Exploring the Impact of Privacy and Spatial Configuration on Living Efficiency in Residential Apartments of Duhok City

Abstract

This study examines the impact of privacy and spatial configuration on the efficiency of residential apartments in Duhok City, focusing on how these factors influence resident satisfaction and functional efficiency in urban housing. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from Depthmap X and A-Graph analyses with qualitative insights from interviews conducted with thirty-two residents across 13 apartment complexes. The findings highlight notable variations in spatial metrics such as Connectivity, Integration, and Control Value, which significantly correlate with residents' perceptions of privacy, spatial layout, and overall livability. For example, higher integration values were associated with increased social interaction but occasionally compromised privacy, while greater mean depth values enhanced privacy at the expense of social connectivity. These observations underscore the intricate relationship between architectural design and resident experience. The study advances urban planning and architectural design by showing that thoughtful attention to privacy and spatial configuration can substantially improve the functional efficiency of living spaces. Implications of this research include the formulation of design guidelines that balance individual privacy with communal interaction, potentially guiding future residential development projects in Duhok and similar environments.