摘要：AbstractFinding ways to increase social interactions among residents in residential neighbourhoods may be one mechanism to improve health and wellbeing. Understanding environmental conditions of the neighbourhoods can play a critical role in maintaining social interactions among residents. This research is carried out to assess the effect of street permeability on the degree of social cohesion among residents in a residential neighbourhood in Penang, Malaysia. A total of 250 households participated in the study. The findings indicate that permeability can account for a significant proportion of the variance in residents’ social cohesion. Residents living in less permeable streets are more likely to have a high social cohesion with their neighbours. The results further support the defensible space concept which advocates closed and less permeable streets. Implications for future research are discussed.
