Considerations of Interior Design in Domestic Space between Multiplicity of the Concepts and Determination of Constants

Abstract

Developing a design for a domestic space is associated with the evolution of the needs of both individuals and societies. Hence, the problem has emerged through multiple different types, names, various considerations of its design and many dimensions associated with it, including psychological, social, cultural and economic dimensions. The purpose of this study is to establish a conceptual frame for design considerations regarding domestic space emerges, with the determination of the common constants between different types of domestic space, and reorganizing these constants so an interior designer can apply them can help achieve the desired physical and psychological comfort for the users. This can only occur if we consider that achievement of the physical and psychological comfort for the users is usually a result of the efficiency of design of the Functionality and Aesthetic System of space. Through this study, the conceptual constants of domestic space are determined to include the concepts of Family, Social Relationship/Community, Privacy, Security, Safety, Protection, Comfort/Relaxation/Warmth, wellbeing, Emotional territory, Control and agency, Familiarity, Centrality/Continuity, Freedom, Self-expression/Self-identity/Expression and Personal Identity/Personal character/Practices of personalization and Place attachment. The results of this study can be considered a scientific addition in the field of domestic space design because they discuss the basic concepts associated with the domestic space from the perspective of specialists in the field of interior design. In addition, they represent a rich guide for architects, designers and students in this field and serve as an important reference for education and awareness of society members about the basic concepts associated with domestic space.

Emerging living styles post-COVID-19: housing flexibility as a fundamental requirement for apartments in Jeddah

“…The interaction of the individual with the house produces comfort, warmth, privacy, and connection to the place" (Ibrahim, 2008). Bettaieb and Alawad (2018) assessed the necessity of providing comfort, with all its psychological and physical types, through design considerations. The source of achieving psychological comfort is restricted by several factors such as aeration, lighting, colours, materials, masses, sizes, shapes, and all that is correlated to be tangible, audible and visible in a space.…”

“…Studies on the definition of housing differ (Lawrence, 1987; Smith, 1994; Bettaieb and Alawad, 2018), as houses are considered too big to be mere “dwellings” and are instead defined through their cultural, social, demographic and psychological dimensions (Bettaieb and Alawad, 2018).…”

“…They also linked the source of achieving physical comfort by building functional relationships between most of the physical components of the house by using the human dimension as a basis. The balance between these various components is considered a necessity that stimulates a sense of physical comfort while simultaneously confirms psychological comfort (Bettaieb and Alawad, 2018).…”

“…These changes are mainly related to: Considering the inside–outside relationship , particularly regarding the concept of housing as a central moral point from which the individual continuously leaves and returns to. This is defined as the base activity that provides a centre for departure and return (Hayward, 1977; Bettaieb and Alawad, 2018) or as the fundamental need of individuals being the basic refuge in their daily life after the dynamism of the activities of living (Ibrahim, 2008; Bettaieb and Alawad, 2018); or as the characteristic of both centrality and continuity by being a central point linking the interior and exterior (Tognoli, 1987). …”

Resillient Living by Optimizing the Building Façade in Designing Post-Covid Housing

“…The effectiveness of fenestration could balance the building management and increase occupant wellness. The source of psychological comfort is stimulated via lighting, colours, materials, sizes, and shapes while balancing the internal-external relationship in housing (Bettaieb & Alawad, 2018). Functional flexibility is needed to accommodate numerous activities in a home, but the space arrangement should configure the interconnection between the indoor-outdoor environment (Bettaieb & Alsabban, 2020).…”