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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 5

Publication Date: May 25, 2024

DOI:10.14738/assrj.115.16954.

Makkawi, F. A. R., Md. Yusoff, I. S., & Che Me, R. (2024). Assessment of Living Room Furniture Arrangement on Wellbeing Case

Study Jeddah Residents, Saudi Arabia. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(5). 191-198.

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

Assessment of Living Room Furniture Arrangement on Wellbeing

Case Study Jeddah Residents, Saudi Arabia

Fattwo AbdulRahman Makkawi

Department of Resource Management and Consumer Studies,

Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM, Malaysia

Irwan Syah Md. Yusoff

Department of Resource Management and Consumer Studies,

Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM, Malaysia

Rosalam Che Me

Department of Industrial Design,

Faculty of Design and Architecture, UPM, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

This review explores the impact of living room furniture arrangement on the

wellbeing of residents in Jeddah, integrating cultural, environmental, and

psychological perspectives. It synthesizes findings from various qualitative studies,

highlighting the significant role of cultural and traditional elements in living space

design. The review emphasizes the importance of biophilic design, adaptability, and

flexibility in modern living spaces, particularly in the context of post-COVID-19

lifestyle changes. It also examines the influence of urban planning and socio- economic factors on residential space design and its impact on resident wellbeing.

Key conclusions suggest that living room arrangements in Jeddah should resonate

with cultural values, incorporate biophilic elements, and be adaptable to

multifunctional use. Future research directions include further exploration of

cultural aspects in living space design, innovations in biophilic integration,

adaptive design solutions, and the establishment of wellbeing metrics for evidence- based design. The review acknowledges limitations in scope, potential biases, and

the dynamic nature of urban living, underscoring the need for ongoing research.

Keywords: Living Room Design, Wellbeing, Jeddah, Cultural Influence, Biophilic Design,

Urban Planning, Adaptability in Living Spaces, Post-COVID-19 Lifestyle

INTRODUCTION

The living environment and furniture arrangement within a home play a pivotal role in

influencing the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Recent studies underscore the significance of

spatial organization and interior design in shaping the quality of life and psychological comfort

of residents [1, 2]. The way furniture is arranged in a living room, for instance, can affect the

flow of space, accessibility, and overall ambiance, which are crucial factors in creating a

conducive living environment. This is especially relevant in the context of urban living, where

space constraints and environmental factors can significantly impact wellbeing [3].

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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 11, Issue 5, May-2024

Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom

This review aims to examine how living room furniture arrangement impacts the wellbeing of

residents in Jeddah. It seeks to explore the various aspects of interior spatial design,

particularly focusing on the arrangement of furniture in living rooms, and how these aspects

contribute to the overall wellbeing of individuals living in urban environments.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Despite the extensive research on the impact of living space arrangement on wellbeing, there

are notable gaps, especially in the context of Jeddah. Much of the existing research, such as the

studies by Mahar, Verbeeck [4], Suzuki, Hedayati [5], focuses on general principles of design

and space utilization without delving into the unique cultural and environmental factors

specific to Jeddah. The cultural significance of living spaces in Saudi Arabia, particularly in cities

like Jeddah, is not adequately explored. While Attiah and Alawad [6] delve into the cultural

aspects of Saudi heritage homes, there is a lack of research on how these cultural elements

influence modern living spaces in urban areas like Jeddah. Moreover, studies like those by Zin

Eldin El Zawahry [7], Kong, Utzinger [8] provide insights into specific design aspects but do not

specifically address the unique climatic, cultural, and social dynamics of Jeddah.

Furthermore, the post-COVID-19 living styles and their impact on wellbeing in the context of

Jeddah's urban environment have not been sufficiently explored [1, 9]. Research like that of

Addas and Alserayhi [10], which examines public open spaces in Jeddah, indicates a growing

interest in urban design but does not specifically address the interior arrangements of living

spaces. In summary, while there is a wealth of information on the general impact of living space

arrangement on wellbeing, there is a noticeable gap in research that specifically addresses the

unique cultural, environmental, and social aspects of living room furniture arrangement and its

impact on wellbeing in Jeddah.

METHODOLOGY

Criteria for Selection

The selection of qualitative studies for this review was guided by specific criteria to ensure

relevance and rigor. The primary criteria included:

Time Frame:

Studies published between 2010 and 2023 were considered to ensure the inclusion of recent

research while also capturing the development of thought and practice over the past decade.

Relevance:

The studies needed to directly address aspects of living room furniture arrangement and its

impact on wellbeing, with a preference for research focusing on urban environments,

particularly in the Middle Eastern context.

Methodological Rigor:

Studies were selected based on the quality of their research design, including the clarity of their

methodology, the depth of their data analysis, and the validity of their conclusions.

Geographical Focus:

While studies from various global contexts were considered, priority was given to research

conducted in or applicable to Jeddah or similar urban environments in the Middle East.