Countering Negative Contextual Influences on Egyptian Balconies: A Non-Participant Observational Study

Balconies serve as important architectural elements, linking the indoor and outdoor building environments. Studies point out that their function and design is greatly influenced by the local context; hence, this study examines the contextual influences on Egyptian balconies. The study starts by identifying the physical and functional characteristics of balconies through literature. Subsequently, structured face-to-face and online interviews with thirty-six architectural experts offer insights into the impact of local context on these characteristics. To affirm expert opinions, a non-participant observational survey was conducted across seven Egyptian cities over a thirteen-month period, viewing more than 3500 balconies. The survey assessed various factors influencing balcony design and use in light of the prevailing culture. The findings highlight the significant role of the local context in shaping balcony characteristics. It underscores the influence of the surrounding environment on balcony design. The outlined recommendations aim to optimize balconies, serving as a valuable guideline for architects to enhance current and future balcony designs in the region.