Mass Housing Research Articles

Mass housing in transition: innovability in large-scale housing complexes

Mass housing in transition: innovability in large-scale housing complexes

An ISM-MICMAC-based study for identification and classification of preventable safety risk mitigation factors in mass housing projects following a BIM approach

Construction operation is among the most high-risk sectors in terms of work-related accident, making it highly challenging to surveil the safety of such projects. In construction projects, failure to observe safety represents a leading cause of fatal accidents, not to mention the losses incurred by such accidents to national assets of the country. Accordingly, recent decades have witnessed the emergence of modern techniques for improving the occupational safety of construction projects. The main purpose of the present research is to identify and classify different preventable risk mitigation factors in mass housing projects following a building information modeling (BIM) approach. The research methodology included interviews with relevant experts and elites followed by analysis of the data on the 12 identified-as-significant variables for mitigating the preventable risk factors in mass house construction projects by means of the inferential – structural modeling (ISM) in MICMAC software. In order to explore the relationships among and succession of different criteria and further classify them at different levels, ISM was implemented, with the MICMAC software used to analyze the direct and indirect influences, develop influence/dependence maps, and judge about the role of each criterion. Findings of the present research showed that the mutual relations (H3), the reward system (H6), the reporting system (H7), and the supervisors' supervision (H8) are autonomous variables and hence impose the smallest contributions to the system. Accordingly, they can be eliminated from the model though their effects may not be completely ignored. On the other hand, the employees’ empowering (H4), the safety management system (H5), the teamwork (H9), the self-efficiency (H10), and the knowledge and awareness (H11) were identified as the linkage variables that fill in the gap between the safety and occupational accident reduction in the mass house construction projects. Further, the continuous improvement (H2) and the safe behavior (H12) were identified as dependent variables, implying that they exhibit the weakest influence coupled with highest dependence on any change in the conditions of the system. Last but not the least, the management commitment (H1) was identified as the only dependent variable which deserves lots of attention. This information can be helpful to safety decision-makers, end users, research organizations, and academic institutes who work to reduce the preventable risk factors in mass house construction projects.

Innovative perspectives on urban heritage. Towards the integrated regeneration of mass housing neighbourhoods

Introduction: Many 20th-century residential neighbourhoods exhibit a high degree of obsolescence both in terms of new technical demands and social and environmental requirements. However, current regeneration processes often lack cohesive vision, revealing sectorial biases and inconsistencies in quality interpretation. Methodology: This research proposes a comprehensive review on two levels: (1) integrated studies on urban rehabilitation and regeneration, and (2) a focus on Andalusian neighborhoods as a case study. Results: Drawing from a wide range of literature references, the research highlights the diverse approaches. Detailed case studies, particularly from Andalusia, illustrate the large applications of urban regeneration strategies and studies. Discussions: The research highlights that while residential neighbourhood regeneration has been extensively studied, there's a notable gap in recognising them as heritage assets. The study emphasises the necessity of integrating heritage considerations into urban regeneration processes. Conclusions: The research underscores the complex interplay between heritage conservation and urban regeneration, advocating for a holistic approach that respects historical contexts while meeting contemporary needs.

Sustainable Concreting: Optimization Modelling of the Strength Properties of Bio-Self Compacting Concrete Incorporating Sporosarcina Pasteurii, Calcined Clay and Limestone Powder

Sustainable concreting is prerequisite for infrastructural development in developing countries so as to meet up with the sustainable development goal of adequate mass housing and other critical infrastructure. Thus, research is ever ongoing aimed at developing cheaper and more durable concrete via the incorporation of bio-based by-products in concrete to improve its properties, as well as optimizing the quantities of these secondary materials for maximum and optimal concrete production. One such revolutionary concrete that is yet to find full application in the developing world is self-compacting concrete, because of the cost and attendant environmental effects. There is thus a need to arrive at optimal materials quantities that can maximize concrete properties without recourse to many trial and error experimentations that are both time and resources consuming. The application of modelling tools in concrete technology aids in the optimization of concrete constituents for optimal self-compacting concrete performance. This research uses optimization techniques to optimize the bacteria dosage as well as model the Compressive and Tensile strength properties of a calcined clay and Limestone powder blended ternary self-compacting concrete using sporosarcina pasteurii as Microbial induced calcite precipitation agent and calcium lactate as nutrient source. The Bacteria was incorporated into the concrete at a bacterial content of 1.5x108cfu/ml, 1.2x10 cfu/ml and 2.4x109cfu/ml corresponding to the McFarland turbidity scale of 0.5, 4 and 8 while the nutrient (calcium lactate) content was 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% by weight of cement for each bacterial content. The Compressive strength and tensile strengths at 28 days were determined and the results used for both the model development, strength optimization and model validation, with the strengths as the dependent variable (y) and the bacterial content corresponding to a McFarland scale of and calcium lactate content as the independent variables, X1 and X2 respectively. The results show an improvement in the compressive strength from 32N/mm2 to 45.2N/mm2 at the optimal bacterial and nutrient content of 1.2x10 cfu/ml and 0.5% respectively, and tensile strength from 4.01N/mm2 to 5.0N/mm2. Also, the non-linear regression models proved adequate for optimizing the bacterial content for optimal self-compacting concrete performance. Journal of Engineering Science 15(1), 2024, 11-19

To Study the Construction Techniques for Slum Rehabilitation In Metro Cites

With increasing urbanization, the need for adequate affordable shelter also increases. Housing shortage is one of the major challenges faced in developing countries like India. It is imperative to provide housing that caters to all income groups with special focus on the low and middle income groups. In order to provide low cost housing, it is essential to adopt innovative sustainable technologies which are affordable, fast track, cost effective, durable as well as environment friendly. This seminar discusses emerging innovative technologies that can be adopted in the country to lower housing construction cost and help in provision of mass affordable housing. Some of the technologies discussed are Tunnel form, Sismo building technology, Light Gauge Steel Framed Structural technology, Precast Sandwich Panel technology etc. These technologies are reviewed on various parameters like local availability, affordability, energy efficiency, structural stability, quality, speed, cost effectiveness, eco friendliness and suitability for high rise construction. The advantages and limitations of the technologies are also mentioned. The seminar highlights the potential barriers for adoption of these technologies in the Indian urban scenario and methods which can be employed to overcome those barriers in order to provide affordable housing for the low and middle income groups. Fast track construction is very much essential for the mass housing projects like slum rehabilitation . For this rapid wall technique can be best option for construction

Addressing the Housing Shortage Gap in Nigeria: An exploration of Dry Construction Method

Due to Nigeria's housing shortage, which has been increasing since the late 20th century and currently stands at 20 million units with a loss rate of 780,000 units annually, Nigeria's construction industry has been under pressure to adopt a modern, timely, and premium construction strategy. This research aims to assess how the dry construction method affects mass housing delivery in developing countries, focusing on Nigeria. This study employed a qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with sixteen experts and specialists in dry construction and housing who work for various organisations in Nigeria. The study concluded that, although dry construction is infrequently used in developing countries, it offers significant potential for emerging economies and mortgage companies to ensure prompt housing delivery. By reducing building time and improving housing accessibility, dry construction can address the current challenges of delivering affordable housing in Nigeria. To successfully implement the dry construction method in closing the housing deficit in Nigeria, the research also noted that the government must change its priority beyond direct house development towards creating a conducive framework for the industry. This study presents key stakeholders in the housing sector with the information they need to adopt and implement the dry construction method to close the housing gap, especially in Nigeria, which has received less attention.

Social sustainability in public housing: insight from social network analysis of recent residential developments in Enugu, Nigeria

Despite the growing need for public housing schemes to contribute to the attainment of sustainable residential neighbourhoods in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), the extent to which such schemes are achieving this in countries in the Global South is yet to be determined. This study investigated the social sustainability of three public housing estates in the Enugu Urban area, Nigeria, with a view to understanding their social sustainability indices. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected 160 residents of the estates was done and the data analysed using descriptive and social network analyses. The findings revealed that the sampled housing estates recorded moderate social sustainability values due to differing availability and use of public spaces, and associational activities. The study implies that the provision of public spaces and facilities is vital in enhancing the social sustainability of mass housing developments.

Urban energy transition: Sustainable model simulation for social house district

Energy communities (EC) play a crucial role in driving the transition towards renewable energy sources within urban areas. This study focuses on the implementation of EC within linear mass housing in Rome, with particular attention given to the Tor Bella Monaca district. The research proposes and simulates six energy community distinct scenarios using the Urban Modelling Interface (UMI) and Simulink in order to advance understanding of this topic. These scenarios evaluate the integration of photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and energy storage systems to determine their comprehensive effect on renewable energy production, CO2 emission reduction, and the enhancement of self-consumption. The study findings show that higher electrification levels in an energy community lead to greater consumption of renewable energy and reduced reliance on the grid. The integration of heat pumps and energy storage further enhances energy consumption and self-sufficiency creating sustainable energy models in urban environments. With an increase in self-consumption factor and self-sufficiency factor of 0.15–0.30 and 0.11–0.13, respectively, depending on the scenario. The research highlights the importance of a thorough assessment of technology sizing and integration in order to enhance self-consumption and decrease CO2 emissions. It proposes investigating the incorporation of both thermal and electrical storage to optimize self-consumption. Finally, the simulated scenarios underwent flexibility analyses to determine the precise energy flow capacity and the optimal setting identified through economic evaluation.

Owning housing units versus owning the residence: The divergence between two types of homeownership rates in urban China since 2008

Urban housing is crucial for understanding socioeconomic inequality in transitional economies. In China, since the massive housing privatization, there has been a significant improvement in various aspects of urban housing. Official data and research articles report a substantial increase in urban homeownership rates. However, prevailing studies and media reports also reveal the growing difficulty for young people to attain homeownership. Hence, it is unclear whether it has become easier or harder for Chinese urban residents to become homeowners, and why. We propose differentiating between two types of homeownership: (1) ownership of an urban housing unit (broadly-defined homeownership), and (2) ownership of the housing unit in which one currently lives (narrowly-defined homeownership). The trends of these two types of homeownership rates have diverged since 2008. While the former rose because housing units were increasingly viewed as investment goods, the latter declined, which suggests that for new entrants into the housing market, it has become harder to own their residences. We draw on six waves of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) between 2003 and 2018 for our empirical investigation. The findings substantiate our propositions. They reveal that young people's disadvantage is more salient in living in self-owned housing units than owning a housing unit, and this disadvantage has grown significantly since 2008. This study contributes to the emerging literature on housing inequality in transitional economies, particularly the housing disadvantages among young adults.

Predictors of animal sponsorship to support zoo‐based conservation activities

AbstractPublic donations are an important form of fundraising for zoos and are used to support conservation activities. Understanding what influences zoo animal sponsorship by the public is crucial if zoos are to optimize strategies for increasing income from sponsors. Using sponsorship data obtained from seven diverse zoos within the UK, we used a phylogenetically informed approach to investigate predictors of the number of sponsors a species receives. We found no support for an effect of body mass, conservation status, solitary versus group housing, phylogenetic distance from humans, daily activity patterns, or the diet of the species on the number of sponsors a species attracts. However, we found strong phylogenetic signal, suggesting that particular groups of animals attract disproportionate sponsorship attention (but the specific species within these groups is of limited importance). Moreover, we found support for species with common names that are found toward the start of the alphabet having more sponsors. This is likely driven by the common practice of listing species that can be sponsored in alphabetical order when presenting them to potential sponsors (with people being more likely to choose species near the start of a list). Interestingly, the lack of effect of body mass, phylogenetic distance, and conservation status contrast with previous work on non‐zoo conservation preferences, suggesting possible differences between motivations of zoo and non‐zoo conservation donors, or between animal sponsorship and other forms of conservation involvement. We suggest two strategies for maximizing sponsorship for zoo animals. If zoos manage sponsorship income as a collective pool then allowing sponsorship of a range of species within particularly well‐sponsored animal groups should improve uptake. Alternatively, if zoos allocate sponsorship income to the specific species sponsored, then funding may be effectively diverted to priority species simply by altering the order of lists of animals which can be sponsored.

Sustainable Structural System Selection Using Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Model Based on Seismic Performance

In the rapidly evolving field of sustainable construction, this study aims to address the critical need for advancement in the building industry, focusing on vital indicators like energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as improving occupant comfort. This research introduces a novel approach to support the choice of suitable structural systems for mass housing projects, with a case study on Iran’s national housing scheme. This methodology involves a four-phase process, beginning with compiling a database from existing studies to outline primary and secondary indicators affecting structural system selection. It utilizes the fuzzy AHP method for criteria prioritization and the fuzzy TOPSIS technique for alternatives (LSF, 3DP, ICF, TRC, and RCCF). The study identified the light steel framing (LSF) system as the optimal choice for Iran’s housing needs based on various criteria. Then, in the final phase, the study evaluates the seismic performance of cold-formed steel (CFS) frames with various sheathing panel types (OSB, DFP, CSP, and GWB) under monotonic loads, examining key seismic parameters across 38 frame setups. The findings reveal that LSF structures can effectively withstand seismic events within the elastic behavior range, suggesting that this construction approach is viable for enhancing mass housing production in Iran’s construction sector.

Energy Efficient Reconstruction of Damaged Mass Housing Estates in Ukraine: Theoretical Aspects and German Practice

Energy Efficient Reconstruction of Damaged Mass Housing Estates in Ukraine: Theoretical Aspects and German Practice

The Political Outcomes of Housing Movements: Participatory Governance in Mass Housing Programmes

Research conducted over the past decade examining the impact of social movements on urban politics and housing policy has significantly enhanced our understanding of how these movements resist housing financialisation through direct action, social protest, and advocacy. However, further investigation is still required to comprehend the influence of housing movements on policy design and implementation, in order to understand the paths taken and how social movements shape housing and urban policies. This paper focuses on the self-management branch of the My House, My Life – Entities (Minha Casa, Minha Vida - Entidades), a mass housing programme in Brazil. The paper has two objectives. Firstly, it identifies the strategies that nationally organised urban and housing movements employ to advocate for the inclusion of housing self-management in federal mass housing programmes. Secondly, it examines the policy implications of implementing a participatory governance model (co-management) in national housing programmes, with an emphasis on policy lessons learned. To accomplish this, policy documents, housing movement reports, and news media items were utilised to systematically trace the trajectory to success and examine the policy lessons for participatory governance. This paper makes two contributions: it enriches the literature on social movements against housing financialisation by analysing citizen participation in housing policy design and implementation and it contributes to the field of research on the consequences of social movements by examining the influence of social movements in shaping and housing policies.

Analyzing the thermal performance of walling systems in low-income housing through computational fluid dynamics approach

The thermal properties of wall materials have a direct impact on the thermal performance of the indoor environment, by also influencing the occupant’s well-being. Coupled with airflow dynamics, the thermal performance of wall materials influences the indoor air temperature distribution thereby impacting thermal comfort, particularly in naturally ventilated (NV) spaces. However, defining the relationships between the wall characteristics, airflow dynamics, and thermal comfort for selecting the appropriate wall material for low-income NV buildings is still not evident in the current literature. Therefore, this study proposes a simulation-based framework that considers the relationships between wall materials, airflow dynamics, and thermal comfort using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach by spatially plotting the thermal comfort within the NV spaces.The study analyses locally accessible wall materials, subjecting them to different operating conditions within NV dwelling units of low-income housing in India. Out of the analyzed wall materials, aerated autoclaved blocks exhibited a significant indoor temperature reduction of 20.7 % compared to the compressed stabilized earth blocks, with constrained airflow exacerbating temperature fluctuations. The global implications of these findings are substantial for urban low-income dwellers experiencing excessive heat. Mass housing efforts worldwide can benefit from using thermally efficient materials in construction thereby improving living conditions, and mitigating the impact of climate change on thermal comfort and health.

Investigating Spatial Criteria for the Urban Landscape Assessment of Mass Housing Heritage: The Case of the Central Zone of New Belgrade

This study addressed problems related to the protection, reconstruction, and revitalisation of modern heritage, particularly the regeneration of mass housing estates built after WWII and facing the contemporary perils of urban decay and deterioration. It presented interdisciplinary research investigating the possibility of extending and complementing the heritage assessment methodology and broadening the scope of the criteria by including mass housing landscape values. Starting with a close reading of the key theoretical positions embedded in the conceptualisation and construction of New Belgrade, we investigated a set of holistic and time-based criteria, followed by contemporary methodologies for landscape quality assessment. The investigation was based on an urban landscape approach to heritage assessment and focuses on the Central Zone of New Belgrade, declared a heritage site in 2021. The interaction of the theoretical underpinnings of modern architecture and urban planning with urban landscape discourse, coupled with historically and theoretically relevant knowledge and data, resulted in an investigation of landscape-based criteria for further mass housing assessment. Finally, we presented the findings of the landscape quality assessment of the transformations of the Central Zone. This perspective could be used to extend the possibilities of this approach in order to (1) tackle the “thickness” of temporality related to (urban) landscapes; (2) rethink and redefine the applied heritage assessment approach; (3) open the assessment procedure to a wider range of stakeholders, particularly nonexperts and the local community; and (4) re-actualise the position and role of experts in the sense of communicating knowledge in a completely new context.

Socialist in content, national in form: Small-scale housing estates in Budapest between 1945 and 1960

Abstract In the second half of the 20th century, solving the housing crisis became a significant social issue and political task throughout Europe, particularly in the countries of the Eastern Bloc. Although due to its quantity, prefabricated large mass housing estates became overrepresented, dozens of smaller, experimental, and diverse mass housing forms also emerged. It is hypothesized, that these small housing estates, due to their scale and quality, are urban planning projects that were realized across political, economic, and architectural changes. To demonstrate their adaptability, this paper presents the small housing estates built in one of the capitals of the Eastern Bloc countries—Budapest—during the most turbulent one-and-a-half decades of the socialist era (1945–1960). The research consists of three main parts: (1) Hungarian politics and housing policy, (2) Budapest's urban policy, and (3) a brief presentation of the urban planning and architectural aspects of Budapest's small housing estates. The result of the research is the creation of a complete small housing estates portfolio, illustrated archive articles, archival plans, and photographs. It becomes evident that although the times from World War II to the consolidation of power saw vastly different political eras, directives, and ideals realized, along with various architectural styles and housing policies, the small housing estate as an urban planning product was able to adapt and survive. Moreover, it is a valuable architectural, housing, and urban planning imprint of the era, the only mass housing form realized in numerous examples in Budapest.

Heritage Recognition of Mass Housing Neighbourhoods in Spain. Urban Planning as an Instrument of Protection

Aquest article té com a objectiu inicial avaluar el grau de reconeixement i protecció jurídica del qual gaudeixen a Espanya les barriades d'habitatge massiu construïdes majoritàriament en la segona meitat del segle XX. Es tracta d'un dels períodes històrics de major creixement urbà, no obstant això, presenta un nivell de protecció clarament inferior a desenvolupaments residencials previs. La recerca pren com a punt de partida els registres d'arquitectura del segle XX, per a fer especial èmfasi en les possibilitats de protecció que ofereix el planejament urbanístic. Per a això la recerca se centra en tres casos d'estudi: Madrid, Saragossa i Màlaga. L'objectiu últim és albirar el potencial que té el planejament urbanístic per a superar les dificultats habitualment associades a la protecció patrimonial, així com per a introduir noves aproximacions conceptuals. El treball conclou posant l'accent sobre la força que tenen els instruments urbanístics en la conservació de la ciutat heretada, especialment en el cas de barriades residencials caracteritzades per forts processos d'obsolescència. Enfront de les figures de protecció de la legislació estatal o autonòmica, donades les obligacions i càrregues que comporten, la catalogació urbanística ofereix un major grau d'adaptació a les particularitats de cada cas i, en conseqüència, permeten articular una protecció més efectiva des d'aproximacions contemporànies. The initial aim of this article is to evaluate the degree of recognition and legal protection given to mass housing neighbourhoods built mainly in the second half of the 20th century in Spain. Even though this is one of the historical periods of greatest urban growth, it presents a level of protection that is clearly lower than previous residential developments. The research takes as its starting point the architectural records of the 20th century, in order to place special emphasis on the protection possibilities offered by urban planning. To this end, the research focuses on three case studies: Madrid, Zaragoza, and Malaga. The ultimate aim is to get a glimpse of the potential of urban planning to overcome the difficulties usually associated with heritage protection, as well as introduce new conceptual approaches. The paper concludes by emphasising the power of urban planning instruments in the conservation of the inherited city, especially in the case of residential neighbourhoods characterised by strong processes of obsolescence. Compared to the protection figures of state or regional legislation, given the obligations and burdens they entail, urban cataloguing offers a greater degree of adaptation to the particularities of each case and, consequently, allows more effective protection to be articulated from contemporary approaches. Este artículo tiene como objetivo inicial evaluar el grado de reconocimiento y protección jurídica del que gozan en España las barriadas de vivienda masiva construidas mayoritariamente en la segunda mitad del siglo XX. Se trata de uno de los periodos históricos de mayor crecimiento urbano, sin embargo, presenta un nivel de protección claramente inferior a desarrollos residenciales previos. La investigación toma como punto de partida los registros de arquitectura del siglo XX, para hacer especial énfasis en las posibilidades de protección que ofrece el planeamiento urbanístico. Para ello la investigación se centra en tres casos de estudio: Madrid, Zaragoza y Málaga. El objetivo último es vislumbrar el potencial que tiene el planeamiento urbanístico para superar las dificultades habitualmente asociadas a la protección patrimonial, así como para introducir nuevas aproximaciones conceptuales. El trabajo concluye poniendo el acento sobre la fuerza que tienen los instrumentos urbanísticos en la conservación de la ciudad heredada, especialmente en el caso de barriadas residenciales caracterizadas por fuertes procesos de obsolescencia. Frente a las figuras de protección de la legislación estatal o autonómica, dadas las obligaciones y cargas que conllevan, la catalogación urbanística ofrece un mayor grado de adaptación a las particularidades de cada caso y, en consecuencia, permiten articular una protección más efectiva desde aproximaciones contemporáneas.

Assessment of Stakeholders’ Engagement and Participation in Mass Housing Development

This paper examines stakeholder engagement and participation in mass housing development projects within Abuja's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. Through case studies of prominent projects like Sunnyvale Estate, Garki II District Development, and the Life Camp Extension Project, it aims to explore the multifaceted roles of government agencies, private entities, local communities, residents, and the limited involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups. Drawing from extensive literature, the study delves into the theoretical underpinnings of stakeholder engagement within the context of Public-Private Partnerships and housing development, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and social acceptance. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach, employing case studies and literature review to analyze the extent of stakeholder involvement in Abuja's mass housing projects, with a focus on government agencies, private developers, local communities, residents, and NGOs. Results and discussion underscore the significant roles played by government agencies and private developers in driving housing development projects, while also acknowledging the active participation of local communities and residents. However, the limited involvement of NGOs and advocacy groups poses challenges to achieving inclusive and sustainable housing solutions in Abuja. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the importance of enhancing stakeholder engagement and participation to address Abuja's housing challenges effectively, advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in future PPP housing projects. Recommendations include prioritizing community involvement in decision-making processes, adopting socially responsible practices by private developers, and strengthening the role of NGOs and advocacy groups in advocating for housing rights and social equity.

ANALYSIS OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE MASS HOUSING

The article reveals the basics of the formation of residential buildings of mass industrial construction. Design and construction practice and typological features of residential buildings are analyzed. Proposals for the reconstruction and reconstruction of mass housing in Ukraine are being considered. The organization of housing with the use of promising architectural and structural systems and the formation of housing complexes is revealed. Modern trends in the architectural design of multi-story residential buildings are considered, and proposals for the complex formation of housing with targeted development of residential structures are provided.

Behind the Privative Space Obstruction. Investigating Visual Perception Privacy, Downtown Algiers’ Mass Housing

The present paper brings forth visual perception privacy issue in mass housing in Algiers. Considering a correlation between obstruction rates and visual perception privacy, the case study was selected to measure dwellers’ satisfaction according to Altman’s theoretical framework. A qualitative method was adopted and a semi-guided interview was conducted with 28 downtown mass housing residents in Algiers. On the other hand, to understand outsiders’ perspective regarding downtown dwellings’ perception, the qualitative method was supplemented by a survey involving 94 participants. Both methodological tools were structured according to previous non-participatory observation. Finally, the investigated area appears as being double-scaled: on an urban scale visual perception privacy measurement, people are satisfied, while on the residential scale, dissatisfaction prevails. From outsiders’ perspective, dynamic motions combined to street furniture create a visual protective shield between dwellers and unfamiliar outsiders, as the later perceive environment on a cognitive dimension, while familiar outsiders perceive it on an affective-emotional symbolic dimension.