City Image Between Gated and Open Residential Areas

Abstract

City image and self identity are two interrelated notions. Self identity, also referred to as urban related identity, is not solely derived from the physical characteristics of an urban space, but, consists of the social construction founded in the perception of individuals and groups (Lalli & Ploger, 1991). The relationship of the individual with a place is essential as place and space shape human experiences (Chen, 2012). With the trend of gated residential areas emerging in large cities such as Cairo and Alexandria in the late 90s creating a spatial discontinuity and urban fragmentation, this research is examining how open and gated urban residential areas shape place image of New Cairo’s Third Settlement residents.