Domestic possessions and space adequacy in urban homes

Abstract

As economies and societies transform, housing models need to be modified accordingly to reflect the changes in demand and the shifts in living standards. This study seeks to ascertain whether the recently built private housing schemes provide adequate amount of space to meet the requirements of present-day living, considering the importance of domestic materials as instruments for domestic organization in modern homes. Data was collected by a questionnaire survey designed to elicit information on residents’ attitudes towards the adequacy of the available space in their homes with regard to their belongings. Result from 179 residents of medium cost housing in the Klang Valley area of Malaysia indicates that the available home space seems inadequate. The provision of storage and circulation is also a cause for concern. The findings may be used to enhance urban housing design by incorporating the contemporary understanding of beliefs and ideologies attached to the home.