Design Studio - Course Syllabus

2nd year – First Semester 1445 (2023)

Architecture and Interior Design for a Villa in Saudi Arabia

Course Description:
This course focuses on architecture and interior design principles and practices within the
context of a villa project in Saudi Arabia. Students will explore the design process, cultural
considerations, sustainable design strategies, spatial planning (bubble diagrams), material
selection, and interior furniture detailing specific to the context. Through a combination of
lectures, workshops, site visits, and design projects, students will develop a comprehensive
understanding of creating functional, aesthetically pleasing, and culturally relevant villa designs
that interact properly with site features (contour lines).

Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the cultural and climatic factors influencing villa design in Saudi Arabia.
2. Analyze and interpret a design brief for a villa project.
3. Apply spatial planning principles to optimize the layout of a villa within the specified
area. (optimizing contour line handling in the design process)
4. Select appropriate materials and finishes considering sustainability and cultural context.
5. Develop interior design concepts that align with the architectural vision.
6. Create detailed architectural and interior design plans using relevant software tools.
7. Present design ideas effectively through visual and verbal communication.

Course Outline:

Week 1-2: Introduction to Villa Design in Saudi Arabia

 Understanding the cultural and climatic influences on Saudi Arabian architecture and
interior design.
 Overview of the project: Designing a villa within 350-500 sqm.
 Introduction to the design process and its stages.

Week 3: Site Analysis and Design Brief

 Conducting site visits and analyzing the site context.
 Interpreting the client's requirements and creating a comprehensive design brief.

Week 5-6: Spatial Planning and Functional Layouts

 Principles of space planning for residential design.
 Developing functional and efficient floor plans for the villa.
 Workshop: Creating bubble diagrams and adjacency matrices.
Week 7-8: Sustainable Design and Material Selection
 Sustainable design strategies for energy efficiency and comfort.
 Selecting appropriate materials and finishes considering cultural context and
sustainability.
Week 9-10: Architectural Design Development
 Developing the architectural concept for the units.
 Incorporating traditional and modern design elements.
 Design studio workshop: Hand sketching and digital drafting for architectural concepts.

Week 11-12: Interior Design Concepts

 Creating interior design concepts that complement the architectural vision.
 Exploring color schemes, furniture layout, and lighting design.

Week 13-14: Detailed Design, Documentation, and Presentation and Communication

 Developing detailed architectural and interior design drawings.
 Introduction to relevant software tools (AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.).
 Workshop: Creating 3D models for visualization.
 Effective visual and verbal communication of design ideas.
 Presenting the final villa design to the class.

Week 16: Final Project Submission and Critique

Assessment:
 Class participation and engagement in discussions: 10%
 Design assignments : 30%
 Mid-term project review: 25%
 Final villa design project: 35%
Detached Unit House Program (Villa)
Site area 400 m2

Ground Floor

Function Approximate Area (m²)

Majlis/Reception Area 35-40
Living Room 30-35
Dining Area 18-20
Kitchen 25-30
Guest Majlis/Reception 12-15
(Lobby)
Guest wash and Bathroom 8-10
Owner Special Office 30-35 Could be any Floor according to design
concept
Family wash and Bathroom 12-15
Swimming Pool 40-70 (optional)
Landscaping Varies
Total Area (Ground Floor) 210-260 m²

First Floor

Function Approximate Area (m²)

Master Bedroom 30
En-suite Bathroom (Master) 8-10
Walk-in Closet (Master) 12
TV Hall with Kitchenet 20-25
Bedroom 1 20-25
Bedroom 2 20-25
Bathroom 6-8
Terrace 12-15
Storage 12-15
Total Area (First Floor) 140-169 m²
Second Floor:
(50% from first floor area)

Function Approximate Area (m²)

Maid's Room 15
Children Play room 30
Utility/Laundry Room 10-15
Storage/Attic Space 12
Total Area (Second Floor) 65-70 m²

The Program also includes driver room and toilet 20 m2.

Course Evaluation:

Reviews Grade %

1. Review I: Case Studies -------------------------------------- 5%

2. Review II: Site Analysis ----------------------------------- 5%

3. Review III: Schematic Design /Concept ------------------ 5%

4. Review IV: Midterm: Preliminary Design --------------- 20%

5. Review V: Pre-final: Design Development --------------- 15%

6. Attendance & Performance --------------------------------- 10%

7. Review VI: Final Design: Jury Evaluation --------------- 40%

8. Total -------------------------------------------------------------- 100%