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Traditionally, the Islamic Arab world has adopted the courtyard house design because it can satisfy the privacy and social activity requirements of its residents. Likewise, it provides many logical architectural solutions to the local environmental problems. These solutions include the integration of a courtyard into the design, traditional cultural elements (Malqaf "wind catcher", Mashrabiyyah "wooden screen", Bahra "fountain", and Salsabil "marble water fall"). However, in Jordan, the western-influenced houses have created cultural and environmental problems, which affect the residential quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the reviving of the traditional elements in contemporary houses and its effects on the residents´ quality of life. The study also aims to examine related problems by investigating the influence of contemporary courtyard houses on the residents´ quality of life.

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Dr. Dana Amro is a lecturer in the Interior Design Program. Her PhD is from the University Science Malaysia in Interior Design. She is specialized in Interior Design concentrating on cultural influence, combining environmental aspects in Architectural spaces. She focuses on Traditional houses and Sustainability in architecture and interior spaces.

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