Identifying the Issues Leading to Residents' Modifications in Bahraini Subsidized Housing Units

Abstract

Abstract : Residents’ modifications in subsidized housing are a widespread phenomenon in Bahrain. Households begin modifying their housing units after receiving them, resulting in dire impacts like violations, financial burdens, and distortion of housing uniformity. This research aims to identify the issues leading to residents’ modifications in Bahraini subsidized housing units. Literature indicates that this phenomenon is closely related to resident behaviors. Thus, the study presents a conceptual framework that examines the similarities and differences in residents’ behaviors in subsidized housing. Accordingly, the study employed the qualitative approach and was conducted in two phases. The first phase investigated common resident behaviors through structured interviews with twenty experts involved in the modification process. The second phase used the case study strategy with six selected cases from the East Hidd housing project to examine the different behaviors related to residents’ lifestyles. It included on-site observations, plan analysis, and structured interviews with householders using the AIO approach. The findings revealed general and specific issues that lead to residents' modifications. On the one hand, the general issues represent common behaviors among most residents and are usually associated with the prior-occupancy stage. These preferences include simple modern designs with spacious living rooms and bedrooms, trendy modern materials, and large windows. Additionally, there is a need for sustainable housing units that incorporate all three aspects of sustainability, particularly the sociocultural aspect, which relates to privacy, hospitality, and the aesthetics and distinction of houses. Another general issue is the damage resulting from improper practices, such as excluding experts and involving unqualified individuals in the modification process. On the other hand, the specific issues represent different behaviors among families and are usually associated with the post-occupancy stage. Those include residents' need to modify their houses according to their lifestyles and priorities, primarily seen in the various ways of expanding living rooms and bedrooms. These expansions are mainly associated with three spaces: the guest room, the courtyard, and the kitchen. Furthermore, residents need to personalize the interior layout of their bedrooms to meet their individual requirements.