Women's visual privacy in traditional and modern neighborhoods in Damascus

This study examines women's desire for visual privacy in two middle-class r esidential neighborhoods in Damascus. One hundred women between the ages of 18 and 40 were interviewed in each neighborhood, one traditional, the othe r modem. Results strongly indicated that, at home, women's visual privacy f rom outsiders, including neighbors and passersby, is of paramount importanc e. Women viewed all home spaces, both indoor and outdoor as private and fel t uncomfortable if outsiders viewed them in these spaces. This study conclu des by recommending that urban design and zoning ordinances seriously addre ss visual privacy in residential neighborhoods in Damascus. This study seek s to make a significant contribution to the limited body of research regard ing women's preferences in housing design and architecture. A review of the current literature reveals a lack of studies in this area. In the Middle E ast women have had a limited role and authority in design and planning, and their needs have not been researched and communicated to designers and pla nners (El-Rafey 1992). In the West, literature has shown women's limited ro le in the planning and design profession (e.g., Spain, 1997; Weisman, 1992; Cooper 1986), and has demonstrated that research has nor delved into women 's housing desires and preferences. This study seeks to PII this void.