Everyday use of balconies in Cairo’s residential neighborhoods: a visual and ethnographic study

Author's Department

Construction Engineering Department

Second Author's Department

Architecture Department

Third Author's Department

Sociology, Egyptology & Anthropology Department

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https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-03-2025-0128

All Authors

Rowida Magdy Al-Gebeily Ahmed Sherif Ramy Aly

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Archnet Ijar International Journal of Architectural Research

Publication Date

1-1-2025

doi

10.1108/ARCH-03-2025-0128

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to document the adaptations made by Cairenes in their balconies to accommodate the banal “everyday use” needs and gain deeper insights into the social role played by the balcony in typical Egyptian households. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative anthropological approach was adopted in this research, incorporating fieldwork observations (physical mapping) and photo documentation in three local contexts in Cairo, Egypt, in parallel with interviews, and extended conversations with residents conducted by the researcher. This current piece presents the results of the visual survey that was supported by in-depth interviews for interpretation. Findings – There are clear assertive improvisations by the local residents reflecting common needs and conditions in Egyptian households. Despite some variations in the extent of treatments of various issues and irrespective of the sociocultural background, parallels in regards to local needs were confirmed across the three study areas, particularly the issues of privacy and control, security, functional and communicative purposes, and personalization and identity. Originality/value – In the context of Egypt, there is little dedicated research that particularly focuses on the social/cultural role of the balcony. It is often addressed indirectly as part of mapping environmental changes and adaptations corresponding to residential dissatisfaction in public housing projects, yet it was never the central focus of any research where its everyday use and role are examined in local communities, which makes this focused research a significant addition.

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