Hammad, Ahmed ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7848-8116 (2025) Gates, walls and neighbourhoods in the middle east: the impact of gated communities on the surroundings in Jordan. PhD thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

With the global spread of gated communities and their emergence in the Middle East, particularly in Jordan, this study examines the social and spatial impacts of these communities on surrounding neighbourhoods. Historically, Arabian cities were composed of enclosed settlements bounded by walls and gates, which formed an organic spatial pattern and fostered cohesive communities. This morphology, reflected in courtyard housing and neighbourhood clusters, created socially cohesive communities. Since the 1950s, modern planning policies and the dismantling of physical barriers have led to the emergence of new urban forms, including the importation of gated communities from the United States and Europe. These developments proliferated across the Middle East, reaching Jordan during the 1990s, culminating in the establishment of the first fully gated community in Amman in 2015. This study investigates the emergence of gated communities in Jordan and their broader socio-spatial implications. It also explores whether contemporary gated communities share characteristics with traditional enclosed Arabian neighbourhoods. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research focuses on gated communities in Jordan while drawing comparative insights from similar developments in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other Middle Eastern contexts. A theoretical framework is developed by drawing on sociological theories, including the Chicago School's segregation theory and Giddens' Structuration Theory, to assess the socio-spatial impacts of gated communities. Space syntax theory is employed to assess spatial integration, connectivity, and accessibility, while a thematic analysis of expert interviews provides insights into the perceived social impacts. The empirical investigation is structured in two stages: a historical content analysis of traditional Arabian urban forms and a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with urban planning and architecture professionals. Findings reveal that gated communities in Jordan exhibit low levels of spatial integration, limited accessibility, and minimal connection with their surrounding urban fabric. Space syntax analysis indicates that isolated street networks and inward-facing layouts reduce navigability and discourage socio-spatial interaction. In contrast, traditional Arabian neighbourhoods were characterised by a high degree of permeability and hierarchical spatial organisation that promoted cohesion. Thematic analysis further reveals that while gated communities foster internal social cohesion, they often reinforce segregation from surrounding areas. These developments also impact urban economics, governance, and land use, raising property values, generating service-oriented employment, and attracting municipal oversight. Experts have noted that current gated communities diverge from historic Arabian models in terms of function and social inclusivity. The findings also suggest that improving public infrastructure, security, and amenities in urban neighbourhoods may reduce reliance on gated forms. The study recommends phased reintegration strategies, increased pedestrian permeability, and urban policies inspired by traditional planning principles to mitigate segregation and foster long-term urban sustainability. Drawing inspiration from traditional planning principles, it proposes phased reintegration strategies and improved permeability to counter urban segregation. By combining historical inquiry, social theory, spatial analysis, and qualitative interviews, this research contributes to understanding gated communities as a socio-spatial phenomenon. It offers practical recommendations for fostering more inclusive and sustainable urban environments in the Middle East.

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