GATED COMMUNITIES AND ITS IMPACTS IN

KERALA (HOUSING ASPECTS)

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 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1-INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................1
1.1 NEED OF THE DISSERTATION..............................................................................2
1.2 AIM OF THE DISSERTATION.................................................................................3
1.3 OBJECTIVESOF THE DISSERTATION..................................................................3
1.4 LIMITATIONS...........................................................................................................4
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS........................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2-REVIEW OF LITERATURE..............................................................................4
2.1 EVOLUTION OF GATED COMMUNITIES IN WORLD ..........................
2.2 TYPOLOGY OF GATED COMMUNITIES...............................................................

2.4 GATED COMMUNITY LIVING: A STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL

DEVELOPMENT APPROACH IN INDIAN CITIES.
2.5VERTICAL HOUSING SUSTANABLE METHOD APPROACH................................13
2.6 VERTICAL HOUSING VS HORIZONTAL HOUSING IN GATED COMMUNITY
CHAPTER 3 -METHODOLOGY
CASE STUDIES..................................................................................................
DATA COLLECTION .......................................................................................
BIBLIOGRAPHY….............................................................................................................16

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LIST OF TABLES

vii
LIST OF FIGURES

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 ABSTRACT

Gated communities are growing in most of the cities in India. This phenomenon was one of the
most popular patterns of growth worldwide and gained admiration in the last half of the 20th
century in India. It was initially a response into the safety, security, privileges and class need of
Indian homes that are not resident. Gated communities with a range of scale and styles are built
that differ across states, city centers and neighborhoods.

To date, hundreds of families across Indian cities choose to live in the gated communities over
ungated communities and neighborhoods. This paper focuses on Indian residents' perception on
a gated community. It aims to explore the factors of residents’ preference for stay in gated
communities in Indian cities identifying the attributes for their choice of selection.

The study asserts that each resident chooses to live in these communities for inculcating certain
values, such as community significance, prestige, lifestyle, or security. It adopts an empirical
and qualitative analysis approach by questionnaires. The results show that 'lifestyle' is the key
value correlated with residents' preferences to live in communities of India, in addition to the
preference of open spaces that can be accomplished by its spatial characters such as scale,
shape, visibility, accessibility, architectural and landscape features.

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 CHAPTER 1-INTRODUCTION

Gated communities are residential houses or building blocks, with restricted access
usually rendering private spaces public. Access is controlled by wall or fence barriers
built around the area with guarded entrances. These are distinguished from stand-
alone apartment or condominium buildings with security systems or security guard.
"People generally spend considerable time at home, a common place of social
interaction, and for most people considerable health and emotional engagement.
Residential preferences also have a significant effect on the well-being and quality of
life.” Apparently, the option of housing isn't always an easy decision to make, as
people invest their hard-earned money into it. It is confined with establishing the right
location, proximity to amenities, schools, offices etc. It also includes informal social
life, health, welfare, social way of living, work and education. In India, the
predominant trend has been to live in independent residential neighborhoods which
has changed with time and lifestyle requirements for a secured community living. The
gated community refers to the site which is bounded or walled in and around the same
socio-economic context, is divided into different classes, with special way of life. The
most common characteristic of Gated Communities is that it is limited to a particular
group of people and prevent persons from freely entering or leaving without a
membership or access authorization. The above have generated many social problems
at micro and macro levels for the societies.

1.1 NEED OF THE DISSERTATION

In India, urbanization is happening rapidly, with only a few major metropolitan cities
experiencing significant growth over the past decade. Most small and medium-sized
cities have retained their traditional layouts, which date back to the medieval period
and have remained largely unchanged until the 19th century. There is an increasing
number of contiguous gated communities worldwide due its popularity and

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advantages they provide. Many researchers from diverse backgrounds analyzed
studies and preferences of housing choice and discussed place selection, socio-cultural
conditions, economic or sociological approach or demographic approach. However,
these studies are only part of the neighborhood's function of house components. Gated
communities offer the type of protection and the lifestyles that urban residents prefer
but cannot achieve, in the middle or even on the fringes of the unfolding urban chaos,
in non-gated residential projects. Gated communities remove the filth and disorder in
urban life and provide every essential need for modern living, including food and
shopping, children's and medical centers and entertainment. Gated communities
provide their residents with open spaces, such as parks, jogging paths, children's play
areas and more. Such features of open spaces are much greater than just aesthetic, as
they provide opportunities for social interaction, fresh air and help gain overall well-
being

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 1.2 AIM OF THE DISSERTATION

The primary aim of this synopsis is to examine the feasibility and potential benefits of
established and establishing gated communities in Kerala.

By studying the housing aspect of these communities, we aim to understand their impact on the
quality of life,security, and overall development of residents.

1.3 OBJECTIVESOF THE DISSERTATION

 To identify the key characteristics and features of successful gated communities. To

assess the housing preferences and requirements of potential residents in Kerala.
 To analyze the economic viability of developing gated communities in different regions
of Kerala. To explore the impact of gated communities on urban planning and
development in the state.

 To propose sustainable and inclusive housing solutions within gated communities.

1.4 SCOPE
The scope of this synopsis covers various aspects related to housing in gated
communities in Kerala.
It includes research on architectural designs, amenities offered, environmental
considerations, social integration, and the economic implications for both developers
and residents.
The study will encompass different types of housing options available within these
communities, catering to various income groups.

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 1.5 LIMITATIONS

It is important to acknowledge certain limitations in this study. The research might be

constrained by the availability of up-to-date data, the specific context of each gated community,
and potential biases in surveys or interviews.
Moreover, the study may not comprehensively address the long-term social, economic, and
environmental impacts of gated communities.

1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

3. What are the influencing factors of gated community?
4. What is way of planning a gated community?
5. Differentially between vertical and horizontal housing of gated community?

CHAPTER 2-REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 EVOLUTION OF GATED COMMUNITIES IN WORLD

 Ancient Fortifications: Gated communities have ancient origins, with walled
cities and fortifications serving as early forms of gated communities. These
settlements often had walls, gates, and controlled access points to protect
residents from external threats.

 Medieval Europe: In medieval Europe, feudal lords-built castles and fortified
villages, creating enclosed communities for protection. These fortified towns and
villages were precursors to modern gated communities.
 Colonial America: In the United States, gated communities can be traced back to
the colonial period. Some early American settlements were fortified, and later,
during the 19th century, private suburban developments began to emerge with
controlled access and amenities.
 Gated Estates in England: In England, the development of gated estates with
grand homes and landscaped gardens became popular during the 18th and 19th
centuries. These estates provided a sense of exclusivity and security for the
wealthy elite.
 Post-World War II Suburbs: After World War II, suburbanization took hold in
many Western countries, including the United States. Gated communities in the

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 form of planned suburban neighbourhoods began to appear, often with amenities
such as swimming pools and tennis courts.
 Modern Gated Communities: The late 20t h century saw a significant rise in
gated communities worldwide. Factors contributing to this trend included
concerns about security, desire for privacy, changing lifestyles, and increasing
economic disparities.
 Luxury Gated Communities: Luxury gated communities with high-end homes
and extensive amenities have become prominent in many countries. These
communities cater to the affluent and offer a wide range of and recreational
facilities.
 Global Variations: Gated communities have developed differently in various
parts of the world. In some countries, such as South Africa, gated communities
are driven by security concerns, while in others, like India, they often focus on
amenities and exclusivity.
 Social and Cultural Factors: The motivations for living in gated communities can
vary widely by region. In some places, they may be seen as a status symbol,
while in others, they may be associated with safety and security.
 Challenges and Criticisms: Gated communities have faced criticism for
promoting social exclusion, segregating communities along socio-economic
lines, and contributing to urban sprawl. These issues have sparked debates about
their impact on society.
 Sustainability and New Trends: In recent years, there has been a growing
emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly gated communities. Some
developments incorporate green building practices and environmentally
conscious design.
 The evolution of gated communities in India is a complex and multifaceted
phenomenon that has developed over several decades. Gated communities are
residential areas enclosed by walls or fences and often have controlled access
points. They typically offer a range of amenities and services to residents. Here's
an overview of the evolution of gated communities in India:
 Colonial Influence: The concept of gated communities in India can be traced
back to the colonial period when British officials and other expatriates lived in
enclosed compounds. These compounds were designed to provide a sense of
security and exclusivity.
 Post-Independence Urbanization: After India gained independence in 1947, there
was rapid urbanization, and cities started expanding. Gated communities began
to emerge as a response to the need for secure and planned housing in urban
areas.
 Government Housing Societies: The government played a significant role in
promoting gated communities through the development of housing societies like
DDA (Delhi Development Authority) in Delhi and MHADA (Maharashtra
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 Housing and Area Development Authority) in Mumbai. These societies often
offered affordable housing options to the middle class.
 Private Developers: Private developers recognized the demand for gated
communities and started building them across major cities in India. These
communities offered a wide range of amenities such as security, landscaped
gardens, swimming pools, gyms, and more.
 Rise of Luxury Gated Communities: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries,
there was a surge in the construction of luxury gated communities. These
developments catered to the affluent and often featured lavish villas, high-end
amenities, and extensive green spaces.

 Overall, gated communities in India have evolved from a colonial legacy to a

diverse and widespread phenomenon that caters to various segments of society.
Their continued growth will depend on factors like urbanization trends,
economic conditions, and changing preferences among homebuyers

Fig. 1- Chinese walled compound

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2.2 GATED COMMUNITY LIVING: A STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT APPROACH IN INDIAN CITIES.

 This paper focuses on Indian residents' perception on a gated community.

 It aims to explore the factors of residents’ preference for stay in gated
communities in Indian cities identifying the attributes for their choice of
selection.
 The study asserts that each resident chooses to live in these communities for
inculcating certain values, such as community significance, prestige, lifestyle, or
security.
 It adopts an empirical and qualitative analysis approach by questionnaires.
 To document factors that influence resident satisfaction, we have used a
comparative analysis for previous similar works.
 These factors are then assessed using an online survey of residents to find out
why some of them prefer gated communities to non-gated communities

 INFERENCE
 In recent years in India, the number of gated communities in various cities, one
of them being Hyderabad, has increased rapidly and spread, prompting an
investigation of factors leading to the preference of persons to live in these gated
communities.
 The analytical results can be summarized as follows:

 a. The notion of gated communities and their neighbourhood has been accepted
by the inhabitants with a few socio-economic backgrounds.

 b. Those who support the concept of gated communities are influencing the
promotional collateral which promises an enviable position such as culture,
friends, lifestyle, safety, exclusivity, prestige, open spaces and good life for
children.
 c. The seven features affecting resident preferences in gated communities were
gateways and safety, activities and services, landscape and recreation, density,
equal socioeconomic status, open spaces and companionship to meet four values:
health, dignity, sense of life and culture.

 d. The research taking these characteristics and principles into consideration

indicates that "lifestyles" are the key priorities of the privately owned group life
through living in private communities. The key characteristics of gated
communities, which impact resident interests, are countryside and leisure, gates
and open spaces. The literature, which chose to live in enclosed societies, also
acknowledged protection.

 e. Not only does this interest come from others, but other people purchase house
in gated communities as a means of investment, like a small count of families
who also don't sell their old properties, they 're likely to return to a new pattern
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 of gated communities. Open space plays an important role in improving resident
social interaction. Its spatial features such as size, shape, visibility and
accessibility will define the residents' usability. Amenities such as seating,
lighting, signage, shade from harsh sunlight, rain canopy, view from open spaces
and various activities are also important to engage the user while developing
social communications.

 A basic set of guidelines has been recommended based on the literature reviews
to enhance this open space in spatial planning of neighbourhoods gated
communities:
 a. Open space shall have size appropriate to size and number of dwellers in the
gated community.

 b. It shall have defined edges, so as to discourage its encroachment. The edges

can be a simple continuous masonry ledge, which can allow people to sit on
them. This ledge wall can be of different heights, so as to be useful to everyone,
irrespective of age and heights

 c. Seating spaces shall be provided near activities or in shade of tree or buildings

or in space with pleasant view. It shall be avoided near dense vegetation, as fear
of hidden animal like snake is deterrent for its use.

 d. Activities like young children play areas shall be provided in such a way that,
it can be easily supervised by their parents, while conversing with other
residents. Gated Community Living: A study of contemporary residential
development approach in Indian Cities PJAEE, 17 (9) (2020) 7448

 e. A diverse type of activities shall be planned in appropriate way suitable to

size and shape of open space. It shall be usable to all genders and all age of
people, like children, adult and older people.

 f. Water bodies if provided, shall be well maintained and cleaned regularly. Odor
and stagnant water deter resident to come near it.

 g. Orientation of sun and wind draft, shall be considered while locating them in
the gated community. h. Open space shall be visible, so that its use is maximum.

 I. The edges shall be in such a way, that people using shall be seen from outside.
It deters people from using it for illegal activities. j. If possible, it shall be
located near to amenities like club house, food court, etc. It keeps users engaged.
 k. A good lighting shall be installed for open space and pedestrian movement.

 l. Universal design shall be applied for accessing open space, by providing

ramps and grab rail.

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Figure 2: Preferences map of hierarchical value for gated communities

2.3 VERTICAL HOUSING SUSTANABLE METHOD APPROACH

 Sustainable development is a development concept that has long been proclaimed

either by a group of people certain countries, and the United Nations (UN). The concept
is based on human concerns about the sustainability of the place where they live, and
what is more important for humans is how to preserve the current place of residence so
that it can be passed on to future generations (Pakir, 2012).

 The principle of sustainable development is the need to improve the quality of life of
man when this with the need to maintain or improve the natural resources, so that people
could improve their quality of life according to the needs.

 The principle of sustainability is a non-declining where there will be equitable across

time (temporal) or generation (intergenerational equity) so that every person in principle
the need to maintain the balance of the environment (Ganiyu, 2016).

 Sustainable housing development is closely related to sustainable urban development, it

is an effort to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions in which
everyone activities.

 The essence of sustainable housing development is an effort to improve the quality of

life in a sustainable manner. Construction of housing, including in it the development of
cities in a sustainable manner as 42 efforts are ongoing to improve the social, economic,
and environmental quality as a place to live and work everyone (Yip, 2017).

Houses are sustainable must meet five requirements base that is enjoyed by the occupants well
for when this or that will come up are:

1. Support the improvement of the quality-of-life productivity of residents both socially,

economically and politically. This means that every member of the residents is inspired to
do their job better.

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2. Does not cause environmental disturbance in any form since construction, utilization and
later if it must be destroyed. The measure used for disturbances to the environment is the
effectiveness of energy consumption.

3. Supporting increased mobility of the occupants' physical and spiritual well-being. This
means that residents experience continuous improvement in the quality of physical and
non-physical life.

4. Maintaining a balance between the physical development of the house and the socio-
economic mobility of its inhabitants. At first the physical state of the house was higher
than the nonphysical state, but this turned around after the occupants were settled in the
house.

5. Opening a large role for residents/owners in decision-making on the process of developing

houses and community units where they interact with neighbors .

CHAPTER 3- METHODOLOGY

The study will adopt a mixed-method research approach. It will involve a

comprehensive literature review to understand the existing concepts and practices of
gated communities worldwide.
Additionally, case studies of existing gated communities in Kerala will be analyzed to
draw valuable insights.
The collected data will undergo quantitative and qualitative analysis to support the
findings and draw a meaningful conclusion.

CASE STUDIES – LITERATURE

a. SOMA MASTERPLAN, BANGLORE

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ECO MASTER PLANNING INVOLVES INCORPORATION OF 4 ECO
INFRASTRUCTURE INTO BUILDING SYSTEM: -infrastructure The green eco
infrastructure provides to the project as well as enhancing the ecological biodiversity
of the development. -infrastructure the design seeks to encourage a sustainable
lifestyle for the users.
The physical development is designed around the green corridor & green spaces to
enhance the masterplan is designed to harmonize with the Vasthu Shastra principles
for the site with a water. -engineering / eco-infrastructure This green masterplan will

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use green clean tech technologies wind-care low energy, carbon neutral,
environmentally benign and the use of recycling technologies.
Building will be designed using passive mode low-energy bioclimatic principles eg.
with maximum openings for natural lighting and ventilation, roof gardens and green
terraces. -engineering / eco-infrastructure This is the down-pipes water management
system.
The water cycle is designed to be as closed as possible with re-use and. The drainage
is designed to be sustainable using bioswales, filtrations stripes and detention ponds to
bring the man-harvested surface water to recharge the ground water.

b. KARIMADOM COMMUNITY HOUSING IN TRIVANDRUM

The proposal is for 28 no. of a G+3 dwelling block to house the families. The
dwelling block design comprises of 20 units with 8 on the ground floor, 6 on the first
floor, 4 on the second floor and 2 on the third floor.

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plan of 8 units on the ground, 6 units on the first, 4 units on the second, and 2 units on
the third floor was proposed. Every unit had a linear layout with a terrace, living cum
room, a kitchen, a bedroom, and an extra storage space under the staircase. Replacing
dense huts with four-story apartments provided more space on the ground for
gardening, cattle, and recreational uses.
As believed, this concept of Baker shot two birds with one stone. Moving vertical
decreased the demand on ground coverage and allowed these plots to form into
community spaces and open spaces. Also, the ascending order of the blocks allowed
open terraces for each dwelling on the upper floor, compensating the dwellers with
private spaces as recreational activity.
Construction techniques like filler slab with Mangalore tiles as a filler material, and
brick lintels were used to reduce the usage of concrete. Also, the walls were left Un
plastered as Baker believed that exposed materials reveal true characteristics and
nature of the material and help in the cost reduction of the building by 10%.

Conclusion
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 Both are gated community with different aspects of housing-based on the context of
landform, climate and socio –economic culture.
In soma Bangalore they are well planned community housing comparing to
karimadom community housing in Trivandrum.

The Redevelopment or transformation – A perception of Baker’s

Karmadom colony has been taking in process to develop. A better
community hosing with all aspects of amenities

Vertical housing and horizontal housing were practice in planning of

gated community

The choice between vertical housing in a gated community (typically in the form of apartment
buildings or high-rises) and horizontal housing (individual houses or low-rise complexes)
depends on various factors, including lifestyle preferences, space considerations, and
community amenities. Here are some key considerations for both types:

Vertical Housing in Gated Communities:

 Density and Space Efficiency: Vertical housing allows for higher population density,
making it an efficient use of space in urban areas. Gated communities with apartment
buildings can accommodate more residents within a smaller land area.

 Amenities and Services: Gated communities with vertical housing often come with
shared amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, common areas, and security services.
These amenities can enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

 Security: The controlled access points in gated communities can provide an added layer
of security. Security personnel, surveillance systems, and restricted entry contribute to a
safer environment.

 Maintenance: Maintenance of common areas, landscaping, and exterior elements is

typically managed by the homeowners' association or a property management company,
reducing individual responsibilities for residents.

 Community Interaction: Vertical housing often fosters a sense of community due to

shared spaces and proximity. Residents may have more opportunities to interact,
fostering a sense of community.

Horizontal Housing:

 Privacy and Space: Individual houses or low-rise housing complexes offer more
privacy and personal space. Residents have their own yards or gardens and often enjoy a
greater sense of separation from neighbors.

 Customization: Homeowners in horizontal housing typically have more control over

the design and customization of their individual properties. They can choose
landscaping, architectural styles, and interior layouts based on personal preferences.

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 Flexibility: Horizontal housing may be more adaptable to different family sizes and
lifestyles. Individual houses can be expanded or modified to accommodate changing
needs.

 Parking and Storage: Horizontal housing often provides individual garages or parking
spaces, as well as additional storage space. This can be more convenient for residents
with multiple vehicles or specific storage requirements.

 Autonomy: Residents of horizontal housing usually have more autonomy in decision-

making for their properties, as they may not be subject to the same level of centralized
governance as in a gated community with vertical housing.

 Ultimately, the choice between vertical and horizontal housing in a gated community
depends on individual preferences, lifestyle considerations, and the specific needs of
residents. Some people prefer the convenience and shared amenities of vertical living,
while others value the autonomy and space associated with horizontal housing.
Developers and city planners often consider a mix of both types to cater to a diverse
range of preferences within a community.

 It's important to note that the prevalence of gated communities is not solely determined
by urbanization; cultural, economic, and regulatory factors also come into play.
Additionally, the acceptance and popularity of gated communities can vary widely from
region to region.
 As urbanization continues, the development of gated communities may increase,
particularly in areas where there is a demand for secure, amenity-rich, and community-
oriented living spaces within the urban landscape.

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2.4 WHAT MAKES A GOOD PUBLIC SPACE

Great public spaces are those places where celebrations are held, social and economic
exchanges occur, friends run into each other, and cultures mix.They are the "front
porches" of our public institutions - libraries, field houses, schools - where we interact
with each other and government. When theses spaces work well, they serve as the
stage for our public lives. (pps.org.2010)

Access & Linkages

A successful public space is easy to get to and get through; it is visible both from a
distance and up close. The edges of a space are important as well. A row of shops
along a street is more interesting and generally safer to walk by than a blank wall.

Uses & Activities

Activities are the basic building blocks of great places: They are the reasons why
people visit in the first place, and why they continue to return. They are also what
makes a place special or unique.

Comfort & Image

Comfort includes perceptions about safety, cleanliness, and the availability of places
to sit - the importance of giving people the choice to sit where they want is generally
underestimated.

Sociability

When people see friends, meet and greet their neighbors, and feel comfortable
interacting with strangers, they tend to feel a stronger sense of place or attachment to
their communityand to the place that fosters these types of social activities.

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2.5 MARKET AS GOOD PUBLIC SPACES
(PPS.ORG, 2010 )

Public markets can be some of the most impactful and welcoming public spaces in our
cities and towns, improving public health, and offering inclusive access to
entrepreneurship.

Public markets are not just places of commerce. Successful markets help grow and
connect urban and rural economies. They encourage development, enhance real estate
values and the tax base, and keep money in the local neighborhood. Public markets
also offer low-risk business opportunities for vendors and feed money back into the
rural economy where many vendors grow, raise and produce their products.

The spin-off benefits of markets are numerous. From increasing access to fresh,
healthy food to providing important revenue streams, markets positively impact local
businesses, governments and residents. But, perhaps most important is the way
markets serve as public gathering places for people from different ethnic, cultural, and
socioeconomic communities. As one of the few places where people comfortably
gather and meet, markets are our neighborhoods' original civic centers.

2.6 MARKETS AS COMMUNITY HUBS

Strong relationships between the market and other organizations rooted in

the neighborhood are assets that can contribute to the success of the
market. Markets are great places to showcase a wide variety of
community organizations' programs and offerings while simultaneously
supporting the mission of the market.

To make your market a great community gathering place, you must

consider all of the factors that go into making a great place:

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• A variety of uses and activities that build off and synergize with the
vendors.

• Accessible to the community and linked to its surrounding spaces.

• A comfortable, fun, and attractive place.

• A social place that is a center of community life.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Carmona, M., Magalhaes, C.D. and Hammond, L. (2008) Public Space:

The management dimension. 1st Edition, Routledge.
2. Pps.org.2010

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