Reintegrating informal settlements into the Greater Cairo Region of Egypt through the regional highway network

Abstract

This study analyses informal settlements and the regional highway network in the Greater Cairo Region of Egypt to propose alternatives to reduce regional spatial fragmentation that may lead to spatial segregation. Findings indicate that the street structure of informal settlements provides a configuration that supports social interaction for their residents. While the regional highway network can act to physically disconnect the wider region by isolating or splitting neighbourhoods, some highways can act as an integrator. Analysis at the urban scale can identify points in the settlements' street networks where they can be connected to the regional transport network, which could have an impact on regional consolidation.

Street network and home-based business patterns in Cairo’s informal areas

“…The outer active edges offer high vehicular traffic which has been reflected in the development of home-based businesses. While the bordering highways can act as integrators that support residents to keep socio-economic connections with adjoining settlements, some can act as barriers that physically disconnect the wider metropolis by segregating or splitting settlements (Abozied and Vialard, 2020). As expected, the study areas are generally globally isolated (marked in green and blue patches) from the surrounding context by strong physical barriers, such as railways, metro lines, canals and flyovers.…”

Perceptual Evaluation of Street Quality in Underdeveloped Ethnic Areas: A Random Forest Method Combined with Human–Machine Confrontation Framework Provides Insights for Improved Urban Planning—A Case Study of Lhasa City

“…Additionally, informal settlements in the Greater Cairo region of Egypt exhibit a street arrangement that promotes social interaction among residents. By conducting a comprehensive analysis on an urban scale, it becomes possible to identify specific intersections within the street system of these settlements that may form potential connections with the broader transportation network, thereby influencing regional integration [29].…”

Street network and land use in the slum of Chouf Lekdad in Sétif (Algeria)

“…Slums thus have their own spatial structure and function in isolation from the rest of the city; this spatial autonomy leads to social and spatial segregation [13]. Paradoxically, this spatial configuration leads to positive social effects; we note that slums promote social interaction between inhabitants [14]. Some slums are well connected to their environment and have functional diversity, which gives them potential for development and urban vitality [15].…”