Contemporary Qatari dwelling design and household's social wellbeing

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that physical environment directly and indirectly affects inhabitants' wellbeing. This study investigates the physical environment in which people spend most of their time: the residential context. It investigates the micro-scale of the residential environment – the dwelling – in relation to household wellbeing. Few studies have explored the dwelling scale, and specifically dwellings in the Middle East. The objective of this study was to develop an understanding of the Qatari detached-dwelling spatial layout and its impact on the social wellbeing of the household. Thirty-nine interviewees from Doha city shared their dwelling designs and daily social routines. The data were subjected to thematic and spatial analysis, with the findings combined to produce a comprehensive illustration of the dwellings' contribution to the social wellbeing of their inhabitants. The results show that the Qatari dwelling facilitates different levels of social interaction: nuclear family interaction, extended family interaction, and communal interaction. This research concludes that Qatari dwelling design reflects a strong emphasis on the values of communal living and hospitality and respect for privacy.