Transformation of Residential Spaces Design After the Pandemic in Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

In great crises, there are always opportunities. The pandemic COVID-19 led to many changes in buildings. In the Sultanate of Oman, users’ perceptions of their homes were affected by the lockdown. The aim of this research is to understand the impact of the pandemic on the design of residential spaces in Sultanate of Oman. A literature review is included to give an overview of the perception of socializing activities and privacy throughout history and during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Arab region with special emphasis on Sultanate of Oman. The pandemic has resulted in more time being spent at home, which presents new challenges and greatly changes the perception of users in their homes. A survey was conducted to understanding the users’ perceptions of home design after the pandemic. Research findings regarding post-pandemic architecture and residential design include changes in the perception of privacy, additional space requirements, natural light and natural ventilation requirements, more indoor plants, storage rooms, entrance lobby with toilet and sanitary areas, office, and printing facilities, quit zone for reading and relaxing, balconies, inner courtyard, terrace, farming yard, and other spaces that should be integrated into residential building design.