The Relationship between Urban Design and Social Behavior in Egypt: A Comparative Study of Rural and Urban Environments

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between urban design and patterns of social behavior in rural and urban communities, with a focus on how built environments influence social interaction and the sense of community belonging. The study employs a comparative approach that combines a theoretical analysis of urban and behavioral concepts with a field study involving data collection from population samples in an urban area and a rural village. The study highlights the differences between the two environments regarding the impact of urban design on social behavior. In urban settings, urban design appears to enhance interaction in public spaces such as parks, squares, and pathways, whereas in rural settings, cultural and local social factors are closely linked to the importance of traditional shared spaces in strengthening social ties. The research also emphasizes the role of urban design in shaping daily behaviors and social interactions and provides recommendations to promote integration between urban design and social needs in both environments. This study contributes to understanding how urban design can be guided to enhance social cohesion while considering the differences between rural and urban contexts, and it opens avenues for future research on the relationship between the built environment and social behavior in diverse settings