Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Environmental Design Sciences

The Role of Planning Regulations in Correcting Housing Market Imbalances in Dammam Metropolitan Area

Antar A. Aboukorin — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This research aims to identify imbalances in the housing market in Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA), as well as to identify the necessary measures to address the deficiencies. To achieve these objectives, the research provides an analysis of the size and quality
of both supply and demand in the housing market in the DMA until 2040. Then, the research examines the compatibility of the supply and demand with the socio-economic characteristics of the population. It also examines the adherence of the housing supply to the principles of residential sustainability and the Saudi Vision 2030. The research found that housing problem in DMA is not becaause of shortage of housing supply. In fact, there is a surplus of demand in the DMA until 2040. The problem is the quality of the supply, in terms of housing characteristics, which are incompatible with the social and economic characteristics of the population and the principles of sustainability in the housing sector. The paper is concluded by a proposal to modify existing planning criteria and requirements. The modifications are intended to bring the quality of the housing supply into line with the socio-economic characteristics of the population and to increase the compatibility with the principles of sustainability.

Challenges in Implementing Academic Accreditation in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia

Abdullah Nidal Addas — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Higher education standards in Saudi Arabia are changing rapidly to align with the country’s 2030 vision. There is recognition of the importance of education and a clear focus on the quality of education in the objectives of the country’s National Transformation Programs which aim to realize that vision. In this regard, the Ministry of Education (MOE) advises universities to obtain both institutional and program accreditation through the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA), an autonomous body that reports directly to the Council of Higher Education. The recent demand for program accreditation
in Saudi universities revealed a lack of enthusiasm among faculty members because of the accreditation process. The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) program at King Abdulaziz University began the process in 2017. Using the program as a case study, this paper outlines the process and its requirements. In addition, the paper emphasizes the challenges faced during the process, which include a lack of understanding and awareness, as well as resistance to change. The methodology included the actual process for the BLA program, with observation and unstructured interviews with faculty members. The main findings indicate the importance of academic accreditation when it is considered as a tool for enhancing education and program quality, rather than just being additional paperwork and written procedures that are not implemented. Two years after implementing the NCAAA standard to enhance the quality of the program, there have been clear improvements in program administration, course delivery and
quality. It is evident that there is a need for real commitment and belief in the value of accreditation from all faculty members if improvements are to be achieved. It is recommended that the NCAAA helps by developing the accreditation process to make it easier to follow.

The Role of the Third Mission in Sustainable Development: Reflections on the Experiences of Two American Universities

Hamid Alalwany, Sahl Waheeb — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Universities are intended to play an important and major role in sustainable development. To fulfill this role, they must take the lead in the development processes of knowledge economy and society, particularly in two main areas: the first is innovation and entrepreneurship, and the second is the production, incubation and transfer of knowledge and technology, or the so-called third mission of universities. The aim of this paper is to address the role of the third mission in promoting sustainable development, and the ways in which universities can develop their main functions. This includes fulfilling their duties (1) in education and training, (2) in research and development, (3) in production, incubation and transfer of knowledge and technology, (4) in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and (5) in building intellectual capital. In order to achieve the aim of the paper, the following objectives were
identified: 1. Addressing the perceptions of the third mission as a concept, 2. Analyzing the main functions of universities in the era of knowledge economy and integration between these functions, 3. Addressing the concept of an entrepreneurial university, and 4. Analyzing and evaluating the experiences of two American universities in developing the knowledge economy and knowledge society, and their efforts in supporting sustainable development. The research results revels that Stanford University is an outstanding example of the third mission with a strong academic and leadership position that has enabled it to become the world's first leading university. The second outstanding model is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which is renowned as a first-class research institute with a focus on physical science, technology and engineering. Universities have become increasingly involved in the task of transferring and localizing knowledge and techniques over recent decades. This role is played by universities through the establishment of institutes and centers for the transfer and resettlement of knowledge and technology, technology licensing centers, business incubators, knowledge and technology parks, and venture capital funds for start-ups.

Projected Individual Water Needs of Israeli Settlers in 2025 :The Impact on Water Security of the Palestinians

Nadia Abu Zaher — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This study looks into the impact of the projected individual water needs of Israeli settlers in the West Bank in 2025 on water security of the Palestinians of the same area. The study utilizes the 'Time Series' approach, which is based on several indicators, including UN indicators which estimate individual water needs for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The study concluded that the percentage of Palestinian to settlers in the West Bank is steadily decreasing. In 1982, the Palestinians constituted 82% of the population of the West Bank. By 2025, the projected percentage is 72%. The Palestinian population in 2025 is expected to be about 3.5 million, while
the number of settlers will exceed half a million, i.e., 14.5% of the total. The settlers' consumption will be equivalent to 63.3% of the Palestinians' consumption. In other words, the consumption of half a million settlers will be an equivalent to that of 2.2 million Palestinians. By 2025, this increasing of the Israeli population’s percentage in the West Bank will lead to a high level of water consumption by the settlers 42% for the settlers, and 58% for the Palestinians. The projected individual water needs of Israeli settlers will have a harmful impact on the steadily decreasing of the Palestinians amounts of water, and their projected individual water needs. This will have a harmful impact on their water security. This will mean less water for the Palestinians to meet their basic needs. Moreover, If this trend continues, it is conceivable that the number of settlers in the West Bank will become equal to the Palestinians. This will not only undermine the Palestinians' water security; it will also usurp their right to a Palestinian state.

The Effect of Sunspace on Thermal Performance of Buildings in Hot and Dry Regions, Riyadh City as a Case Study

Waleed Mohammed Abanomi — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Due to the long summer season in Riyadh, most of the research activities in Saudi Arabia were dedicated to envi-ronmental design strategies for cooling. Little efforts have been done in research studies that are addressing the heating load design conservation in buildings. The Sunspace is one of the environmental design strategies that can be used to increase the indoor air temperature of the attached spaces during winter season. This research will evaluate the effectiveness of the Sunspace on the thermal performance of the indoor spaces in buildings located in Riyadh City. Two identical experimental rooms were built to achieve a comparison
between base case room and the modified room that had an attached Sunspaces. Thermal assessment devices had been used to record the air temperature and relative humidity inside the two rooms and outside environment during winter time. The Sunspace was able to increase the indoor air temperature and early morning hours. The findings of this research illustrate the effectiveness of Sunspace to increase the indoor air temperature inside the buildings. The results of this research can be applied to all buildings in Riyadh City and in all buildings located in hot arid region.