Design Practitioner Perceptions, Attitudes, and Barriers: The State of Natural Environment and Human Sustainability Building Practicies in Saudi Arabia
[Thesis]
Alhaddad, Nemah Nasser
Pable, Jill
The Florida State University
2019
117 p.
M.S.
The Florida State University
2019
Sustainability is a broad concept that encompasses social, economical and environmental aspects. Many countries around the world have recently adopted this concept due to the worldwide concern that human behavior is causing long-term harm not only to the environment but also to human health. This study investigates the current status of sustainability, focusing on both enhancing human wellbeing and protecting the environment, from the viewpoints of architects and interior design practitioners within Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to identify possible barriers, attitudes, and perceptions regarding sustainable development of professionals who are incorporating these practices within their projects. The information gathered in this study was obtained through related professional article and journals and was reinforced with knowledge gained from interviews conducted with practitioners who have worked on sustainable projects within Saudi Arabia. The results of the study indicated that the application of sustainability principles in Saudi Arabia commercial building projects is currently limited in both scope and size. The practitioners interviewed for this study displayed overall positive attitudes toward sustainability practices. There was a lack of knowledge and attention paid to the importance of the human wellness principles that are also a part of sustainability, however. Moreover, participants identified economic, educational, and governmental hurdles that influence and suppress sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. Due to these hurdles, the degree of sustainability application is inconsistent in regions across the country. Potential implications regarding economic, social and environmental aspects are detailed and potential solutions that would accelerate sustainable development in the country are identified.