Spatial and socio-cultural dimensions of urban single family houses in Greater Khartoum with Special reference to Hai Alommda

This research investigates the relation between spatial and socio-cultural factors which affects the inhabitant's performance of their activities in the house and the relation between them, how it developed, structured and the impact of these factors on the spaces arrangement and usage. Based on the results of 1993 Population Census, it has been recorded that 91.2% of the citizens in Khartoum State live in independent homes with court-yards, and only 7.5% live in apartments and villas (Population Census1993) therefore, Hai-Alomda residential neighborhood in Omdurman was chosen as a case study area in Greater Khartoum. Independent houses with courtyards or villas have been chosen because of the following criteria: • The combination of many different examples of houses which is not found in other neighbourhood in Greater Khartoum. • Many types of governmental housing schemes are implemented. The technique which is used to collect data about dwellings and their inhabitants is the field survey and site observations. Questionnaire and interviews are used to test resident’s adaptability. Space Analysis and Space logic were used for analysis at both dwelling level and cluster level. The two complimentary methods depended on the flowing: A- Analysis of the space at the extent of its relation with the socio- cultural factors of the inhabitants. B- The degree of compatibility of these spaces and their distribution in the housing unit. C- Allocation of certain spaces for family members and others for guests. D- Allocation of certain spaces for female and others for male. IV This work is composed of 5 main chapters; these chapters are: -First chapter: It contains the definition of the nature and extent of the problem and the importance of the study and hence the methodology. -Second and third chapters: Took up the theoretical aspect of the bases of the study. -Fourth chapter: This deals with the description and investigation of the area of the study and the analysis of the selected samples. -The last chapter: The conclusions and recommendations. The study discussed the two socio-cultural phenomenons: 1- The increased abandonment of the courtyard (Hosh) in middle and high income groups due to indoor air coolers, TV, internet and Video-games plus mosquitoes and burglars in the Hosh. 2- Late Dinner meal time which has many impact on relationship between family members and others. The main recommendations of the study are: Spatial: 1- The need to reduce presidential plot's area to achieve the adequate population density and restrict the horizontal expansion of cities and residential areas. 2- The need to reduce presidential frontage length in order to reduce the cost of services and their connections