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A city’s human scale can be achieved if people recognized the four Cardinal Directions (CDs) anywhere within the city. As a reflection of the theory of ‘prospect and refuge,’ this paper investigates the problem of losing a city’s human scale, by studying the impact of the form of the street paths on maintaining and perception of the four CDs. The paper highlights the problem of a non-designed street network and the heterogeneity of its texture. The paper explores the impact of such random street networks on achieving the human scale of cities. Kharga City in Egypt located on (25.4390° N, 30.5586° E) is an example of cities suffering from non-designed street networks. Therefore, the paper relied on the inferential statistics approach by surveying a sample of residents in Kharga City, with the assumption that, the main reason for that problem was the various curves existing in the street paths, which had different shapes, sizes, diameters, and directions. Moreover, the lack of a typical street network pattern had aggravated the problem. Analysis and results confirmed the hypothesis of the research, hence basic recommendations were made. The most important of which is, the need to avoid random curves in street directions, and to follow the orthogonal grid pattern, mainly in the design of street networks, in order to ensure a city with human-scale, that is easy to recognize its correct mental map.

Access to mortgage financing is a significant challenge in developing countries, including Uganda, hindering the growth of the housing sector. This study explores the perceptions of bank credit professionals regarding clients’ awareness, attitudes, and challenges related to mortgage eligibility terms in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. Employing a qualitative approach, indepth Key Informant Interviews were conducted with six credit professionals from two major financial institutions. The findings reveal that over 75% of applicants fail to meet the stringent eligibility criteria, with key barriers identified as high interest rates averaging around 21%, substantial down payment requirements of 20% to 30%, and rigid collateral stipulations. Credit professionals suggested strategies to alleviate these challenges, including relaxing eligibility conditions, accepting alternative collateral, and encouraging self-financing through investment returns. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced stakeholder collaboration to improve mortgage accessibility and affordability. Policy implications include reducing interest rates, revising eligibility criteria, and strict measures against corruption within financial institutions. Implementing these recommendations is vital for making mortgage financing more attainable for housing developers in the GKMA, thereby fostering a more inclusive housing market in Uganda.