Community Participation in Self-Developed Areas and Development Projects

Abstract

Community participation in self-developed areas is a key issue in contributing to the success of public housing. The main objective of this paper is to explore the factors that lead to the success of projects designed through participatory approach and cohousing design and the possibility of applying them while planning and designing new cities in Egypt. Accordingly, reasons behind achieving a highly appreciated housing are highlighted. The idea of participatory design is presented showing its fundamental characteristics and how residents actively participate in the design and operation of their neighborhood. A descriptive analysis of self-developed area in Germany (Southern part of Tubingen) and USA ("The Village" Cohousing project, Wisconsin) are presented. A recent participatory project in Egypt, about Maspero Triangle development urban project, indicating the importance of community engagement in the development process is highlighted. Finally, the means of achieving a successful participatory design in self-developed areas are pointed out, showing the importance of its application in Egypt. Accordingly, it is deduced how the physical design of the neighborhood through community participation encourages both individual space and social contact.