Exploring the Relationship Between Urban Form and Social Cohesion in Racially Mixed Neighbourhoods in Jos

Jos, Plateau State has experienced significant ethno-religious conflict over several decades, making the relationship between urban spatial organization and social cohesion particularly relevant for planning research and practice. This study empirically explores the relationship between urban form characteristics and indicators of social cohesion in neighbourhoods with mixed ethno-religious populations in Jos. Using a cross-sectional analytical design, eight mixed-population neighbourhoods in Jos North and South were selected to represent variation in mixed-use intensity, public space provision, street connectivity, and settlement density. Social cohesion was measured across four dimensions: social interaction frequency, inter-group trust, shared space use, and collective efficacy, using a validated survey instrument administered to 400 residents. GIS-derived built environment measures were regressed against social cohesion outcomes in multilevel models. Findings are expected to identify public space quality, mixed-use street frontages, and pedestrian-friendly block structure as positive predictors of cross-group social interaction, while gated residential enclaves are negatively associated with trust between groups. The study makes an original empirical contribution to the understudied intersection of urban form and social cohesion in conflict-affected Nigerian cities. Recommendations address designing public space improvements in ethnically mixed neighbourhoods with social cohesion objectives, avoiding gated development forms in mixed communities, and integrating conflict-sensitive urban design principles into the Jos Master Plan. Keywords: Urban form, Social cohesion, Jos, Ethno-religious, Neighbourhood planning.