My House and Coronavirus: Experiences of the Pandemic Full Lockdown

Abstract

On March 2, 2020, Saudi Arabia announced the first coronavirus case. A complete lockdown started in Makkah on April 2, 2020. The holy capital of Islam has always been packed with pilgrims, but the situation was different with COVID-19. The full lockdown continued in Makkah even during the holy month of Ramadan. This study discusses the experience of full lockdown in the context of Makkah with its unique status as a holy city, with the longer period of its complete lockdown compared to other Saudi cities. The article presents a case study focusing on the interior design students at Umm al-Qura University in Makkah. The students’ experiences of the pandemic and the full curfew are discussed using descriptive and analytical methods. This article highlights the students’ challenges and difficulties regarding their emotions, specifically concerning the house and considers the functionality of its interior space. The study concludes with an evaluation of the inconveniences and discomforts of the domestic space. This article highlights some key observations, such as the lack of fresh air and natural light in some zones. Finally, the study notes several cultural issues that had a major impact and suggests some recommendations for future house planning.