Homes in flux: Evaluating personal and social dynamics amid urban variability and mass-produced prototype housing

Abstract

Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of global urbanization, this research delves into the profound repercussions of dynamic shifts in residential settings on both personal and social interconnectedness. Focusing on the evolution into novel urban constructs and gated enclaves—underscored by the influx of mass-produced prototype houses, with Egypt serving as our representative context of a global phenomenon—we offer a nuanced examination of how these transitions mold individuals' perceptions of personal and social connectedness. Employing a survey instrument administered to a sample of 298 respondents, encompassing retrospectives on childhood homes alongside present-day residences, our inquiry unveils a multifaceted narrative that enriches the tapestry of environmental psychology scholarship. Contrary to expectations, the advent of new cities appears to wield no significance over personal or social bonds, while gated communities surprisingly exhibit a notable positive significance solely with personal connectedness, with no significant relationship observed for social connectedness expected from the label of community. Furthermore, apartments and standalone villas prototype typologies manifest divergent impacts on connectedness, defying conventional assumptions. Gender emerges as a pertinent covariate, intricately intertwined with the present-day sense of personal connectedness. These revelations underscore the intricate nexus of factors dictating residential connectedness, advocating for a holistic integration of tangled personal, social, and physical attributes in residential urban planning and housing architecture. Our study advocates for sustained exploration into the intricate mechanisms underpinning the nexus between residential milieus and interpersonal bonds, urging a nuanced understanding of cultural, geographical, and individual nuances to inform interpersonal sustainable paradigm that promotes social interaction and personal well-being.