The dilemma of visual privacy and communal open spaces: the case of gated communities in Jordan

Urban open spaces are essential for enhancing social capital and supporting mental and psychological well-being, contributing significantly to the quality of life. This benefit has driven investors to create communal open spaces within gated communities, particularly in Jordan, where such spaces are limited. On the other hand, privacy is paramount for Jordanians since they are conservative community that holds deep respect for cultural values and beliefs. This study synchronized the dilemma of the need for communal open space and its influence on visual privacy. This relation was investigated in two gated communities through a mixed method approach, including field observations documenting modifications to windows, balconies, fences, and gates, combined with survey responses from 132 household heads and space syntax visibility analysis. The study focuses on the primary communal green open spaces within these communities, which serve as the dominant features in their layouts. Results indicated an inverse relationship between visual privacy and the proximity of apartment units to these communal spaces, with units closer to open areas reporting lower satisfaction and employing more privacy mechanisms. The findings emphasize the need for design flexibility at both the housing unit and neighborhood level to balance communal access with residents’ privacy needs particularly in societies where privacy holds cultural importance.