Exploring Connectivity of Urban networks and their influence in determining Neighborhood Satisfaction, for the city of Rotterdam

The research aims to analyse the extent to which connectivity of urban networks influences Neighbourhood Satisfaction. To achieve this requires that the two concepts be understood independently. Neighbourhood satisfaction is seen to be an important subset of Quality of Urban life (QOUL), hence the research begins with a brief theoretical explanation of QOUL subsequently narrowing down to exploring neighbourhood satisfaction and the features that constitute it i.e. neighbourhood features. Analysing the scope of neighbourhood features provides a vivid description of their influence on other domains of life, and methods of measuring them. It is further observed that each feature can be assessed through objective and subjective measures and, through theory identified that both forms of measure are significant in determining neighbourhood satisfaction. The second section of the research explores connectivity of urban networks and its effects in shaping urban structure. In reference to theory by professor and urbanist Bill Hillier urban networks has been defined as the physical network of streets, roads and pedestrian walkways, and connectivity of these networks is seen to influence distribution and development of different parts of the city. The scope of this research is to analyse if connectivity of these networks contributes to the quality of neighbourhood development by comparing it with the people’s satisfaction with their neighbourhood. With the help of spatial analysis tools like Space Syntax this section identifies 2 relevant spatial measures that best represent street connectivity. Together with spatial measures and measures of neighbourhood features an ordinary least square analysis is implemented, with dependent variable Y being neighbourhood satisfaction and independent variables being neighbourhood features and two measures of connectivity. The result of this analysis is a reflection of different relationships between these two concepts. The results indicated no significant relationship between connectivity of urban networks and neighbourhood satisfaction. It was surprisingly observed to have a negative effect on the level of neighbourhood satisfaction. However connectivity of urban networks were seen to influence neighbourhood features and satisfaction with neighbourhood features, albeit negatively. Nevertheless this indirect measure was considered to test for mediating effects, but the coefficient of influence indicated weak relationships. The research further observed profound effects from control measures ethnic composition and population density.