Integrated Framework for Implementing Sustainability into Architectural Design Process: Case of Saudi Architectural Practices

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated framework for implementing sustainability into architectural design process. Qualitative and quantitative approaches used to develop the framework; basically soft system methodology (SSM) with its seven interrelated stages is used to shape interventions in the problematic situation encountered in system management. The model is validated based on observational quasi-experiments, interviews with designers and professors of architecture. Besides, structured questionnaire have been used to measure the applicability of sustainable parameters into architectural process. The principal outcomes of this research are that sustainable practices are of increasing interest in many levels and complex dimensions. This approach, which is cyclic in its nature, takes into consideration a pool of ideas and intuitions of many design members. Moreover, there is a strong orientation in academic realm and among design studios in Saudi universities toward sustainability application as the backbone of design. The students, and professors as well, consider sustainability a need rather than a design movement.