Changes of Urban Characteristics as a Function of Private Investments in Residential Developments

Abstract

As development of human settlements always reflects settlements' function, economic and lifestyle, the analysis of a new phenomenon will lead to more precise understanding of reasons behind urbanity changes. The present paper is a multiple convenience exploratory case study that compares between two private residential projects in the 20th century: ‘Heliopolis Oasis’ designed at the beginning of the century and ‘Al Rehab City’ designed by its end. These two units of analysis were selected as being two of the most renowned residential developments in Egypt. Document studies wasthe qualitative data collection method used in this research to identify similarities and differences between the two projects. The result indicates that they were both similar in terms of targeted social class, location, marketing strategy and selling points used –keeping in mind the building time for each project. On the other hand, a crucial difference between them was indicated, that is ‘the gate’: A major attribution of the private sector in housing market since the mid-1990s. The study proceeds to provide some evidences of the rising of this enclosure movement. Interviews with developers, residents, and public officials are used to address this issue. The findings will provide more information concerning the abundance demand for this new type of residential living in Egypt. It may also assist in the understanding of changes in residential preference, satisfaction and lifestyle for the efficient planning of residential developments.