Physical Factors Affecting the Perception of Density in Residential Environments, A Case Study of Residential Quarters in Mashhad

In recent years, the majority of developed countries have invested in high-density developments as a solution to social sustainability, whereas in developing countries, dense urban areas are created largely with an economic justification and with the goal of accommodating a larger population in one place. Density is an objective/quantitative indicator of the compactness of dwelling units and of population size. However, in practice, it influences different residential life conditions such as social conditions, safety in communal spaces, and perception of the environment. Therefore, not only quantitative aspects but also subjective implications of density should be taken into account. The perceptions of density in residents can be different from its nominal value and are rather based on their subjective judgment of place. Such perceptions and judgments depend on various cues and elements, physical factors being among the most important. Knowing about these cues and their prioritization in planning can reduce the negative impacts of high-density residential environments. The aim of this study is to determine which physical environmental factors affect the perceived density. After a library research and interviews with housing experts, a perceived density questionnaire survey was conducted for 110 residents in three similar urban neighborhoods with the same residential and population densities and the same resident socioeconomic status in Mashhad, Iran. Exploratory factor analysis displayed eight major factors, i.e., height of buildings, distance between buildings, view from dwelling units, and visual exposure, which are the most important factors influencing the perception of density. This means that the perceived density depends on spatial configuration, housing types, and the arrangement of residential elements and communal open spaces.