INFLUENCE OF NEW URBANIST DESIGN FEATURES ON SENSE OF COMMUNITY: THE CASE OF CHERRY HILL VILLAGE IN CANTON, MICHIGAN By Shahad Alzaidan A THESIS Submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS Interior Design and Facilities Management 2012 ABSTRACT INFLUENCE OF NEW URBANIST DESIGN FEATURES ON SENSE OF COMMUNITY: THE CASE OF CHERRY HILL VILLAGE IN CANTON, MICHIGAN By Shahad Alzaidan This study explored the influence of New Urbanist design features on sense of community in the State of Michigan by employing Cherry Hill Village, a major New Urbanist development in Canton, Michigan, as its case study. Using a quantitative survey method, online surveys were utilized to procure data. A total of 136 surveys were collected for data analysis and analyzed using multiple regression, one-way ANOVA and t-test analyses. The variables investigated within this study, derived from the theoretical foundations and previous empirical studies of New Urbanism and sense of community, include New Urbanist architectural design features, New Urbanist community design features, walkability, and socio- demographic variables. Utilizing Skjaeveland, Garling, and Maeland’s (1996) 14-item Multidimensional Measure of Neighboring to conceptualize sense of community, the findings indicate that specific design features, as well as walkability and some socio-demographic characteristics, have a significant effect on sense of community. In light of the increasing popularity of New Urbanist developments in the State of Michigan, this study suggests the importance of physical design features in promoting sense of community and gives guidelines for future design. This thesis is dedicated to my parents for their unconditional love and endless support. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of my thesis would have been rendered impossible had it not been for the support of numerous people in my life. I would like to take this section to express my sincerest gratitude to them. First and foremost, I would like to give my greatest appreciation to my thesis committee. I thank them for their support not only for this thesis, but throughout my entire graduate study program. My deepest appreciation goes to my advisor, Dr. Eunsil Lee. Her unfaltering support, patience and kindness guided me through every step of my graduate journey. I thank her for her constant willingness to respond to my needs and provide me with essential feedback. Her commitment to helping me succeed was infallible, as she continuously mentored me and provided me with words of wisdom and encouragement. My utmost gratitude also goes to Dr. Suk-Kyung Kim and Dr. Robert Griffore. I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from them and appreciate the continuous support they have provided me. I thank them for extending their time and invaluable expertise towards the completion of this thesis. Secondly, my gratitude goes to the multiple members of the Cherry Hill Village Homeowner’s Association that so willingly helped me with various aspects of my thesis. I thank them for the time and enthusiasm that they have provided me. I would also like to thank the residents of Cherry Hill Village for providing feedback on their community, as this study would not have been possible without their help. To my friends in Michigan, thank you for providing me with a home away from home. I would especially like to extend my thanks out to Sue Wilson and Kimberly Buchholz. You have iv been my family throughout this journey, and I thank you for carrying me through the trials and triumphs of my graduate studies with love and laughter. To my family, I cannot thank you enough. My most special thanks go out to my little sister, Kiwi, for her sense of humor and ability to keep me grounded. Lastly, to my mother, Maliha Al-Omani and my father, Tariq Alzaidan, who have supported me every step of the way, thank you for you for believing in my abilities and all the sacrifices you have made to help me get here. I would not be where I am today without your unconditional love and support. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... viii LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................ x CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1 The Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................................ 5 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................................ 6 Overview of the Following Chapters .......................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................... 9 New Urbanism ............................................................................................................................ 9 Theoretical Background of New Urbanism ............................................................................ 9 Formalization of New Urbanism .......................................................................................... 15 Previous Empirical Studies ................................................................................................... 16 Critiques of New Urbanism .................................................................................................. 18 Sense of Community ................................................................................................................. 21 Theoretical Background of Sense of Community ................................................................. 21 Definition and Measurements ............................................................................................... 23 Skjaeveland, Garling, and Maeland’s 14-item Multidimensional Measure of Neighboring (1996) .................................................................................................................................... 25 Sense of Community and New Urbanism ................................................................................. 26 Influential Factors of Sense of Community .......................................................................... 29 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................................. 37 CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODS ............................................................................................................. 39 Research Design and Rationale ............................................................................................ 39 Criteria for Case Selection .................................................................................................... 40 The Site for the Case Study ...................................................................................................... 41 Urban Context ....................................................................................................................... 41 Design and Development of Cherry Hill Village ................................................................. 44 Design Intentions of Cherry Hill Village .............................................................................. 46 Evaluation of CHV Physical Design in Relation to New Urbanist Principles ..................... 49 Survey Method .......................................................................................................................... 52 Population and Sample ......................................................................................................... 52 Data Collection Procedures ................................................................................................... 53 Instrument ............................................................................................................................. 54 Measurement ......................................................................................................................... 55 Quantitative Data Analysis ................................................................................................... 58 CHAPTER 4 RESULTS ..................................................................................................................................... 60 Preliminary Analyses ................................................................................................................ 60 vi Respondent Socio-Demographic Characteristics .................................................................. 60 Perceived Importance of New Urbanist Architectural Design Features in Promoting SOC 63 Perceived Importance of New Urbanist Community Design Features in Promoting SOC .. 65 Walkability ............................................................................................................................ 67 Sense of Community ................................................................................................................. 68 Factor Analysis and Reliability Test ..................................................................................... 68 Determinants of Sense of Community .................................................................................