Formal Representations of Local Rural Housing in Contemporary Interior Design

Throughout the ages, humans have sought to establish shelters that meet the basic needs related to their survival and provide a home that offers a suitable environment for their evolving requirements to overcome environmental challenges. Therefore, various types of housing have developed, differing and changing according to the societal particularities over time and place. Across centuries of development in general systems, local housing has evolved and varied, in addition to climatic conditions that drive the search for effective solutions to serve human comfort and well-being. The use of building materials has a significant impact on both the function of the residence and its inhabitants. Environmentally friendly building materials add value to human life and significantly reduce negative environmental impacts. Traditional houses were built effectively to meet human needs by adapting to local environmental standards—both material and cultural of the local community. The current research consists of the research problem, represented by the attempt to answer the question: What are the formal characteristics of local rural houses that can be utilized in contemporary rural interior spaces while preserving their local reference and meeting design requirements? The aim of the study is to identify the formal and structural characteristics of local clay houses and to reveal their formal representations for houses that can be used in contemporary interior design. The theoretical framework is based on two topics: the first is (interior design of local rural houses) and the second is (traditional rural houses). The researcher adopted the case study method and achieved the following main results: 1. The study showed that the local clay rural house represents an integrated system that combines form, construction, function, climate, and social structure, and is not just a formal or decorative element that can be transferred to interior design. 2. The study showed that the spatial organization of the rural house is related to the nature of daily activities and family and social relationships, as spaces gradually transition from private areas to spaces designated for gathering and social interaction.