Spatial Characteristics of Traditional Houses of Al-Medinah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Traditional houses of Al-Madinah have been developed over a long period of time through the skills of master builders and experiences of generations to provide adequate shelters. This paper intends to investigate and analyse the spatial characteristics of these houses by measuring and comparing the way space was utilized in nine cases. It also discuses the variety of spaces and their functions, levels of spatial usage, and levels of comfort in these cases. The paper concludes that traditional houses of M-Madinah accommodate large families; and organize spaces to provide privacy and adequate level of comfort. The paper recommends the necessity to use the characteristics of traditional designs in developing design ideas for new houses.

Keywords:

• Arabia
• Houses
• Spatial characteristics
• Traditional houses