When more isn't better: Reevaluating urban vitality's role in fostering social cohesion

In the face of growing urban inequalities and polarization, promoting social cohesion is essential for improving quality of life and resilience. While urban vitality—characterized by dense, mixed-use, and accessible environments—is often seen as a driver of social cohesion, the relationship between these factors remains unclear. This study addresses this gap by examining how different conditions of urban vitality affect social cohesion in five Spanish cities. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes population-based surveys, census data, and geospatial analysis, we test the impact of objectively measured urban vitality conditions on perceived social cohesion. The findings indicate that the relationship is complex and non-linear; social cohesion is most effectively promoted at moderate levels of urban vitality. This challenges the assumption of a straightforward positive correlation, suggesting that beyond a certain point, increased vitality does not necessarily enhance social cohesion and may even diminish it. The study highlights the need for a nuanced and contextual approach to urban development. It has important implications for urban planning and policy, advocating for a balance of different vitality conditions to create cities that are both vibrant and inclusive. Future research should explore these dynamics further, employing both objective and subjective measures to guide sustainable urban development. • Social cohesion thrives with moderate levels of urban vitality. • Urban vitality and cohesion show a complex, non-linear relationship. • Cohesive cities need more than density, design, and context matter.