey consistent with the applied principles of social sustainability. The research findings confirm variables related to neighbourhood parks spatial context design and people perception. Thus the research recommends measures to enrich neighbourhood local parks livability by engaging users in the design process. Accordingly, the research concluded that social sustainability model is a valid model to develop guideline for Sharjah neighbourhood parks. The study also confirmed that residents should be involved in any future development at urban scale to guarantee that the provided facilities are reflecting their actual needs