The purpose of this research was to develop a framework for Egyptian urban housing strategies, based on an understanding and consideration of critical factors that affect the success or failure of strategies. It is intended as a contribution toward modeling and demonstrating a necessary pattern of holistic strategic thinking.

The need for the research in terms of the Egyptian housing situation and the varied approaches to the resolution of the housing problem is demonstrated. Also introduced are the general methodology and organization of the work. An integrated concept of housing as a need, a process and a product is presented and developed into a housing model applicable to Egypt and possibly other developing countries with similar circumstances. A main feature of the model is the critical impacting factors that affect the progression of housing strategies and which may ultimately determine their success or failure. The model and the methodological procedures derived from it, were applied to the Egyptian housing situation. Through reconnaissance of the Egyptian environment, historic analysis of past experience, and assessment of the current situation, a set of impacting factors were identified and analyzed. Implications of the research are discussed in relation to Egypt and other developing countries, and few personal recommendations are also presented.