Intergroup contact in segregated cities: the case of Digla Square, Cairo, Egypt

Purpose Intergroup contact is crucial for social cohesion, especially in metropolitan cities. However, in segregated cities, public spaces are challenged by the division between different social groups and the tension associated with their mutual presence. While several studies assure the value of intergroup contact, very few inform urban designers on how to create spaces that overcome segregation and allow positive encounters. This paper investigates one of the public spaces of intergroup contact: Digla Square, in Cairo, Egypt. Design/methodology/approach The paper first develops an interpretive framework to investigate intergroup contact in segregated cities. Afterwards, it uses that framework to approach Digla Square for the case study. The methods used to collect data from the field included unstructured observations and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with representatives from all social groups encountering the square. Findings Coding the collected data relying on constructivist grounded theory identified three themes: Digla Square as a place to live, work and play; to appropriate and personalize and to build a common community character. Discussion of the findings reveals an explanation of the phenomenon and draws on connecting the identified themes to existing urban theories. Originality/value The paper affords an innovative approach to studying intergroup contact in segregated cities. It also provides a practical framework for empirical and/or field study and the analysis of the results. Moreover, the paper proposes a new perspective towards understanding the phenomenon of intergroup contact in public spaces in metropolitan cities. Lastly, it specifies more human-centred insights for urbanists towards better place-making for their public spaces.