Better Building
The Influence of Housing Values on the Design of Built Environment in Kuwait
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ahmad E. Alansari, Alnajadah Ali
Architects and interior designers are continually faced with the challenge of how to accommodate their clients’ social and cultural needs and requirements. The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional, study is to investigate Almutlaa City household wants and needs of households in Almutlaa City for their housing projects and the housing values that influence their residential design. Almutlaa City contains around 28,000 housing projects, making it the largest project under construction in the state of Kuwait. This study employed an online survey questionnaire as part of a quantitative research approach. Participants were recruited via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. A total of two hundred and nineteen (N = 219) current households took part in this study. Kuwaiti people who were assigned to build homes in Almutlaa City were invited to take part in this study using a purposive sampling technique. The findings of this study revealed that interior design facilities play an important role in Almutlaa housing design. The top economic value in the study is healthy housing, while the top social value for the study participants is a home that provides freedom. The top two psychological values for families in Almutlaa City are comfortable and beautiful dwellings. The findings of the study along with several interior design projects demonstrate housing values and cultural beliefs. This research provides valuable information about how cultures and values of certain people can influence the design decisions of their residents.
Resilient Architectural Education: Integrating Design Management and Community Engagement in Southern Taiwan
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session I Hsuan Wang
Post-pandemic educational environments have highlighted the need to rethink architectural pedagogy. At the National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) Department of Architecture, collaboration with student organizations has reshaped the traditional educational model. By adopting design management principles inspired by David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, NCKU integrates student-led initiatives that transform spaces and foster a culture of hands-on learning. A space analysis revealed that NCKU offers the most flexible areas compared to other departments, creating opportunities for spontaneous collaboration. Key projects include the Core Space renovation, where students and faculty jointly manage operations, leading to a cost-effective model. An inclusive restroom renovation saw students design the project, with support from the department director and alumni architects, emphasizing practical learning. Additionally, a circular material library recycles unused resources, promoting sustainability and external partnerships. These initiatives embody a decentralized, participatory model aligned with Rudolph H. Weingartner’s "Fitting Form to Function," leveraging innovative resource utilization while involving faculty as advisors. By balancing time, cost, and quality—essential aspects of design management—students gain practical experience, preparing them for future professional roles. Despite resource constraints, this bottom-up approach turns challenges into creative learning opportunities. NCKU’s framework serves as a pioneering model for design education, illustrating the impact of architectural management on community well-being. By embracing hands-on practice and resource management, NCKU sets a precedent for training architects to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
