FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE SIZE OF THE CONTEMPORARY DWELLING - RIYADH, SAUDI-ARABIA

This study investigates the phenomenon of building big dwellings in co ntemporary Saudi society. It relates the size of the contemporary vill a-type dwelling with the traditional dwelling, and it compares it to a number of average (standard) international dwellings. It questions th e rationale of its large size; hence, it argues against leaving this t rend to continue unchecked. It further defines and discusses factors w hich influence the dwelling size, i.e. economic, socio-cultural, and n ew building practice and trade. The aim of this research is to draw at tention to this phenomenon, to inform those involved in housing policy and design of the extent of size-related problems in terms of initial construction and furnishing cost and in terms of operating and mainte nance life-cycle cost, and to call for further research to investigate its social, environmental, and economic impact on the country and its population. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.