Architecture Research 2018, 8(1): 12-18 DOI: 10.5923/j.arch.20180801.02 Challenges of the Urban Boundary Wall: The Case of Two Neighbourhoods in Accra, Ghana Ninnette Quaofio 1,* , J. G. K. Abankwa 1 , S. O. Afram 2 1 Central University, Miotso, Accra, Ghana 2 Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Abstract Boundary walls are constructed for safety, privacy, security, territory demarcation, among other reasons. Their construction is however raising concerns with social interaction, integration and crime control etc. in many African cities. This research is aimed at studying two neighbourhoods to ascertain the veracity of these assertions and to explore the possibilities of using the design of walls to enhance them in addition to improving the aesthetic appeal of streetscapes. The study employed the mixed method approach to gather data using survey questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with relevant stakeholders. Some key findings indicated that walls hamper social interaction and integration and do not guarantee safety and security. Recommendations made included the formation of neighbourhood watchdog associations, installation of CCTV cameras, adoption of standardized boundary wall designs and front walls that allow for views into residences. Keywords Walls, Boundary wall, Neighbourliness, Cityscapes, Urban degeneration, Social interaction 1. Introduction Throughout history, cities have used walls to demarcate boundaries, provide safety, security and protection from enemies (Weizman, 2007). Boundaries including walls for privacy, boundary marking wall and city walls in general, are commonly identified in many known societies as a barrier to prevent progress or entry. The barrier separating Israel and Palestine, known also as the separation wall, the security measure, the fence, or a myriad of other terms was constructed as an obstruction to the intrusion of terrorists entering into Israel from the West Bank (Weizman, 2007). The reason for building the Great Wall of China for example, was to protect the Chinese Empire from Mongolian invaders as well others but for a long time it was an object of fascination for foreigners (Li, X., & Wang, Y, 2011). The wall is now a revered national symbol and a famous tourist destination. Similarly, The Kano city ancient wall, a historic structure as well as a monumental edifice built to guard the dwellers of the city at that time (Akinade, 2005). The great Zimbabwean wall built in the 14th century is another fascinating quest for city protection and authority but all that remains are ruins of which spread over a terrain of 270,000 square miles found in the region (Pikirayi & Chirikure, 2011). City walls, just like other historic buildings, revealed the aspirations, traditions and culture of the * Corresponding author: ninnetteq@gmail.com (Ninnette Quaofio) Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/arch Copyright © 2018 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved forefathers; these are inspired works of people who were never forced to conform to standard and are seen today therefore as ruins of their former glory (Adeyemi and Bappah, 2011). People have always found it important to guard themselves against the elements of their environment and from potential adversaries (people and animals) as well as to separate and pull away from the broader group. The idea of privacy as a component of the built environment has been around since the beginnings of humankind (Riley, 1999). Demarcation by clearly defining territory by groups of people has been one of the primary instinctive concerns of the early occupants of the earth to protect themselves from their enemies. Martin (2014) emphasized this when it identified that, residential walling fulfils several functions especially a form of security. To form a visible barrier for unwanted onlookers, it is also important that the walling distinguishes a home from its visible feature and give privacy. In the past decade, walls in the City of Accra have become taller, thicker, opaquer, fortified with metal barricades and security electric fence wires with very little supervision by appropriate professionals. The study explores the possibility of using the design of walls to enhance integration, safety, reduce crime and effect change to the urban environment through social interaction while maintaining aesthetically appealing streetscapes. 2. Literature Review When an exterior structure is made of wires, it is generally termed a fence whereas when it is made of masonry it is