Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Architectural Engineering

There is a lack of proper communication channels between different governing bodies and the society that can enable inhabitants to participate in urban governance in greater Cairo. The aim of this research is to investigate how the emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs) facilitate and enhance citizen participation in the urban governance process. This research started with a theoretical study of Henri Lefebvre{u2019}s right to the city concept with a focus on the right to participation, in addition to a study of three different levels of citizen participation in spatial knowledge management in the urban governance process. Then the research analyzed three online platforms from around the world that enable citizen participation in spatial knowledge management. Finally, the research evaluated the situation of greater Cairo with regards to ICT-based participation through mapping local ICT-based participatory initiatives, analyzing Elnargis neighborhood Development Association, and carrying out a questionnaire that measures readiness of greater Cairo inhabitants to participate in the urban governance process through the emerging ICTs. The results of this study indicate that the emerging ICTs are currently complementing the traditional ways for participation in greater Cairo. The potentials of ICTs are not fully exploited despite the willingness of the inhabitants to make use of them in future participatory practices. This research ended with a set of recommendations derived from the overall study for future ICT-based participation in greater Cairo

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