Re-Thinking Post-Pandemic Home Design: How Covid-19 Affected the Perception and Use of Residential Balconies in Egypt

Abstract

The spread of COVID-19 has led to the enforcement of physical distancing measures. The purpose of the paper is to understand the effect of these measures and lifestyle changes on the role and importance of balconies in Egypt. A literature review was conducted to understand the effect of pandemics on the built environment and the role of balconies throughout history and during the current pandemic. An online survey was then used to provide a deep understanding on the Egyptians’ perception of home balconies after the pandemic. The pandemic has led to spending more time at home and in balconies. In Egypt, privacy, noise, pollution, and lack of furniture were the main limitations in using balconies. The most frequent activities carried out in balconies were socializing and solitary activities. These activities require quiet and private balconies that away from pollution and large enough to accommodate a seating area. The survey is not limited to a specific area, as it aims to provide an understanding of the different perception of balconies in different areas in Egypt. Research that studies the impact of COVID-19 on home design, architecture and even daily lifestyle in Egypt is very limited. Findings of research concerning post-pandemic architecture and home design over the world can not to be applied in the context of Egypt. This research provides a foundation to further studies that focus on post-COVID-19 home design that meets specific local needs and conditions. © 2022, Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.