الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The rapid growth of informal settlements in Egypt has led the government to implement several approaches in dealing with this phenomenon, including urban regeneration, upgrading of built environment, and relocation of settlers to new urban projects. Despite that relocation can lead to myriad negative social and economic impacts on residents, it remained as one of the most commonly used methods in Egypt. Relocating people from informal settlements and unplanned areas to newly planned areas leads to a mismatch and incompatibility between the typology of the relocated residents and the newly planned areas due to the significant differences in physical, social, and cultural characteristics. This research aims at determining the socio-spatial attributes that should be taken into consideration if relocation strategies are to be selected, in order to minimize the possible social impacts on residents. It examines the relationship between the build environment and residents’ social interaction in relocation projects. This study critically evaluates Al-Asmarat urban transformation project, particularly regarding the relocation of Maspero Triangle residents from their low-story houses in Maspero to the apartment blocks in Al-Asmarat, through analyzing the socio-spatial impacts relocation had on Maspero residents. Data on social interactions along with comparative analysis of the built environment of both Maspero and Al-Asmarat are collected through behavioral observations, questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and secondary data sources. Findings demonstrate the socio-spatial incompatibilities faced by Maspero residents after their relocation. The analysis of collected data reveals that this relocation has negative impacts in terms of residents’ social networks, borrowing habits, social activities, informal social control, use of outdoor spaces, sense of safety, healthcare services, and economic conditions. However, some positive impacts of the relocation were defined by residents as better private units, cleanliness, and weather conditions. It is concluded that site design and physical planning of neighborhoods have profound impacts on residents’ social interaction post relocation. Therefore, critical measures need to be taken by planners, decision makers and civil societies to consider the social aspects of physical planning when designing neighborhoods, without observing it as a functionalistic approach disregarding the social impact it implies on residents. While relocation of communities is sometimes inevitable – especially in some cases of deteriorated and hazardous sites – it should be acknowledged that the harm that the relocation causes need to be mitigated. It is also important to convey the message to decision makers that relocation should be viewed as the last resolution and that other strategies that have minimal impacts on local communities should be prioritized.