Gated developments: International experiences and the South African context

Abstract

Gated developments, more commonly known as gated communities, have become a feature of urban living throughout the world. Gated developments in South African cities are a ubiquitous feature of the contemporary urban landscape with many new housing developments in the form of secure estates or fortified townhouse complexes. A review of international research on gated developments reveals four broad themes into which such research can be placed. South African gated development research is discussed within these themes and it is found that the themes are present in varying degrees in South Africa. This highlights global commonalities in gated development research, but also the importance of local or regional conditions in facilitating the increased proliferation of gated developments.