Purpose Non-gated residential communities (NGR) are now becoming significant in Jordan resulting in an increase in low and medium-income areas. This study aims to investigate the sense of community at residential level within NGR by testing the characteristics presented in the first and largest non-gated community in Jordan (Al-Sharq project). Design/methodology/approach Such characteristics were identified via literary reviews and visual data collected through site visits, observation and photographs of the project's physical settings. This formed the basis of a questionnaire/survey that was distributed to the residents. This research depends on the mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) to achieve the research objectives. The quantitative method involved the use of a questionnaire/survey, while the qualitative method undertook a comparative process using some statistical methods for the main characteristics. The results were analysed by using descriptive statistics, comprising frequency and factor analyses. Findings The study concludes with a framework consisting of suggestions and recommendations to remove the main constraints on improving the quality of life for the non-gated residential community. Practical implications The outcome of this study will influence the decisions made by the parties involved in urban development in Jordan when designing residential neighborhoods. Originality/value The significance of this paper is that while the majority of studies have been on the evaluation of gated communities in developing countries, there have only been a limited of studies specifically examining the experience of residents in those environments. Therefore, this paper contributes and adds to the existing knowledge in the development of non-gated communities in a developing country.

In the recent urban development of the city of Zarqa in Jordan, the public open spaces in this city have not been designed to accommodate the high and rapid population increase. As such, Zarqa city does not have adequate public open spaces that meet the users' needs. As a result of inadequate public open spaces, people created new informal open spaces to practice recreational, and other, activities. This research investigated success of formal (officiallyorganized) public open spaces and the informal spaces created by users according to the indicators of successful public open spaces. It used qualitative and quantitative approaches using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a questionnaire survey. The primary data were collected using various tools like the questionnaire and the GIS whilst the secondary data were obtained from the literature. This study concludes with a spatial model consists of multirecommendation contributing the success of public open spaces in Zarqa City. This model gives an opportunity to guide the government, municipal authorities, planners, and decisionmakers responsible for designing public open spaces to enhance the future community-friendly spaces in cities suffering unplanned urban and population growth. The significance of this study is that it is the first specifically examining the designing public open spaces in Jordan. This model therefore can be applied to other Jordan cities that are similar to Zarqa City. It can also be developed further in order to inform the similar works that are being undertaken in developing countries cities in terms of urban development and population growth.

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