Studying the Phenomenon of Home Modifications & Recently Published in An Authoritative International Journal Research By a Master’s Student at UoB Stresses the Importance of The Flexibility in Community Houses

Sakhir – University of Bahrain (Ali Al Sabbaq)

24 June 2023

Preliminary results of scientific research at the University of Bahrain (UoB) stressed the importance of a deep understanding of the common and different preferences of residents in subsidized community houses, to significantly reduce the phenomenon of modifications, calling for strengthening the elements of sustainability and flexibility in community houses.

Mai Waleed Lafi, a student in the Master’s in Architecture program at the University’s College of Engineering, recently published the research in an international magazine as part of her master’s thesis, under the follow-up and supervision of the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University, Dr. Sheikha Haifa bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

The study attempted to understand and study the residents’ preferences and the constant modifications they make in subsidized community houses.

The research was published by Frontiers in Built Environment- Urban Science, which has an advanced assessment level, classified as second class (Q2) according to the Scopus classification system.

Moreover, the research focuses on understanding modifications done by residents and their reasons. The research results show that there are common preferences among residents that are reflected in the frequent modifications made by the majority, as these preferences reflect popular recent trends among residents. The results also showed common errors that could occur during the modification process, and how to avoid them. On the other hand, the results showed that there are certain different adjustments made by the residents based on the distinctive lifestyle of each family.

In the research final recommendations, the researcher highlighted the important role played by licensed engineering offices, expert engineers, and qualified workers in this process, and mentioned that reliance on these experts can contribute to reducing construction irregularities and errors, which in turn affects efficiency, cost and time required for the completion of construction.

“The results stress the importance of flexible, sustainable community houses that allow residents to make adjustments at any time according to their needs, which enhances comfort and satisfaction among residents and leads to more sustainable communities,” said researcher Lafi, adding “It is hoped that the results will contribute to the development of the field of engineering and social research, given the vital role of research in the development of the housing sector.”.