Blurring the borders: An analysis of spatial borders and social segregation in gated communities in Egypt

Abstract

Gated communities are becoming more prevalent in cities worldwide, raising concerns about social segregation, particularly in Egypt. This study utilises social landscape theory to examine how landscape design at the borders of gated communities can affect changes in behaviour and perceptions of space, ultimately enhancing urban cohesion. The study explores the potential of blurring the borders of Egyptian gated communities to create integrative spaces. It does so by analysing the complex relationship between intangible social elements and tangible aspects of the landscape, while also considering social structures and cultural dynamics. Based on a mixed-methods study, which included observation, online questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews, the study shows that blurring borders as zones may contribute to enhanced social cohesion among residents of gated and non-gated communities. The study concludes that to effectively blur the borders of gated communities, landscape design has to achieve a balance between the concepts of openness and connectedness, while also preserving privacy and exclusivity. It proposes dividing territorial bounded spaces into sub-territorial integrative zones, taking into account factors such as privacy, visual openness, permeability, and publicness. The study contributes by shifting the focus of current literature from emphasising the negative effects of gated communities on urban fragmentation to recognising these communities as potential opportunities. It explores how border design and border landscapes can be leveraged to transform the borders of gated communities into socio-spatial integrative zones. The study will subsequently outline practical implications for urban design, landscape architecture, and planning policy.