Impact of Urban Densities on the Quality-of-Life Indicators in Low-Income Housing Areas: A Case Study of Low-Income Housing in New Cities of Egypt

Recently, Egypt has witnessed significant attention toward the planning of residential areas, particularly those designated for low-income housing, with a focus on incorporating quality of life indicators in their design. This effort aligns with the National Human Rights Strategy, aiming to create more sustainable housing environments and provide adequate housing for citizens. While targeting the same low-income demographic, these areas often differ in terms of urban density, influenced by various factors such as the housing policies implemented during the development phase and the specific housing programs applied. These variations are reflected in the achievement of quality of life indicators across different regions. This research aims to assess the extent to which variations in urban density within low-income housing areas impact the achievement of quality of life indicators, using a case study approach that examines social housing projects in Egypt's first-generation new cities. The methodology is structured around three main axes: First, an exploration of the theoretical framework concerning low-income housing and its urban characteristics, including a review of quality of life standards and their application mechanisms. Second, an analysis of Arab and international experiences in implementing these indicators, leading to the identification of a relevant set of quality of life indicators for low-income housing across different urban densities. Third, a comparative study of low-income housing areas in 6th of October City and 10th of Ramadan City, both of which feature varying urban densities within the same housing category. The study monitors urban characteristics, construction timelines, and housing policies in both cities, employing statistical methods to accurately measure the impact of different urban densities on the achievement of quality of life indicators. The research findings indicate that medium-density housing areas achieve the highest quality of life indicators, outperforming both low-density and high-density areas. Medium-density areas strike a balance between spatial comfort, service accessibility, and environmental quality. In contrast, low-density housing areas show moderate quality of life due to limited infrastructure and fewer available services. High-density areas consistently perform the poorest, primarily due to overcrowding, insufficient green spaces, and limited access to essential services. These results highlight the crucial role of urban density in optimizing the quality of life within urban environments.