Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the design of the contemporary Kuwaiti home to determine if it meets the needs of the contemporary Kuwaiti women in terms of privacy, social interaction, and aesthetic preferences, as well as connection to the past. To this end, a case study was conducted in a Kuwaiti house which included architectural and interior elements common in contemporary Kuwaiti homes. The research techniques of observation, visual documentation, and interview were used to explore how the home was used, with specific focus on three historical architectural features including the guest salon, the screen, and the courtyard. This exploration revealed that modern design failed to respond to meet many of the Kuwaiti women's needs for privacy, contact with nature, free movement within the home, and social interaction with family members. The study offers design recommendations that better meet the needs of Kuwaiti women in their homes.
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