The Rise of Gated Communities in Amman from the Old to the Modern: Socio-Spatial Impact on the Surrounding

Abstract

The spread of gated communities in Amman calls for a nuanced investigation as they increasingly become the preferred housing choice for middle and upper-middle residents. This article attempts to correlate the social and spatial characteristics of Arabian neighbourhoods with the implications associated with gated communities, such as fragmentation and seclusion. The investigation employs a descriptive-analytic method and historical inquiry, including the evolution of Amman's master plan. In addition to case study observations and analysis of Al Andalucí a being the first gated community developed in Amman. Findings suggest that separation and segregation can be achieved without affecting the quality of life, as walls, historically, played a vital role in encouraging interaction. Notably, gated communities show no correlation with the historical morphological context as they symbolise segregation, fragmentation, and exclusion. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the pragmatic notion of gates and walls in history and how people interacted spatially and socially, which can be echoed in modern gated communities aiming to reduce their impacts on the surroundings.