GIS Business ISSN: 1430-3663 Vol-15-Issue-1-January-2020

Towards A Classification Framework For Micro-Homes Typologies: Jordanian Vernacular Homes As A Case Study

Mais Radhi Al-Ruwaishedi 1*, A. S. Tazilan2, K. A. Kosman3, and F. M. Sharaf 4 1,2&3 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Malaysia. 2 Institute of Environment and Development (LESTARI), University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Malaysia. 4 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. * Corresponding author: Mais Radhi Al-Ruwaishedi, Email address: [email protected]

Abstract: In the last few years, micro-homes have been promoted as a new, affordable, and eco-friendly housing solution to combat the increasing demand on housing industry. This movement has been informed by the global interest in downsizing, de-cluttering, and minimizing. However, the concept of compact living is not new, it began as far back as the 19th century as a counter social, cultural, and economic response to conspicuous consumerism, a desire to live more simply and as a search for freedom and individualism. As a matter of fact, micro-housing has been found historically as a part of the traditional and vernacular housing in many countries. As Jordan one of these countries, it used the environmental and functional characteristics of micro-housing approach to adapt with difficult living circumstances. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the existing micro-homes typologies in Jordan through introducing a classification framework using Jordanian vernacular homes as a case study. Hence, this study investigates empirically selected vernacular homes in Jordan to understand its typological uses. With findings from case studies, it follows a systematic approach in developing a conceptual framework for micro-homes identity as an urban ecosystem to understand its function, structure, materials, and mobility patterns towards sustainable design approach.

Keywords: Microarchitecture, Micro-homes, Vernacular homes, Design typologies, Jordan.

1. Introduction Housing is acknowledged as a fundamental human right (Preece, 2019). It effectively impacts life quality, health, and wellbeing; it specifies the transportation demands and often job choices, which affects the structure of the family and network of friendships. Moreover, housing impacts the economy and prosperity of the country (Al Betawi 2013: Barker, 2003). For most people, housing is their lifetime‟s biggest item of consumption and investment (Toscano & Amestoy 2007). Despite its excellent significance to society and people, many housing and supply issues have lately appeared dramatically throughout the world (Preece,2019). A huge rise and restructuring of the world's population has occurred in the last few decades. Many scholars have acknowledged that more than half of the world's population now lives in metropolitan cities and the 21st century is undoubtedly the city's century. (Norngainy et al, 2016, Al Betawi, 2013). In order to combat with the growing urbanization and housing supply problems, attention has shifted toward minimizing, downsizing, and micro-housing, tends towards smaller, multi-used, and shared housing units (Al-Ruwaishedi et al. 2019; Ford & Gomez-Lanier, 2017). Also, due to economic changes and demographic preferences, high demand real estate markets around the world, such as Tokyo, San Francisco, Hong Kong and some European cities have experienced an increasing demand on construction of micro-homes recently (Boeckermann et.al 2018; Shearer and Burton 2018; Ford & Gomez-Lanier, 2017). Micro-homes are smaller than the standard home with optimally utilized floor plans, enabling them to become as efficient as possible for their size. They provide more affordable and eco- friendlier living in central locations in urban cites (Gabbe 2015; Boeckermann et.al 2018; Shearer and Burton 2018). Although micro-homes are considered as a new trend in housing industry, previous studies acknowledged that the historical background of micro-homes can be rooted in many traditional houses around the world. Moreover, in the past, many houses could be identified as micro-homes. Micro-homes in location, identification, and surroundings are a rhetorically remembered unit. The physical characteristics of micro- homes have therefore been constantly transformed over time in terms of location, space, and shape. However, there has been little discussion about micro-homes definition, historical background, and typology

P a g e | 452 Copyright ⓒ 2019 Authors GIS Business ISSN: 1430-3663 Vol-15-Issue-1-January-2020 classifications especially in vernacular and traditional homes in developing nations such as Jordan. Accordingly, the fieldwork discussed in this paper has been conducted in Jordan employing Jordanian vernacular homes as a case study. Over the time, Jordan witnessed dramatic changes in its political, social, economic status creating a new cultural environment. In this response, the architecture of Jordan in general and housing in specific changed and largely diversified through history. The rich variety in housing types in this area also happened based on the environmental conditions and people‟s lifestyles. Moreover, this variety is extremely affected by the climate and the availability of construction materials, in addition to building expertise and skills. Hence, Jordanian vernacular homes are considered as a rich housing environment to investigate micro-homes typologies. Therefore, this study attempts to identify micro-homes typologies through developing a conceptual classification framework using Jordanian vernacular homes as a case study. Which in turn helps in providing a better understanding of micro-homes functionality, physical aspect, and status-scape patterns. 2. Literature Review

Small architecture, also known as microarchitecture, has helped in improving the daily life of humans. Tazilan (2012) noted that microarchitecture emerges into our life as a “supporting unit” through countless forms, features, types and designs and helps to finish our everyday rituals. Tazilan and Mohd Nor (2011) stated that microarchitecture (MCR) are considered as small projects that could solve many problems innovatively. MCR is an expression used to define the organization of resources in relation to design, development, and growth in a particular setting. The word's origin is rather perplexing. However, various scholars have accorded the term to mean small-scale, portable and mobile architecture (Tazilan & Mohd Nor 2011; Echavarria, 2005). Dakhia and Berezowska (2010) reflect on the functional element of the community in MCR's macro- or micro-perspective as part of the urban ecosystem of today's natural living community. As a result, MCR is generally recognized as a sequence of small built environmental structures that exist in various modes; such as residences, follies, retail kiosks, urban amenities and sign marks, these structures may be portable or fixed in their locations. As mentioned before, micro-homes are considered as a part of small scale built environmental structures (MCR). As a matter of fact, many scholars referred to micro- homes with many other terms such as; micro-compact units, micro units, tiny homes and micro apartments. The size of a micro-homes can vary a lot between cities and counties. Iglesias (2014) acknowledged that the average size of housing in a city corresponds with the typical size of a micro-homes, meaning that cities with larger homes tend to have larger micro-homes. Mitchell (2014) noted that the size of micro-homes could also be described as cultural standards rather than absolute, for example, micro-homes in the United States would probably be bigger than the micro-homes in Hong Kong or Germany. However, Tazilan (2012) acknowledged that micro-homes are considered as small built environment structures with a size less than 36 square meters.

While Shearer and Burton (2018) stated that the sizes of tiny houses are considered between 20 square meters and 70 square meters. This was in constant with the findings of Boeckermann et. al (2018) which considered the size of tiny houses to be around 60 square meters. Whilst, Amitage et. al (2017) acknowledged that small houses sizes are consider under 93 square meters. However, research to date has not yet determined a clear classification or definition about micro-homes sizes. Nonetheless, there are some common features that characterize, not all, but most micro-homes, Shearer and Burton (2018) acknowledged that size is an important but not the only characteristic of micro-homes; pertinently, the definition should include other criteria, such as design, mobility, and environmentally sustainable focus. In all the studies reviewed here, micro-homes are recognized as any residential structure, foundation built or on wheels, with complete utility equipment (water, electric, and sewer) and living equipment (bed, kitchen, bath, and commode) designed for full time or part time occupancy that accommodates with less area possible.

2.1 Microarchitecture and micro-homes typologies classification frameworks.

In particular, the classification is important in detailing the physical characteristics of architecture such as functions, figures and various personalities in establishing a particular cultural identity. The term typology means a study on types such as; models, kinds, categories, etc., or about the relationship between types as well as the nature or characteristic of each type (Kosman et al, 2018). As this research attempts to identify

micro-homes typologies in Jordan, this section introduces a general overview about the previous MCR and micro-homes classification models and frameworks. This research adopted Tazilan, A. (2010) and (2012) typology classification model on MCR across the townships in Malaysia. In addition to Shearer and Burton (2018) study on tiny homes typologies in United States and Australia.

2.1.1 Microarchitecture classification

Tazilan (2012) acknowledged that MCR units are accessible in multiple kinds and features globally. In addition, he stated that MCR innovations, especially in urban streets, played a crucial part in breathing life into a location, town or city that would lead to the cultural acceptance of society. Accordingly, Tazilan, A. (2010) and (2012) classified MCR units though dividing it into three categories; based on its function, structural typologies, and mobility as fallow:

a. Microarchitecture functionscape

This category considers the function and the uses of MCR units in landscape as functionscape refers to (function and landscape). Tazilan (2010) claimed that MCR units exist in three sector groups. First group is public facilities; such as public lavatories, toilets, way finding sing marks, street furniture, buses stations, information kiosks, and amenities. Second group is retails units; such as kiosks, restaurants or snacks for sale or service, and commercial retail hubs. Third group is dwellings; such as micro and tiny homes. b. Microarchitecture typposcape

This category of classification typoscapes which means typology and landscape of MCR units is developed according to its physical appearance, construction and structure. It is divided into eight categories: T1 (floor bases), T2 (vertical structures), T3 (light/personal open structures), T4 (shelter with solid bases), T5 (enclosed cubicles), T6 (two to three wheeled cart vehicles), T7 (wheeled or more vehicle), T8 (full architecture or building structures under 36 square meters) as shown in figure (1).

MCR retail units MCR facility units

Floor bases

Vertical structures

Light/parasol open structures

Shelter with solid base

Enclosed cubicles

Two to three wheeled cart vehicles

Wheeled or more vehicle

Full architecture or building structures

Figure 1: MCR typoscape classification. Source: Tazilan (2012).

c. Microarchitecture statuscape

The sentence statuscape is a mixture of the term status and landscape and its use in the urban street context (Tazilan 2010). There are three typologies of MCR status which are described as fallow:

1. Mobile/ free: this typology refers to MCR units which are not attached to a particular setting or location. Some examples are the mobile hawker vans, mobile homes and mobile office of local authorities.

2. Fixed/ semi-free: refers to the MCR units which are attached to some specific site. They can be changed their physical shape since they come in the form of “knock-down” system, wheeled, folded, carried using crane or mobile. Such as mobile toilets and local routine street hawkers.

3. Fixed: relates to MCR units with fixed locations for a long period of time, usually three months or more. Some examples are telephone booths, public toilets, fixed framed stalls, and fixed homes.

2.1.2 Micro-homes classification.

Shearer and Burton (2018) classified the recent applications of micro-homes typologies in United States and Australia based on their statuscape into two types. Type (1) which is mobile micro-homes and type (2) which is permanent micro-homes. Table (1) below shows Shearer and Burton (2018) micro-homes typologies categories and its descriptions.

Table 1: Micro-homes typologies in the united states and Australia. Typologies Descriptions

Type 1: portable 1a: Iconic (Complete or trailer  Area: the maximum dimensions is about 20 m2. partial) micro-homes  Portable on a trailer.  Owner or family or friends built.  Legal as a RV or as a caravan, transform from location to location.  Moving from a building site to a semi-permanent or fully permanent site in urban or rural areas, free campsites, family / friends, caravan parks.  Inhabitants are generally highly focused on the environment and often off grid.  Focus on the community. 1b: Relocatable  Area: greater than 1a; less than 40 m2 in most cases. micro-homes  Rarely moved (6 months are minimum overall rental period). Such as  Build owner / family / friends, second-hand or kit bought. prefab,  Cost (probably higher than 1a). House often owned, owned, leased or cabin, and mortgaged property. home kit etc.  No specific focus on the environment or the community (other than the individual). 1c: Fully portable  Very small, less than 1a and less than 1b. homes:  Structures that are highly portable and mostly temporary residence. caravans,  This type, normally, not constructed from scratch, bought new / used or ships, buses, repurposed like bus or truck. tents, trucks,  Legal parking in designated fields such as caravan parks, free camping, tepees, etc. government forests and other family property or friends ' property. The time allowed relies on the committee.  The community usually has a powerful focus. Type 2: 2a: Purpose Permanent built micro-  Area: less than 50 m2 usually. housing (non- homes/cotta  Semi/detached, likely constructed by registered manufacturer or owner, family, and friends.

portable) ge  Fully legal, subject to constraints on councils such as; drinking water, and wastewater.  Normally in a rural or semi-rural residential region  No specific concentrate on the environment or community. 2b: Non- residential  Area: less than 70 m2 generally. construction  It may be a temporary residence but it may not be relocated. converted  Units detached (connected to a bigger estate) or semi-units. (shed,  Legal; but in the case of these houses and the duration of the allowed garage, barn) residence, councils vary extensively.  Located from rural to suburban in all fields. 2c: micro house  Area: Usually the personal space of the individual is small; mostly less than village 40 m2. Shared equipment like kitchen, garden, and instruments. (apartment  A wide variety of designs could include alternative homes such as yurts and complex/cott converted railway carriages. age/townhou  Cost varies according to place and tenure. Either owned, leased, or otherwise. se in  Tenures such as shared or social housing tenants. intentional  In several nations, it is completely legal. Located in rural and regional or co- regions from town centres. housing  Strong ecological or / and social philosophy and rules are commonly used. community). Source: Shearer and Burton (2018).

As shown in table (1) Shearer and Burton (2018), the preliminary classification of small houses was differentiated by size, mobility patterns, and it was discovered that different types of small houses could be categorized as micro-houses. Micro-houses also share certain features apart from mobility and size, including a powerful sense of tailor-made design, motivation to attain higher environmental sustainability, reflecting their roots in architectural professions, living off the grid and minimizing belongings, and a strong concentrate on sharing resources and community.

Collectively, the previous studies established a preliminary definition and classification of MCR and micro- homes. However, such studies remain narrow in focus dealing only with some aspects of MCR and micro- homes. A more comprehensive classification framework might be developed to relate MCR and micro- homes design features such as: size, usage, building construction materials, and mobility patterns.

3. Research Methodology

In order to provide a better understanding of the existing micro-homes typologies in Jordan, this research adopted a descriptive, analytical, and case-study methods. These methods were developed as follow:

 Stage 1 (archival work): exploring literatures that investigates MCR and micro-homes definitions and previous classification models. A general overview about MCR and micro-homes was developed. The literature review records included: book chapters, journals articles, institution‟s database, housing strategies, conferences and workshops proceedings.

 Stage 2 (typology model): a typology classification framework has been developed based on the increasing multidisciplinary knowledge base and prior research on typologies of housing in Jordan, MCR and micro-homes. This conceptual framework was generated through a desk research for conceptual articulations, prior classification models, and direct observations for the empirical evidences of micro-housing typologies in Jordan.

 Stage 3 (case-study): The conceptual classification model has been explored for its adaptability and interpretation ability through a field study in order to provide the theoretical conceptions with empirical evidences in the context of Jordanian vernacular homes as a case study. For this purpose, case study approach is described as an in-depth study of the complexity and uniqueness of a specific project, phenomenon, organization, policy, program or system in a real-life context (Thomas, 2011). Case studies are important because they contribute to a unique knowledge of an individual, social, organizational, or political phenomena (Yin, 2009). Thomas (2011) and (Creswell, 2009) specified that a case study is not a method rather than a design frame that utilizes many methods. In this research, three types of Jordanian vernacular homes were chosen as case studies to understand their function, structure, used materials, and mobility typologies. Therefore, the first case is desert tent houses located in wadi rum south of Jordan. The second case is mud-brick houses located in Jordan valley near the dead see. The third case is Zaatari refugees‟ camp located north of Jordan. Figure (2) below shows the location of the selected case studies in Jordan. Moreover, the field study in this research includes a combination of photography documentation, face to face interviews with residences of the settlements, visualization of some of houses elements by means of sketches, and non-participatory on-site observations. The participants of the interviews were generally the settlement residences from the area of study in the selected districts. A total nine interviews were conducted; three for housing type. The field study conducted in January to March 2019. Using study, logical reasoning, and content analysis the study proceeds to interpret, analyze, and discuss the results of the case studies.

Figure 2: location of the selected case studies in Jordan. Source: authors (2019).

4. Identifying Micro-Homes Typologies: A Classification Framework. In order to adopt a conceptual classification framework for micro-homes typologies, the study categorized micro-homes according to their sizes, functions, construction materials, and mobility patterns. These classes were developed based on the direct observation for the empirical evidences of micro-housing typologies and the previous studies of Tazilan (2010) and (2012) on MCR typologies, Shearer and Burton (2018) study on tiny houses typologies, and Boeckermann et. al (2018) study on tiny houses living. Therefore, micro-homes classification can be systematized under four categories, as follow:

4.1 Micro-homes Size Generally, in this category micro-homes have been classified depending on their areas into three subcategories; first, micro-compact houses with an area lower than 36 square meters. Second, tiny houses

P a g e | 457 Copyright ⓒ 2019 Authors GIS Business ISSN: 1430-3663 Vol-15-Issue-1-January-2020 with an area between 37 and 60 square meters. Third, small houses with an area between 61 and 90 square meters.

4.2 Micro-homes Function-scape This category considers the function, the usage, and the purpose of micro-homes in the landscape. Depending on the Field study, it was found that micro-homes are existed in two subcategories: first, permanent housing which indicates to the type of micro-homes that the inhabitants use as a constant living housing situation. Second, temporary housing which indicates to the type of micro-homes that the inhabitants use as a transient and interim living housing conditions, such as refugees‟ camps, students‟ dorms and tourist chalets.

4.3 Micro-homes Typo-scape Micro-homes in both the size and function-scape categories are classified based on their areas, functions, usage, and purpose. The new classification typo-scape which refers to typology and landscape of micro- homes is developed based on their structural elements, construction materials, and form. On the same approach that Tazilan (2012) followed to classify MCR units, this research classified micro-homes typo- scape based on their structural elements and building construction materials as follows:

 T8m1:Fabric materials such as tents which are made from dense animal fabric cloth.

 T8m2: Mud brick material such as some of the traditional mud houses.

 T8m3: Stone material such as some of the students‟ dorms.

 T8m4: Steel material such as refugees‟ caravans.

 T8m5: Wood materials such as some of the tourists‟ chalets.

4.4 Micro-homes Status-scape.

Field study and on-site observations that were conducted in Jordan recorded micro-homes mobility and status in their distinctive status interpretation. From the series of site observations, a duration of five to six days was used as a basis when considering micro-homes status justification. Accordingly, this study classified micro-homes mobility typologies in to three sub-groups as follows:

 Fixed micro-homes: this sub-group relates to a site-specific micro-home with fixed locations. Their existence is permeant at a specific site for a long duration, usually three months or more. The status- scape site of these units is hard to alter or relocate in the brief term because of the apparently fixed physical appearance of the units or because of their robust building using metal frames and they are anchored at their locations or made of concrete, stone and steel.

 Semi-free/fixed micro-homes: these are likely micro-homes connected to certain particular locations. They may be less than three months at the same location. They can be physically altered as they come in the form of a knock-down scheme, folded, wheeled, mobile, or transported with a crane.

 Free (mobile) micro-homes: this sub-group relates to micro-homes which are not at all attached to any particular site. Within a week, these units can be at any location.

Figure (3) summarizes micro-home classificational framework.

Figure 3: Micro-home classification framework.

5. Case study of Jordanian Vernacular Homes

The concepts of micro-living, sustainable living, and communal/shared living had been existed as a result of the increasing human need for finding an adequate shelter. As a matter of fact, many studies have considered that the origin of micro-living represent in the traditional and vernacular homes depending on their similarities in functional and environmental characteristics, as well as inhabitant mobility lifestyle. Moreover, the integration of Jordanian vernacular homes and micro-living concept is seen to have a substantial importance in forming a collective identity of any cultural context, as housing represent an integral part of country‟s cultural and historical identity. Therefore, the sample mapping of the case studies placement in Jordan was conducted to identify the existing micro-homes typologies, through exploring the adaptability and interpretational capacity of the conceptual classification framework, which has been developed previously in this research. Thus, the study selected three types of Jordanian vernacular homes; the tent houses, the mud-brick houses, and refugees‟ settlements. These types were selected because they are considered as the most common and popular housing typologies in Jordan through history. In addition, based on field study observations, the mentioned types are considered the most similar to the design elements of the recent applications of micro-homes such as houses areas, mobility, and design typologies.

Historically, before the ninetieth century the nomadic and Bedouin tent were the most common and dominated typology of residential housing in Jordan. The Bedouin tent is considered as the Arabian desert dwelling for the Bedouins. The tent is called in Arabic “Beit Sha‟r” in English translated to “Woollen House”. During the Bedouins migratory traveling, the Bedouins need shelter which should be moveable, portable and reliable in a variety of climatic conditions. Under Ottoman rule, in the 1860s, Circassian Muslim tribes fleeing religious persecution from Russia set up the capital of Jordan on the ancient Roman site of Amman, especially around the seasonal water flow from east to west. Their livelihood relied on both sides of the water stream being cultivated. The Circassian tradition of skilled woodwork and stone brought new architecture style to local nomadic inhabitants, which was visible in the way they built their houses, with the extensive use of cut timber and stone as a structural element with ornamented edges. In addition, the semi- nomadic inhabitant of Jordan who lived in Jordan valley also had the same architectural building characteristics of using small sizes homes with mud brick construction techniques.

The establishment of Al-Hijaz railway in Jordan in 1902 and Circassian immigration to Jordan highly effected on the transformation from nomadic and semi nomadic architecture into urban architecture by constructing stone, mud, and timber small houses, railway stations and guests houses for the passengers. Both Findlay (1986) and Biegel (1996) observed how political and geopolitical conditions have mainly reflected the development in Jordan's lifestyle, architecture and microarchitecture since 1902. The region therefore continued to attract migrants and its political stability resulted in consecutive waves of migrants from Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Syria entering the town. Moreover, it is Palestinians in 1948 that have formed the main wave of emigration to Jordan. Because of the enormous influx of Palestinian refugees, the population of Jordan risen dramatically shortly after 1948 (Al-Azhari, 2012). They were housed predominantly in five camps prepared in haste. Two of them were located in Jordan's capital Amman, namely camp Al Hussein in the north of the town and camp Al Wehdat in the south. Refugees camps was designed spontaneously with small sizes and local materials to accommodate the largest numbers of refugees, even the most fundamental facilities and facilities were lacking in the camps. The second major wave of refugees arrived in Jordan after the Six Day War between Israel and the three Arab states of Egypt, Syria and Jordan in 1967. Al-Azhari (2012) noted that this war was sending the town into another uncontrolled development spiral. In the main and southern areas of the nation, nine refugee camps were created. The biggest of these was the Amman camp for Baqa refugees.

The years from the 1970s and 1980s are often referred to as the boom years in Jordan ; they were stimulated by the big number of Jordanian migrants working in the region's oil-rich countries (Al-Azhari, 2012), many of whom sent back financial substantial remittances to their families in Jordan. This changed the architectural housing identity in Jordan to high-rise and multi-story houses. The microarchitecture in this period was focusing in public facilities such as street furniture, Bus/taxi stations and information kiosks. In addition to retiles units such as sales or service kiosks, eateries or snack units and commercial/ retail hubs. Moreover, the 1991 First Gulf War and the 2003 American invasion of Iraq all resulted to the spectacular influx of Jordan's population. The city's expanding space and fast development in all directions. This increases the numbers and the prices of housing units which causes the urgent need for more affordable and low-income houses. The civil war in Syria in 2011 causes another major wave of refugees to Jordan. Another five refugees‟ camps were built.

6. Results and discussion

From the short review above, about vernacular homes development in Jordan, key findings about micro- homes typologies classification in the selected case studies are developed in the following sections.

6.1 The desert house (Bedouin tent)

In order to apply micro-homes classification model on the Bedouin tent, field study including on-site observations and face-to-face interviews with residences of the observed tents in wadi rum south of Jordan, shows that tents are considered as the permanent living housing system for Bedouin population in Jordan, which suggests that the function-scape of the tent house is permanent housing. For thousands of years, tent structures have been used by nomadic and semi-nomadic Bedouin populations, who work mainly in raising livestock such as camels, sheep, and goats. However, results of investigating the Bedouin tent highlight that recently nomadic population has reduced in Jordan and tent structures has been reduced dramatically as well, this was in consistent with the findings of Baglioni (2015) and Attia (2014). The field study shows that only around 3% of Jordanian population are using tent structures nowadays. This happened mostly due to the changes that occurred to the inhabitant‟s lifestyles from nomadic to urban lifestyle.

From the design element of the typology, the research demonstrates that the tent is essentially made of thick animal fabric tissue and supported by wooden poles, protects against both the sun and occasionally severe rain and maintains a comfortable internal temperature, especially during severe warm days. Accordingly, the typo-scape of the Bedouin tents are considered as T8m1 (fabric). Tents typology is a module which can be expanded by adding more fabric and functions according to family size. However, based on the field study observation, tents sizes are ranged around 36 square meters to 60 square meters, this suggest that tents are

P a g e | 460 Copyright ⓒ 2019 Authors GIS Business ISSN: 1430-3663 Vol-15-Issue-1-January-2020 considered under the category of tiny houses as shown in figure (4) below. Tents are commonly divided into several functions; from 2 to 6 depending on family and husbandry size; the rooms might have different uses such as sleeping, gathering, cooking and hosting animals or guests, this confirmed the findings of Baglioni (2015).

Figure (4): Visualization sketches for the desert tent house. Source: (Authors, 2019).

Due to Bedouin mobile lifestyle their tents are flexible, easy to move and quickly dismantled. According to the on-site observations and face-to-face interviews with residences of the observed tents, it shows that those tents are attached to some specific sites. However, they are in the same site for less than three months. Therefore, the status-scape of the Bedouin tents is considered as semi-free/fixed. The study generated a classificational matrix for micro-homes typology shown in Figure (5) below, where the red shaded circles represent tent house placement in micro-homes classification matrix. These findings have an important implication for developing a collective identity for tent house as a tiny-permanent-T8m1- semi-fixed micro- home.

Figure (5): Tent house typology matrix. Source: (Authors, 2019).

6.2 Mud-brick houses

Historically, people who worked in agriculture sector in Jordan inhabited the area near Jordan river due to fertile soil and rich agriculture environment. Therefore, the vernacular houses of the Jordan Valley are commonly isolated during farmland and are built with adobe molded mud sun dried bricks. Recently, according to field study observation and face-to-face interviews with residences of the settlements, it was obvious that the construction of this type of vernacular houses became less than before. This happened due to the change in people‟s lifestyle and work. In accordance with the supporting findings of Baglioni (2015) and Na‟amneh (2013). Almost less than 10% of Jordanian population are still living in this type of houses.

Choosing mud bricks depends on the ready availability of clayey earth and this mate's high thermal capacity that can maintain comfortable house temperatures during hot days that can exceed 50 ° C. Hence, the typo-

P a g e | 461 Copyright ⓒ 2019 Authors GIS Business ISSN: 1430-3663 Vol-15-Issue-1-January-2020 scape of mud-houses is clearly T8m2 (mud). The field study on the observed mud-brick houses in Jordan valley shows that these houses are single story, modular and flat roofed with an area less than 50 square meters. Therefore, mud-brick houses are considered under the category of tiny houses. Observation of the field study shows that the base module is a square space with a single outside entrance and often has tiny windows or openings as well. Valley households rarely consist of one room only; they generally consist of 2 to 6 modules organized next to each other in row one, this support the findings of Baglioni (2015) and Na‟amneh (2013). Each module has distinct external access and small inner doors that enable access from one space to another as shown in the plan for the mud-brick house in figure (6).

Two room mud brick module house plans.

Figure (6): Mud brick house plan. Source: (Authors, 2019).

The field observations and face-to-face interviews with residences of mud brick houses show that the inhabitants used the mud-brick houses as their permanent housing system. This suggest that the function- scape of mud-brick houses is permanent. The status-scape of mud-brick houses is fixed; as they are at fixed locations for more than three months. In the classification matrix of micro-homes typology shown in Figure (7) below, the red shaded circles represent mud-brick house placement in micro-homes classification matrix. Which in turns leads to develop a collective identity for mud-brick house as a tiny-permanent-T8m2- fixed micro-home. This matrix helps us to provide a better understanding for mud brick house size, usage, typology, materials, and mobility patterns within the micro-homes‟ classification identity.

Figure (7): Mud-brick house typology matrix. Source: (Authors, 2019).

6.3 Refugees’ settlements

As mentioned before, according to Jordan location and the political situation in the countries around, there were many refugees‟ camps in Jordan from Palestine and Syria, where Zaatari refugees‟ camp is considered as the largest and the most recent one. Therefore, the research selected Zaatari refugees camp as a case study for refugees‟ settlements. These refugees‟ camps are considered as a temporary housing solution for the emigrants, this suggest that the function-scape of refugees‟ settlement is temporary. and the status-scape is semi-fixed. Tents and steel caravans are the two major housing types in Zaatari camp as shown in figure (8). Based of on-site observation and field study the sizes of both tents and caravans are less than 36 square meters, therefore tents and caravans are considered under the category of micro-compact houses. Tents are made from canvas, while the caravans are prefabricated steel units. This suggest that tents are considered as T8m1 (fabric), while caravans are considered as T8m4 (steel).

Figure (8): Tents and caravans in Zaatari refugees camp. Source: (Authors, 2019).

In the classification matrix for micro-homes typology shown in Figure (9) below, the red shaded circles represent Zaatari refugees‟ settlements placement in micro-homes classification matrix. This matrix has important implications for developing a collective identity for refugees‟ settlement in Zaatari camp as a micro-compact-temparory-T8m1/T8m4- semi-fixed micro-home.

Figure (9): Refugees‟ settlements typology matrix. Source: (Authors, 2019).

This combination of findings from case-studies implementation provides an evidence support for the adaptability and interpretational capacity of the conceptual micro-homes‟ classification model. In addition,

the classificational matrix which was developed provides a collective identity for each case-study, through exploring their size, function, typology, structure, materials, and mobility patterns within the micro-homes‟ classification framework. To develop a full picture of micro-homes typologies in Jordan, additional studies will be needed to conduct more case studies. Further research should be undertaken to investigate the adaptability of the conceptual micro-home classificational model in other countries. In the future investigations, it might be possible to develop the existing classification model and matrix to adapt with each country‟s building materials, houses sizes, typology and mobility patterns.

7. Conclusion

This study set out to identify micro-homes typologies in Jordan. In doing so, the study has developed a classification model based on micro-homes sizes, function-scape (usage), typo-scape (building materials), and status-scape (mobility patterns). This classification framework has been explored for its adaptability through a field study with empirical evidences in the context of Jordanian vernacular homes as a case study. Hence, tent houses, mud houses and refugees‟ settlements have been empirically investigated. The results of this investigation showed that tent houses are considered as a tiny-permanent-T8m1(fabric)- semi-fixed micro-home. While, mud-brick houses are considered as a tiny-permanent-T8m2 (mud)- fixed micro-home, and refugees‟ settlement in Zaatari camp as micro-compact-temparory-T8m1 (fabric) /T8m4 (steel)- semi- fixed micro-home. This study provides the first comprehensive study on micro-homes typologies classification in Jordan. The findings reported here shed new light on Jordanian vernacular micro-homes, this contributes to our understanding of microarchitecture, micro-homes and vernacular homes. This study lays the groundwork for future research in micro-homes classification around the world. Improvements for this classificational framework might be possible to adapt with each country micro-homes characteristics. This would be a fruitful area for further works. The findings of this study have several important implications for future practices. It also presented a new classification analysis that can be of interest to users, architects, interior designers, local authorities, and other stakeholders to develop a better understanding and implementation on micro-homes design and development.

References

1. Al Betawi, Y. (2013), Housing & quality of life implications of the three qualities of housing in Amman, Jordan. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. 2. Al-Azhari, W. (2012), A Study of Housing Identity in Refugee Settlements in Jordan: Al-Wahdat Refugee Camp as a Case Study, international Journal of Environment, Ecology, Family and Urban Studies, 2 (3). 26-45. 3. Al-Ruwaishedi, M. Tazilan, A. Kosman, K. (2019), Housing Affordability Design Policies in Malaysia and Jordan: Environmental, Functional, Social, Political, and Economic Challenges, journal of advanced research in dynamical and control systems, 11(5), 44-54. 4. Armitage, Lynne & Khanjanasthiti, Isara & Chand, Sheron, (2017). Micro Houses: Trends and Implications on the Gold Coast. Paper Presented to the Australian Regional Development Conference Coffs Harbour, 11-12 September 2017. 5. Attia, S. (2014). Assessing the thermal performance of bedouin tents in hot climates. 1st International Conference on Energy and Indoor Environment for Hot Climates. 328-335. 6. Bansal, C., & Gupta, P. (2014). Capacity Enhancement of Reversible Data Hiding Technique Using Adaptive Embedding. International Journal Of Advanced Engineering Research And Science, 1(1), 60-66. 7. Barker, K. (2003), „„Review of housing supply‟‟, Interim Report – Analysis, Securing our Future Housing Needs, Barker Review. 8. Biegel, R. (1996), Urban development and the service and banking sector in a rentier-state, in: Hannoyer, J and Shami, S (eds.): Amman: The City and its Society, Amman: CERMOC, 379-404. 9. Boeckermann, M. Lauren & T. Kaczynski, Andrew & B. King, Sarah. (2018). Dreaming big and living small: examining motivations and satisfaction in tiny house living. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 34 (1), 61–7.

10. Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. 11. Dakhia, K. and Berezowska, E. (2010), urban isitutional and ecological footprint: A new urban metabolism assessment tool for planning sustainable urban ecosystem, Management of Enveronmental Quality: An International Journal, 21: 78-89. 12. Desfiandi, A., Suman Rajest, S., S. Venkateswaran, P., Palani Kumar, M., & Singh, S. (2019). Company Credibility: A Tool To Trigger Positive Csr Image In The Cause-Brand Alliance Context In Indonesia. Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews, 7(6), 320-331. https://doi.org/10.18510/hssr.2019.7657 13. Dwitariani, I. G. A., & Rasmini, N. K. (2019). The influence of education level and individual character in deciding financial report establishment. International Research Journal of Management, IT and Social Sciences, 6(1), 95-102. https://doi.org/10.21744/irjmis.v6n1.593 14. Echavarria, P.M. (2005), Portable Architecture-and unpredictable surroundings. Singapore: Page One Publishing Private Limited. 15. Findlay, A (1986): Amman: urbanization in a charity state‟, Bulletin de la Societe Languedocienne de Geografie, 2-3, 211-221. 16. Ford, J., and L. Gomez-Lanier. (2017). Are Tiny Homes Here to Stay? A Review of Literature on the Tiny House Movement, Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal 45 (4): 394– 405.doi:10.1111/fcsr.12205. 17. Gabbe, C. J. (2015). Looking Through the Lens of Size: Land Use Regulations and Micro- Apartments in San Francisco. Cityscape, 17, 223-237. 18. Haldorai, A. Ramu, and S. Murugan, “Social Aware Cognitive Radio Networks,” Social Network Analytics for Contemporary Business Organizations, pp. 188–202. doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-5097- 6.ch010 19. Iglesias, T. (2014). The Promises and Pitfalls of Micro-Housing. Zoning and Planning Law Report, 37, 1- 12. 20. Kaur, H., & Kaur, E. (2014). Fuzzy Logic Based Handover Decision Procedure Involving Multiple Matrices. International Journal Of Advanced Engineering Research And Science, 1(1), 67-72. 21. Kosman, K. Haron, H. Tazilan, A. Yusof, N. (2018), International Journal of Civil Engineering & Technology, 9(3), 977-985. 22. Kumar, R. (2014). Design & Implementation of Intelligent Digital Home Thermostat using NXP Low Power 32bits LPC2148 Microcontroller. International Journal Of Advanced Engineering Research And Science, 1(2), 57-60. 23. Md. Salamun Rashidin, Sara Javed, Bin Liu, Wang Jian, Suman Rajest S, (2019) “Insights: Rivals Collaboration on Belt and Road Initiatives and Indian Recourses” in Journal of Advanced Research in Dynamical and Control Systems , Volume: 11, Special Issue 04, Page No.: 1509-1522. 24. Mitchell, R. (2014), Tiny House Living: Ideas for Building and Living Well in Less than 400 Square Feet.” F+W Media, Inc. 25. Na‟amneh, M. Al-Muhiesen, Z. Bataineh M. Deebajeh H., (2013), Northern Jordan Traditional Architecture during the 19th and 20th Century: An Ethno-archaeological Perspective, University of Sharjah Journal for Humanities & Social Siences, 10 (1). 26. Norngainy, Tawil, R. Kosman, K. Che-Ani, A. (2016), Understanding the People Needs of Living in City: Scenario in Malaysia, Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 11(5). 704-713. 27. Preece J, Crawford J, McKee K, Flint J & Robinson D. (2019), Understanding Changing Housing Aspirations: a review of the evidence (Forthcoming/Available Online). Housing Studies.1-20. 28. Roshini and H. Anandakumar, “Hierarchical cost effective leach for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks,” 2015 International Conference on Advanced Computing and Communication Systems, Jan. 2015. doi:10.1109/icaccs.2015.7324082 29. Shearer, H. & Burton, P. (2018), Towards a Typology of Tiny Houses, Housing, Theory and Society, 36 (3), DOI: 10.1080/14036096.2018.1487879. 30. Tazilan, A. Mohd Nor, M. (2011), Identifying Street Microarchitecture for a Better Value on Heritage Sites in Malaysia, Melaka Journal of Heritage, 1: 73-92. 31. Tazilan, A. (2010), Redefining micro-architecture: Malaysian urban street retail and public facility. PhD thesis, Institute Environment & Development, National University of Malaysia (UKM), Bangi.

32. Tazilan, A. (2012), Identifying microarchitecture for sustainable design in Malaysia, Smart and Built Environment, 1 (2): 172-179. 33. Thomas, G. (2011), A Typology for the Case Study in Social Science following a Review of Definition, Discourse, and Structure. Qualitative Inquiry, 17(6), 511-521. 34. Toscano, Esperanza & Ateca-Amestoy, Victoria. (2007), The relevance of social interactions on housing satisfaction. Social Indicators Research. 86. 257-274. 10.1007/s11205-007-9107-5. 35. Yin, R. K. (2009). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.