Residential satisfaction in gated communities according to stages in the life cycle with reference to Cairo, Egypt

The objective of the study is to investigate, in the Egyptian context, residential satisfaction in gated communities (GCs) in relation to stages in the life cycle. The aim is to identify possible differences between the different stages in the life cycle in terms of the most important predictors of overall residential satisfaction. The study relies on a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of residents of Al-Rehab GC in Cairo, Egypt (n = 131). The sample was divided into four life cycle stage groups: young singles (YS) (n = 36), heads of young family households (YF) (n = 41), heads of households with older children (OC) (n = 34), and empty nesters (EN) (n = 20). Statistical analysis does indeed reveal differences between stages in the life cycle in relation to the most important components of residential satisfaction. In particular, for YF and OC, the social environment within the GC was the most important predictor of overall residential satisfaction. For these two life cycle groups, issues related to the needs and safety of their children were also important. In contrast, for EN, the social environment and characteristics of the area around the dwelling appeared to be much less important than for other groups. For EN, satisfaction with the dwelling unit itself was shown to be the most important predictor of overall residential satisfaction.

Gated communities in Bahrain: historical and urban geographies

Residential gating is a notable element in cities worldwide, but notable gaps exist in studies of residential gating in smaller cities and the Global South. This article examines the historical and urban geographies of residential gating in the Arab Gulf, using a case study from Bahrain. This research adds new nuance to studies of gated communities by presenting a case study from a smaller city in the Global South and integrating observations and interviews. The results explain the reasons for gated community development in Bahrain and provide insight into gated communities’ built and social environments in Bahrain. The article concludes that in ordinary cities, understanding urban development in general, and gated developments in particular, demands attention to their spatiotemporal contexts. Attention to these contexts can provide new insights that contribute to efforts to interpret and theorise contemporary urbanisation processes.

A hierarchical definitional framework for a heterogeneous context: housing typologies in Tirana, Albania

PurposeThe proposed definitional framework can be used to define housing typologies of cities in developing countries. It aims to define housing typologies in the capital city of Albania, Tirana, using the proposed hierarchical framework within the dynamics of four political periods: Ottoman, establishment, socialist and postsocialist.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a new definitional approach for the housing typologies through a hierarchical framework that defines the typologies based on their political period and legality statuses departing from the case of Tirana, which is featured by a heterogeneous context. Such context is characterized by uncontrollable urban development, making typology definition problematic. Furthermore, beyond the form, spatial and functional features, it presents their exterior distinctiveness as an innovative element. The methodology used in the study includes archival research, image documentation, spatial, functional and exterior distinctiveness analysis of housing typologies and exploration of housing form features in different political periods.FindingsThe study identifies urban formal housing typologies in Tirana detached houses, apartments, mass housing, social housing, gated communities, informal detached houses and housing with in/formal additions.Originality/valueThis definitional approach can be used to define housing typologies for cities featured by heterogeneous urban context.

The Condition of Security of Gated Communities under Private Governance: Findings from Residents’ Experiences and Opinions

<p>The number of gated communities is rapidly increasing worldwide. Although security has always been one of the most appealing features of gated communities, studies show that there is no significant difference in crime rates between gated communities and surrounding non-gated neighbourhoods. How safe are gated communities? How effective are the enhanced security measures of gated communities in preventing crime? Are residents responsible for the condition of security in gated communities? All these questions need to be addressed to improve the safety and security of residents of gated communities. The study aims to examine the condition of security of gated communities by drawing on the experiences and opinions of residents. It used a quantitative approach, with a descriptive methodology. Surveys were distributed to residents of seven sample gated communities in Auckland. Survey results were analysed by descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. In conclusion, the study found that the condition of security of Auckland gated communities is generally good as experienced and perceived by surveyed residents. ‘Security’ was regarded as one of the most significant factors for moving into a gated community. The majority of residents felt safe and secure both inside the property and within the community, and believed that their community was experiencing less crime than surrounding neighbourhoods. The study also found that the building manager, rather than the Owners’ Committee or the Body Corporate secretary, was identified as the most significant agent in the management of security related issues. The building manager was heavily relied by both residents and members of the Owners’ Committee. The study has presented basic findings about gated communities in the light of security and private governance. However, more research is needed to obtain sufficient data to discover the elements of successful crime prevention for gated communities.</p>

The Condition of Security of Gated Communities under Private Governance: Findings from Residents’ Experiences and Opinions

<p>The number of gated communities is rapidly increasing worldwide. Although security has always been one of the most appealing features of gated communities, studies show that there is no significant difference in crime rates between gated communities and surrounding non-gated neighbourhoods. How safe are gated communities? How effective are the enhanced security measures of gated communities in preventing crime? Are residents responsible for the condition of security in gated communities? All these questions need to be addressed to improve the safety and security of residents of gated communities. The study aims to examine the condition of security of gated communities by drawing on the experiences and opinions of residents. It used a quantitative approach, with a descriptive methodology. Surveys were distributed to residents of seven sample gated communities in Auckland. Survey results were analysed by descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. In conclusion, the study found that the condition of security of Auckland gated communities is generally good as experienced and perceived by surveyed residents. ‘Security’ was regarded as one of the most significant factors for moving into a gated community. The majority of residents felt safe and secure both inside the property and within the community, and believed that their community was experiencing less crime than surrounding neighbourhoods. The study also found that the building manager, rather than the Owners’ Committee or the Body Corporate secretary, was identified as the most significant agent in the management of security related issues. The building manager was heavily relied by both residents and members of the Owners’ Committee. The study has presented basic findings about gated communities in the light of security and private governance. However, more research is needed to obtain sufficient data to discover the elements of successful crime prevention for gated communities.</p>

Typological Analysis of Gated Communities Characteristics in Ibadan, Nigeria

Given the fact that the fear of crime is growing in Ibadan, and the number of gated communities or enclosed neighbourhoods is growing daily, need for an in-depth study of this phenomenon is essential to make available understanding into the architect’s thought procedures, design values and establish a typological dimension of the prevailing enclosed neighbourhood. The aim of the study is to examine the types and characteristics of gated communities in Ibadan, with a view to informing policy on neighbourhood design and gated community development. This study identifies and assesses the types and characteristics of gated communities in Ibadan; this was assessed using field survey through direct observation check and structured questionnaire methods. The result of the typological classification of gated communities through a variety of enclosure in Ibadan shows nine deferent types of gated communities, this include type A (Ornamental gating), type B (Walled subdivisions, type C (Faux-gated entries), type D (Barricaded streets), type E (partially gated roads), type F (Full gated roads), type G (Restricted entry, bounded area), type H (Restricted entry, guarded area), type I (Condominiums). The result of the defensive physical characteristics of the gated communities shows that Old Bodija Scheme has the strongest characteristics with an average index of 3.58 DPC while Agodi GRA appears weakest with an index of 2.63 DPC. The eight typologies, which were identified, gave understanding to the design philosophy of the architects by showing the elements which they manipulated in the design of gated communities. Finally, the paper examined the level of importance of defensive physical characteristics that include Territoriality, Surveillance, Milieu and Image in the development and design of gated communities.

Dhabas, highways, and exclusion

This chapter is an ethnographic study of ‘hybrid dhabas’ or inns that have emerged in the wake of massive highway construction all over India. Focusing especially on the dhabas on National Highways NH 1 and NH 37 passing through Murthal, Haryana, and Nagaon, Assam, this chapter argues that these hybrid dhabas, which combine features of traditional dhabas and city-based restaurants, reveal a particular social character of highways. These dhabas cater to a mostly middle-class clientele, while remaining inaccessible to less privileged classes and former users of highway inns, such as truck drivers. While scholars of urban studies have shown how material constructions such as shopping malls, theme parks, or gated communities give the city a middle-class character, this chapter shows how dhabas play a similar role in peri-urban areas by constructing the highways as middle-class spaces and sites of neoliberal exclusion.