COVID-19, often dubbed the unwanted guest, made its sudden and uninvited entrance into people’s lives in early 2020, marking the beginning of a global disturbance that would redefine people’s daily routines and the concept of home. With lockdowns, social distancing mandates, and an unprecedented health crisis, people found themselves confined within their own houses, forcing a reassessment of the space that had previously functioned as a living environment. This transformation prompted a deep examination of what it meant to be at home—interpersonally, economically, and culturally.

In Saudi Arabia, where the architectural narrative is steeped in tradition and social customs, the pandemic forced a reevaluation of how these houses adapt to contemporary lived experiences. Houses are typically seen as spaces of sanctuary, rehearsal, and community, particularly in a culture that traditionally places enormous importance on hospitality. With the advent of COVID-19, users were compelled to shift their focus inward, prioritizing their immediate needs over the societal expectations surrounding entertaining guests. This shift challenges long-held perceptions of home in a society that values communal engagement and familial connections.

This research investigates the perceptions of contemporary Saudi houses following the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to understand the changes in the configuration of these living spaces, specifically analyzing the modifications implemented during the pandemic to facilitate remote work, social distancing, and multifunctionality. Moreover, it inquires into the persistence of these changes in the post-pandemic context. The study questions whether Saudi homes have reverted to their pre-COVID configurations or if the experiences of lockdown have inspired a lasting transformation in the residents’ interactions with their living environments.

Previous studies, such as those conducted by Alkhateeb and Peterson (2021) , provide a foundation for this investigation. They highlight a clear paradigm shift during the pandemic, in which individuals redefined their definitions of comfort and utility in their homes. This research will build on those findings, integrating contemporary observations and data to paint a more complete picture of the current housing landscape in Saudi Arabia post-COVID-19.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, numerous residences in Saudi Arabia were characterized by open social spaces intentionally designed to host guests. This architectural approach often reflected a cultural inclination towards hospitality, wherein the delineation between private and public domains was frequently ambiguous, thus emphasizing communal living ( Al Naim, 2006 ). However, the period of lockdown necessitated adaptations that led to spatial and design modifications aimed at fulfilling an augmented demand for privacy, productivity, and comfort. In many cases, areas that were previously allocated for social gatherings were repurposed into home offices or educational environments for children, indicating a significant transformation from their original function.

As depicted in various studies ( AlKhateeb & Peterson, 2021 ; Marcus, 2006 ), the idea of what constitutes a home has evolved. The pandemic pressured individuals to confront not just the physical attributes of their houses but also the emotional and psychological connotations tied to those spaces. Today, houses must embody a sense of safety, comfort, and adaptability, serving as both a refuge and a workspace.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing extensive socio-economic changes in line with the 2030 vision, a strategic initiative designed to diminish the country’s reliance on oil and diversify its economy. This ambitious endeavor encompasses technological, economic, and socio-cultural transformations that affect housing in modern Saudi Arabia. Architectural developments are now focused not just on exterior appearance and grandeur, but also on reimagining interior layouts and functionalities to better accommodate contemporary lifestyles ( AlKhateeb, 2015 ; Othman et al., 2015 ).

Remarkably, the pandemic serves as both a catalyst and a magnifying glass, refining focus on these socio-cultural and economic changes within the context of housing. As the country moves towards a more diversified and digital economy, the integration of technology in homes has become essential, impacting both design choices and everyday living experiences. For instance, the need for smart homes equipped with technologies that facilitate easier remote work and communication has surged, mirroring global trends but also giving rise to unique regional adaptations.

Historically, Saudi houses have been esteemed for their openness and warmth, often making considerable efforts to accommodate guests. This culture of hospitality not only served as a source of pride but also constituted a fundamental aspect of social interaction within communities. However, with the emergence of the pandemic, individuals began navigating the intricate emotional dynamics of home, prioritizing personal comfort and safety while striving to uphold traditional values of hospitality. This inherent contradiction prompts significant inquiries: Is it possible to maintain both privacy and hospitality? In what ways do contemporary Saudi homes embody this dual necessity?

In addressing these questions, this research also recognizes the imperative role of health needs in redefining home environments. The pandemic made health and safety paramount in design considerations, with many households incorporating features that may have seemed unnecessary pre-COVID. Enhanced ventilation, separate workspaces, and adaptable furniture have become intrinsic features in many Saudi homes, altering their very essence.

Ultimately, this research will provide an in-depth exploration of how COVID-19 has influenced the perception of contemporary Saudi homes. By examining important themes such as the transformation of space usage, technological integration, and the intruding challenges of post-pandemic life, we can decipher the evolving narrative of what it means to “be at home” in the 21st century. The findings aim not only to contribute to academic discourse but also to offer practical insights for architects, policymakers, and residents as they navigate a future that continues to be shaped by the events of the past few years.

This inquiry aims to encapsulate the essence of our current moment by documenting the resilience and adaptability of a culture in transition. It highlights the significant impact that a global pandemic has had on our homes. As we look toward the future, it will be crucial to understand these dynamics in order to shape living spaces that not only reflect our lived experiences but also honor the complex meanings of home in contemporary society.

This literature review explores the concept of home and examines the profound influence pandemics have on people’s lives, particularly emphasizing the impact of COVID-19 on house design in Saudi Arabia. It explores key issues related to both the conceptual and physical definitions of a house, highlighting how the pandemic has shifted priorities in residential spaces. Additionally, the review covers literature related to the resilience and long-term implications on house design post-pandemic, suggesting emerging preferences for open spaces, improved ventilation, and multifunctional areas that cater to evolving lifestyles and the new normal in-home living.

The methodology employed in this study is a mixed-methods approach. That methodology utilizes the benefits of qualitative and quantitative methods and tools. While the study could start with the intention of a quantitative approach, later researchers may find that the qualitative analysis approach would answer the research question better than the quantitative approach ( Creswell, 2009 ; Mesyitahsyare & Hermina, 2025 ). In the case of this study, a mixed-methods approach was used as the research questions required multifaceted tools and analysis approaches ( Clark & Ivankova, 2015 ).

This study analyzed various data sets, including both primary and secondary data. Initially, secondary data were collected through a literature review focusing on housing trends during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, with particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia. This review includes an exploration of the definitions of homes in Saudi Arabia, addressing their status before and after the COVID-19 crisis. Primary data were subsequently gathered and analyzed via the surveys as the research tool. Two sets of structured surveys were utilized: the first survey was distributed during the summer of 2020, comprising three sections with a total of ten questions, and involved 485 participants. This survey aimed to understand the evolving requirements of Saudi homes during the pandemic, influenced by health concerns and lockdown restrictions. The second survey was conducted in the summer of 2023, consisting of three sections and encompassing twenty-three questions, with 276 participants. This survey sought to assess the changing needs of Saudi homes in the aftermath of COVID-19, at a time when the immediate health threats posed by the pandemic had lessened. The primary objective of this updated survey was to determine whether the spatial and functional adaptations identified in the 2020 study, which took place at the pandemic’s peak, had persisted, evolved, or reverted to pre-pandemic norms. Both surveys were organized into three critical sections: demographics, spatial and functional space requirements within the home, and participants’ perceptions of what constitutes a home.

The researcher employed the snowball sampling method to distribute the survey link. Different research expressed limitations with this distribution method within quantitative and qualitative research ( Naderifar et al., 2017 ; Ting et al., 2025 ), which addresses the sufficiency of the participating sample to represent a larger group, which would assist in generalizing the research outcome.

This paper follows, as mentioned earlier, mixed methods, where quantitative tools were used to collect data, then later analyzed utilizing qualitative thematic analysis tools for both survey questions and open-ended questions. Literature about snowball sampling advocates for the advantages of utilizing this collection method in qualitative research, where reaching participants is hard ( Ting et al., 2025 ).

The survey link was disseminated to various WhatsApp groups and shared on LinkedIn to engage different audiences, encouraging their participation and assistance in forwarding the survey link. The discrepancy in response rates between the two surveys can be attributed to the timing of their distribution; the initial survey was conducted during the height of the pandemic, when individuals were largely at home and thus more inclined to dedicate time to completing the survey. Conversely, the second survey was administered after individuals resumed their daily activities, resulting in their being comparatively more occupied.

The integration of survey data alongside a literature review facilitated a thorough understanding of the ways in which the pandemic has transformed housing needs. This comprehensive analysis empowers stakeholders to address the current demands of residents effectively and make informed contributions to future housing developments within the region.

The analysis of a recent survey reveals that the majority of respondents experienced negligible differences in their residential lives when juxtaposing the pandemic and post-pandemic periods. The participants’ perspectives were notably influenced by their ages, exhibiting consistent preferences across various age demographics. This observation highlights the significant role of socio-cultural norms in shaping decision-making processes, even amidst the ongoing rapid transformation occurring within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As Saudi society continues to evolve, the values and expectations that inform individuals’ living experiences are also developing. The survey findings point to the necessity of reassessing the concept of home in light of these societal shifts and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the notable insights from the online surveys is the call for a reevaluation of socially oriented spaces within homes, particularly the designation and utility of formal living areas aimed at accommodating guests. Participants chose to have one formal living room, and when needed, they would use the family living area as a secondary formal space to host more guests. This reflects homeowners’ evolving understanding of privacy, semi-private, and public spaces within the house.

The respondents criticized the inclusion of two formal living spaces in their homes. It became evident that many participants favored a more practical approach when prompted to reflect on their perceptions of what constitutes a home. The traditional notion of separate formal spaces meant for entertaining guests is becoming less relevant, with many individuals indicating that they prefer a single, multifunctional living area. The same sentiment was echoed concerning dining spaces; the overwhelming consensus appeared to advocate for the sufficiency of one dining room rather than two. This shift suggests a desire for efficiency and functionality in home design, emphasizing the needs of the immediate family and the guests they host.

Moreover, the evolution of home design considerations extends to elements that were once deemed essential, such as the hygiene entrance vestibule implemented in reaction to health concerns during the pandemic. Based on survey responses, this feature is now being viewed as unnecessary in the current post-pandemic context. Participants’ insights reflect a deeper grasp of the significance of natural light and the presence of greenery within their living environments, indicating a fundamental prioritization of well-being in contemporary home design.

The survey aims to deeply explore the perception of Saudi residents as they reflect on the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their living arrangements. When asked to define their understanding of “home”, respondents employed conceptual terms such as safety, comfort, family orientation, and functionality. Their responses signal a clear desire for spaces within their homes that facilitate gatherings among family members, suggesting the importance of shared experiences and quality time. To meet these needs, the survey highlighted a preference for incorporating outdoor gardens and multipurpose areas that can adapt to various activities and family gatherings.

As participants assessed their functional spaces, they categorized them into three distinct categories: necessary, complementary, and unnecessary. The insights showed a significant shift in attitudes towards spaces such as multiple dining rooms, which now fall into the “unnecessary” category. While some areas, such as home gyms and offices, are still considered required due to the new realities of remote work and fitness, they are also viewed as complementary rather than essential spaces. In contrast, family living areas maintained their status as necessary, underscoring their pivotal role in daily life, along with supportive functions such as laundry rooms and storage.

The understanding of what constitutes a “home” has never been static; it is an evolving entity influenced by various external factors that continuously shape its form, meaning, and the ways users engage with it. In the context of Saudi Arabia, social and cultural norms have played a formative role in the architecture and organization of homes. As these norms undergo development and transformation, so too do the physical structures of houses, reflecting broader societal changes and aspirations.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, introducing new cultural practices such as remote working and learning, which necessitated a reevaluation of home requirements to accommodate these activities. The ability to adapt living spaces to serve dual functions—both as places of work and relaxation—became crucial. This duality underscores the importance of well-thought-out designs that can support social interactions and professional activities simultaneously, a flexibility that modern residents increasingly demand.

As survey results indicate a tendency among residents to reconfigure their living spaces, it becomes apparent that there are both potential and limitations within the current housing designs. This ongoing adaptation process reveals insights into what contemporary homeowners truly value and need from their living environments. For educators in design disciplines, these findings provide critical guidance, illuminating the evolving preferences of homeowners in Saudi Arabia and suggesting pathways for equipping future professionals with the knowledge and insight to respond to these demands.

Moving forward, design curricula can incorporate these insights to foster an understanding of flexible and adaptable home designs that prioritize well-being, social functionality, and the diverse needs of households. The movement towards creating homes that are multifunctional and that reflect contemporary values in functionality and social engagement is not merely a trend but a reflection of a broader shift in lifestyle choices.

The findings from this survey offer a compelling perspective on the changing notions of home within Saudi Arabian society, particularly in the context of the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey underscores the importance of acknowledging the dynamic interplay between social and cultural factors and the physical space that individuals inhabit. As the nation continues to evolve, so too will the concepts of space, functionality, and family life within homes, shaping the future landscape of residential design. Additionally, it was mentioned in the discussion section that the user-oriented preferences expressed by participants, alongside the functional spaces they requested, contrasted with those they demanded less of. These collected insights from this study are essential for practitioners and educators in the design field, as they navigate the complex landscape of contemporary housing needs while cultivating spaces that resonate with the essence of what it means to call a place “home”. Furthermore, these insights align with the Vision 2030 housing program that aims to “Offer Housing Solutions that enable Saudi families to own or utilize houses as per their needs and within the scope of their means; in addition to improving the housing conditions of the current and future generations” ( Housing Program, 2023: p. 20 ).

The author would like to acknowledge that an AI assistant was employed solely for proofreading purposes and not for content generation.

¹ According to the Saudi General Authority of Statistics, in the data collected about the population updated in 2020, the age group 20 - 45 count is the largest group compared to the younger and elder groups.