Impact of Urbanization on Water Ecosystems and Its Influence on Community Cohesion: Analyzing Natural Alienation and Its Repercussions on Urban Design in Levittown

Abstract

This research explores the rapid effects of urbanization on aquatic ecosystems and social cohesion in Levittown, Puerto Rico. The destruction of wetlands and mangroves was a direct consequence of urban development, leading to further environmental degradation such as reduced water quality, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to flooding. Additionally, urban expansion has eroded accessible natural areas, weakening the connection between the community and its surrounding ecosystems. To address these challenges, the study proposes the creation of ecological social nodes—multifunctional green spaces reimagined as community hub centers that support both environmental restoration and social cohesion. These nodes are designed to foster biodiversity while offering inclusive public spaces where residents can gather, interact, and engage in environmental stewardship. The research follows a mixed-methods approach, incorporating surveys, interviews, and direct observation to explore how residents might reconnect with their local ecology. Emphasis is placed on community-driven environmental conservation, guided by principles of sustainable urban design. Importantly, the findings and community insights from this study serve as the foundation for a design proposal, transforming the research into a spatial intervention. This proposal aims to integrate ecological restoration with social infrastructure, shaping spaces that are ecologically resilient, socially inclusive, and deeply rooted in local identity. In doing so, the study presents a vision for a more sustainable and connected Levittown—one where natural spaces are not only preserved but reimagined as essential parts of urban life and community well-being.