Housing Design Studies in Saudi Arabia: A Thematic Review

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) envisions sufficient housing access for its citizens, but the Ministry of Housing is unable to fulfil the housing requirements across various population segments. This necessitates research on architectural designs. This study reviewed relevant research over the past decade (housing design patterns and trends) derived from code-to-document analysis with ATLAS.ti 8, as well as the state of the housing design discipline. A total of 33 pertinent studies published between 2011 and 2021 were elicited through a keyword search from specific databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect and Emerald Insight) and divided thematically based on financial, social and sustainability factors. The review, which emphasised the design process, identified little correlation between the process and a systematic attempt to fulfil citizens’ requirements. Both knowledge and praxis-oriented gaps were ascertained in the interior housing design process. Specifically, this study evaluated empirical works on housing designs and elaborated on the research area based on KSA citizens’ financial, social and sustainability needs. This two-fold review presents a synthesis of current literature for local scholars and functions as a guideline for filling knowledge gaps that require bridging in future works and for house designs and interiors to complement KSA citizens’ requirements.