Evolving Functional and Spatial Preferences in Saudi Housing Before, During, and After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the function of the home, shifting it from a private residence to a multifunctional hub for work, education, and daily life. In Saudi Arabia, where homes are traditionally rooted in communal hospitality, this global event prompted an unprecedented inward focus, compelling users to adapt their living spaces. This study investigates how Saudi users perceived and adapted their homes during and after the pandemic, focusing on spatial and functional changes, particularly those that support remote work and multifunctionality. Data was collected from three surveys conducted in those three periods of time and statistically analyzed. These surveys were distributed through the researcher’s social media channels, such as WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and the X platform. It examines changes across the pre-COVID, mid-COVID, and post-COVID periods to determine whether there was a significant shift in the collective spatial priorities of the Saudi domestic landscape across three distinct socio-historical periods, such as remote work and guest spaces, or if they were abandoned as soon as the pandemic and its lockdown were over. Statistical analysis was conducted using JASP to generate chi-squared tests, ANOVA, and descriptive analysis. The outcome aims to better inform future housing design priorities in Saudi Arabia and align them with the housing goals of Vision 2030. The preliminary findings suggest minimal differences in functional space requirements between the pandemic and post-pandemic eras, indicating a lasting shift in users’ spatial needs. The results have practical implications for architects, planners, and policymakers seeking to design adaptable, resilient residential spaces for the post-pandemic era.