Post-pandemic residential environment in Amman

Abstract

PurposeThe fundamental lifestyle changes, economic concerns, property price increase and construction cost can explain the transformation of traditional housing layouts to massive indoor planes by prioritizing indoor over outdoor spaces. That is, overlooking the effect of outdoor spaces, on life quality, to compensate for indoor spaces expansion. As a result, this study highlighted outdoor spaces and their impact on psychological wellbeing, especially through the enforcement of quarantine conditions and social distance.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve that, a spatial analysis for (70) apartments, in Amman, was undertaken to understand outdoor space in terms of spatial configuration, size, adjacent spaces and usage. An assessment for outdoor space based on both users' and professionals' perspectives to discuss the current situation condition in terms of physical layout, activities, area, spaces' treatment and associated incentives. (125) responses were collected from the head of household living in an apartment through using a structured questionnaire. In addition, feedback in terms of dynamics home components, home buyers' market trends and local regulations were collected from (22) professionals.FindingsStudy results have shown that apartments' buildings in Amman are deficient, quantitatively and qualitatively, in both apartments with outdoor spaces in general and units on typical floors without outdoor space in specific. While, quantitative deficiency is associated with the poor layout in terms of area, functionality and variety. Qualitative is related to the absence of nature inspiration that incorporates five senses. As a result, this underlines the need for formulation design guidelines and strategies considering psychological wellbeing to improve outdoor spaces as a hub for activities.Originality/valueHighlight the value of introducing post-pandemic multi-family housing that could lead to changes in building codes and design strategies to enhance psychological wellbeing of residents.

Student housing design implications for single-room occupancy during COVID-19 in Ghana

“…(2021). Contrary to access to fresh air indicated by Abed (2021) as the availability of void and open indoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study finds it more significant that students access to air or trickle vents with air filters and open doors, glass/sash windows with easily openings and ventilation was key in their selection decision (see Table 8). This result portrays a clear difference in the pre-COVID-19 era, where students preferred windows with tinted glasses and burglary.…”

“…Concerning availability of fresh air as a factor, Tokazhanov et al (2020) share a similar view that access to fresh air has shown much relevance in student selection of off-campus student housing with emerging designs and supported by G€ uzelci et al (2021). Contrary to access to fresh air indicated by Abed (2021) as the availability of void and open indoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study finds it more significant that students access to air or trickle vents with air filters and open doors, glass/sash windows with easily openings and ventilation was key in their selection decision (see Table 8). This result portrays a clear difference in the pre-COVID-19 era, where students preferred windows with tinted glasses and burglary.…”

“…(2021) also used the qualitative case study to examine the everyday life experiences of older adults living with refugees and youth in collaborative housing showed dissatisfaction with the change of spaces for social interaction and in the use of common spaces. In the same vein, Abed (2021) used a qualitative study to examine the essential lifestyle changes and their effect on the use of indoor space expansion, quality of life and outdoor spaces among 70 apartment users in Amman during the COVID-19 showed a deficiency in floors with outdoor spaces and layout variation and functionality. The study emphasizes the need to formulate design strategies and guidelines that consider the personalized needs and psychological wellbeing of tenants.…”

Knowledge spaces in architecture and urbanism – a preliminary five-year chronicle

“…More recently, the knowledge space of COVID-19 spatial and pedagogical implications is further advanced through the work of Abed (2021) which examines residential environments in the context of Amman, Jordan. At an urban level and based on the growing body of knowledge in this space Abusaada and Elshater (2021), develop a conceptual view on the notion of boredom in public spaces while interrogating the trilogy of urban form, social distancing and digital transformations.…”

Evaluating airflow dynamics in common vertical circulation spaces of a multi-floor apartment building for mitigating airborne infection risks: A CFD modeling study

“…Within the Jordanian context, some studies have explored interior design responses to the COVID-19 pandemic [ 48 , 49 ], shedding light on present and future modifications in house design to combat the spread of airborne infections in apartment buildings during pandemics. Regrettably, there is a dearth of research focused on the shared vertical circulation space among apartment residents, an area that has been notably overlooked.…”