COLLECTIVE SOCIAL HOUSING IN SEMI-ARID AREAS: BETWEEN PLANNING APPROACH AND USER BEHAVIOR CASE STUDY: M’SILA CITY

Abstract

Study Objective: This research paper aims to diagnose the behaviors of users towards their urban environment within collective residential neighborhoods in the city of M'Sila. It addresses the issue of understanding user behaviors within the urban space and whether the pattern of collective housing meets their needs and requirements.

Methodology: The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, involving the observation of various collective residential neighborhoods and the identification of negative user behaviors in the space, including interventions on both built and unbuilt structures. A sample was selected for a social survey in the social housing district of 400 units, representing 20% of the residences, to understand the practices and satisfaction levels of the residents.

Results: The study and analysis revealed that user interventions in the urban environment, beyond legal frameworks, played a role in the deterioration of collective residential neighborhoods. It was found that their interventions were sometimes driven by their needs for comfort, privacy, and dissatisfaction with urban plans.

Conclusion: The deterioration of social housing is attributed to planning and design, often influenced by economic considerations rather than social aspects and residents' requirements. This leads users to intervene in their housing, affecting the overall appearance of the city.