: LUNA LLENA

Housing is believed to play an influential role as part of the set of relationships that shapes out urban life. Such a role, however, is still not properly covered or understood when thinking of cities like Amman where the impact of housing can be witnessed beyond being merely a basic requirement for its population. The proliferation of apartment buildings, for instance, should not be seen as simply a change in housing typology, but rather as a striking change that affects the overall profile of the city. In view of this, this research argues that it is necessary to reconsider housing research in Jordan so that it captures the multiplicity of aspects adjoined with it, leading to a scheme which more comprehensively explores housing, not only as a need within urban settings but also as a factor that actually shapes the urban setting.

1.6.1. Focus of the research

Housing and QOL are both multifaceted, complicated fields of research. Therefore, studying and writing about housing and QOL in a manner that encompasses and incorporates all related aspects may prove impossible. What can be done instead is to establish a particular focus or view from which the impact of housing on QOL can be explored. In light of this, the focus of the research will be primarily on housing as a product not as a process or activity. In other words, the research will explore the different implications of the residential built form, i.e. the outcome, on different scales,

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rather than the production process, including for instance, construction procedures and the set of economic activities associated with it. Additionally, although the study will be concerned with influences of different housing circumstances on the overall QOL of people, the primary focus of the research will be largely directed towards the central parts of the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) that form the core urban setting of the city. Accordingly, the study does not cover the rural parts or the peripheral towns that are included within the boundaries of GAM. The study does not also cover the several refugee camps that are located in the city, due to the special political and administrative considerations of these parts. Within this setting the research addresses the implications of the different housing quality components in relation to the different housing types and community groups. In line with this, a focus will be made on the middle income part of the community within its broad scope that encompass upper-middle income group, middle income group, and lower-middle income group, as this represents the chief segment of the population and probably the worst affected by the transformations taking place. A large section of this category of the population is facing the threat of becoming part of the low and limited income groups which might result in a significant drop in the size of this key segment of the community.

1.6.2. Research aim and objectives

This study aims to critically investigate housing quality and the impact it has on QOL experienced by residents in Amman.

In doing so, the research seeks to achieve the following objectives:

Critically examine the existing conceptualisations of housing quality and QOL.

This implies reviewing the different conceptions and viewpoints addressed in literature to define, describe, interpret or assess housing quality and QOL and, identifying the shortcoming of these perceptions, ending up with the development of a conception that provides better insight on the subject.

Assess the state of QOL in Amman and determine the factors that affect people’s perceptions and judgements of their QOL.

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This involves measuring the perceived QOL level among people and identifying the life aspects they consider most significant and have the greatest impact on their lives, particularly in Amman.

Identify the significance of housing on QOL in relation to other factors influencing QOL.

This implies measuring people’s level of satisfaction with the overall housing circumstances in Amman and the perceived impact of housing on people’s QOL, in addition to determining the extent to which people believe housing has an impact over other aspects of life.

Examine the impacts of the diverse aspects of housing quality on perceived QOL of residents.

This comprises identifying types of housing quality and the different components of each type of quality and exploring the impact it has on people’s satisfaction with housing and QOL in Amman, in respect to the various socio-demographic factors.

1.6.3. Significance of the research

Few studies have comprehensively explored the impacts of different housing attributes on people’s QOL. A scholarly attempt to understand the interrelationships between housing elements and elements of other life domains leading to better QOL has not been undertaken prior to this research, particularly in the case of developing communities.

Such an attempt would seem to be essential to provide influential guidance for housing research and to direct planning efforts towards improved urban development and housing provision, leading, in turn, to a better life quality. In this regard, this research stands as a contribution to both housing and QOL theory and research as it investigates the element of housing under the broader umbrella of QOL in such a way that it does not focus only on housing as a field of research but also as an attribute that strongly influence other attributes of life quality. In this sense it tackles a number of issues that are inherent in the concept of QOL, including comprehensiveness, combining subjectivity and objectivity and understanding the two faceted roles of attributes as

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causes and effects. This opens the way to an alternative direction in housing research that may be of interest to researchers and professionals from different disciplines.

In so doing, the research provides a novel thorough approach for addressing the concept of housing quality and exploring the impact it has on people’s lives. Besides, the research provides a great deal of empirical data about housing in Amman and the impressions people have towards various components of housing quality in respect to their diverse socio-demographic attributes. It focuses particularly on the massive increase in the production of apartment buildings, which have become the dominant form of residence in Jordan, and considers the implications of this kind of housing scheme on people’s QOL. By this means, it presents an attempt to build knowledge about housing in Jordan in an extensive way that combines a variety of issues trying to cover the gaps in housing research in Jordan.