How Does the Built Environment Influence Social Capital in the Community Context: The Mediating Role of Subjective Residential Satisfaction

Despite the growing body of literature on the built environment and social capital, there remains a significant gap in understanding the mediating role of subjective residential satisfaction. Examining how residents perceive and experience their environment offers a fresh angle for understanding the intricate relationship between physical spaces and social dynamics. Our study assessed social capital and subjective residential satisfaction through an extensive questionnaire survey conducted across 60 communities, involving 1684 participants in Tianjin’s metropolitan area, China. We evaluated the elements of the built environment using the ‘5D’ framework, and the pathways of influence were examined using a multilevel structural equation model. Our results reveal a notable mediating effect, with subjective residential satisfaction being a key factor in the intricate process by which the built environment affects social capital. The results also indicate that land use diversity negatively impacts social capital, while population density, access to facilities and services, and public transport density have positive effects. These insights offer practical guidance for fostering social capital and community development by considering subjective perceptions. The results enhance our understanding of effective strategies for building social capital through improved socio-spatial interventions.