NON- RETAIL ACTIVITIES IN THE PUBLIC REALM

Abstract

Abstract The urban informal sector is a vibrant section of the urban economy worldwide. It is rapidly a growing factor in the age of contemporary urbanization. There is an urgent need to encourage more research on the crucial segment of the urban informal sector. Many scholars discuss the informal sector focusing on characteristics, magnitude, impact on traffic, building design, etc. However, research on the role of informal sector in shaping the urban space area limited. The basic right of most inhabitants of Egyptian cities of satisfying the need for socialization in public space is ignored. Nevertheless the flourishing of non retail activities combined with the retail activities; which are the two main types of informal practices in the street cannot be ignored. The main intention of this research is to examine the types of informal practices in Cairo’s informal areas in an attempt to understand how people use their city and the activities they want in their neighborhood. This research also aims at classifying the types of informal practices and recognizing whether they offer a solution to a neglected activity or they just use the situation and occupy the space to gain some money. This research attempts to highlight the types of informal practices in the streets of Cairo, specially the flourishing non retail activities that combined with the retail activities, starting to reshape the public spaces. After the Egyptian revolution in 2011, people took control of many aspects of their lives: including the public realm. The manifestation of this fact is quite palpable in the streets and public spaces of Cairo. The spaces were formally exclusively controlled by the police, yet didn’t fall under the jurisdiction of specific institutions. The man being is highly adaptable creature. Has the ability to adjust his built environment to satisfy his needs. He can also be adaptable to environmental conditions where he is not able to adjust the physical setting to fulfill his needs. Users of the public spaces show their needs by practicing activities that they see proper even if not permissible or fitting to the space. Examining the inhabitant’s environment, behavior, and physical changes in the attempt to sustain the behavior setting program can give a better understanding of their needs.