Evolving Functional and Spatial Preferences in Saudi Housing Before, During, and After COVID-19 Maryam AlKhateeb Buildings, 2026 The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the function of the home, shifting it from a private residence to a multifunctional hub for work, education, and daily life. In Saudi Arabia, where homes are traditionally rooted in communal hospitality, this global event prompted an unprecedented inward focus, compelling users to adapt their living spaces. This study investigates how Saudi users perceived and adapted their homes during and after the pandemic, focusing on spatial and functional changes, particularly those that support remote work and multifunctionality. Data was collected from three surveys conducted in those three periods of time and statistically analyzed. These surveys were distributed through the researcher’s social media channels, such as WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and the X platform. It examines changes across the pre-COVID, mid-COVID, and post-COVID periods to determine whether there was a significant shift in the collective spatial priorities of the Saudi domestic landscape across three distinct socio-historical periods, such as remote work and guest spaces, or if they were abandoned as soon as the pandemic and its lockdown were over. Statistical analysis was conducted using JASP to generate chi-squared tests, ANOVA, and descriptive analysis. The outcome aims to better inform future housing design priorities in Saudi Arabia and align them with the housing goals of Vision 2030. The preliminary findings suggest minimal differences in functional space requirements between the pandemic and post-pandemic eras, indicating a lasting shift in users’ spatial needs. The results have practical implications for architects, planners, and policymakers seeking to design adaptable, resilient residential spaces for the post-pandemic era.
The impact of covid-19 on perceptions of home and house design in saudi arabia Maryam AlKhateeb, Helen Peterson Strategic Design Research Journal, 2021 This research explored the changes that may have occurred in attitudes of people in Saudi Arabia toward their dwellings due to the mandatory quarantine from COVID-19. Two online surveys, one from before the lockdown and one after the lockdown assessed residents’ space requirements. A follow up in-person survey asked about specific aspects of their homes and how their impression of home had changed during the lockdown. It was found that based on their lockdown experiences, residents were moving away from traditional cultural activities such as hospitality and trending toward spaces that would function for family activities such as studying, work from home and entertainment. Further research should examine if these trends remain after former outside pursuits resume.
Using skype as a qualitative interview medium within the context of Saudi Arabia Qualitative Report, 2018
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Evolving Functional and Spatial Preferences in Saudi Housing Before, During, and After COVID-19 M AlKhateeb Buildings 16 (5), 1008 , 2026 2026
Houses’ Adaptability Post-Pandemics: A Case Study of Contemporary Saudi Houses Post COVID-19 M AlKhateeb Open Journal of Social Sciences 13 (10), 546-564 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
RAG-DRIVEN AI FOR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT: OPTIMIZING RENOVATION AND PRESERVATION OF SAUDI TRADITIONAL IDENTITY R Mallouhy, K Fallatah, M AlKhateeb DAKAM’S SPRING 2025 ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN CONFERENCES PROCEEDINGS … , 2025 2025
THE POWER OF MODEL-MAKING IN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN EDUCATION M AlKhateeb, K Fallatah DAKAM’S SPRING 2025 ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN CONFERENCES, 107-115 , 2025 2025
A Future Design Vision for Administrative Workspaces Post COVID-19 Pandemic (A Case Study in Saudi Arabia) S Sameh, M AlKhateeb, OM Dakhil مجلة العمارة والفنون والعلوم الإنسانية , 2023 2023
The impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of home and house design in Saudi Arabia M AlKhateeb, H Peterson Strategic Design Research Journal 14 (1), 327-338 , 2021 2021 Citations: 16
The impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of home and house design in Saudi Arabia HP Maryam AlKhateeb Reflections on the design responses to the need to reimagine spaces and … , 2021 2021 Citations: 2
Analysis of Spatial Ability Testing Results and Interior Design Program Success for Female University Students in Saudi Arabia HP Peterson, S Al Shamasi, M Al Khateeb TEST Eng. Manag 81, 1662-1670 , 2019 2019 Citations: 2
Using Skype as a qualitative interview medium within the context of Saudi Arabia M AlKhateeb The Qualitative Report , 2018 2018 Citations: 63
An investigation into the concept of privacy in contemporary Saudi houses from a female persepective: A design tool M AlKhateeb Bournemouth University , 2015 2015 Citations: 9
The influence of hospitality on the users' spatial patterns inside Saudi houses with reference to the concept of privacy M AlKhateeb, T Humphries-Smith, B Eves ArchTHeo '15 , 2015 2015 Citations: 2
The visual representation of the concept of privacy in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia’s houses design: A comparative study of the traditional and contemporary M AlKhateeb, T Humphries-Smith, B Eves ArchDesign '15 , 2015 2015 Citations: 2
Space Design and Privacy in a Saudi House MS AlKhateeb, T Humphries-Smith, B Eves Time, Space and the Body 4th Global Conference , 2014 2014 Citations: 8
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Using Skype as a qualitative interview medium within the context of Saudi Arabia M AlKhateeb The Qualitative Report , 2018 2018 Citations: 63
The impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of home and house design in Saudi Arabia M AlKhateeb, H Peterson Strategic Design Research Journal 14 (1), 327-338 , 2021 2021 Citations: 16
An investigation into the concept of privacy in contemporary Saudi houses from a female persepective: A design tool M AlKhateeb Bournemouth University , 2015 2015 Citations: 9
Space Design and Privacy in a Saudi House MS AlKhateeb, T Humphries-Smith, B Eves Time, Space and the Body 4th Global Conference , 2014 2014 Citations: 8
The impact of COVID-19 on perceptions of home and house design in Saudi Arabia HP Maryam AlKhateeb Reflections on the design responses to the need to reimagine spaces and … , 2021 2021 Citations: 2
Analysis of Spatial Ability Testing Results and Interior Design Program Success for Female University Students in Saudi Arabia HP Peterson, S Al Shamasi, M Al Khateeb TEST Eng. Manag 81, 1662-1670 , 2019 2019 Citations: 2
The influence of hospitality on the users' spatial patterns inside Saudi houses with reference to the concept of privacy M AlKhateeb, T Humphries-Smith, B Eves ArchTHeo '15 , 2015 2015 Citations: 2
The visual representation of the concept of privacy in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia’s houses design: A comparative study of the traditional and contemporary M AlKhateeb, T Humphries-Smith, B Eves ArchDesign '15 , 2015 2015 Citations: 2
Houses’ Adaptability Post-Pandemics: A Case Study of Contemporary Saudi Houses Post COVID-19 M AlKhateeb Open Journal of Social Sciences 13 (10), 546-564 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Evolving Functional and Spatial Preferences in Saudi Housing Before, During, and After COVID-19 M AlKhateeb Buildings 16 (5), 1008 , 2026 2026
RAG-DRIVEN AI FOR ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT: OPTIMIZING RENOVATION AND PRESERVATION OF SAUDI TRADITIONAL IDENTITY R Mallouhy, K Fallatah, M AlKhateeb DAKAM’S SPRING 2025 ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN CONFERENCES PROCEEDINGS … , 2025 2025
THE POWER OF MODEL-MAKING IN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN EDUCATION M AlKhateeb, K Fallatah DAKAM’S SPRING 2025 ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN CONFERENCES, 107-115 , 2025 2025
A Future Design Vision for Administrative Workspaces Post COVID-19 Pandemic (A Case Study in Saudi Arabia) S Sameh, M AlKhateeb, OM Dakhil مجلة العمارة والفنون والعلوم الإنسانية , 2023 2023
