Exploring The Importance of Balconies in Amman's Resdiential Buildings During the Covid-19 Lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about profound and lasting changes in how people engage with their residential built environments, elevating the importance of balconies in urban housing settings. In Amman, Jordan, a city characterized by high residential density, distinct climatic conditions, and rich cultural living traditions, balconies have transformed from peripheral architectural elements into vital semi-outdoor living spaces. These spaces have played a critical role during lockdown periods by supporting residents' physical activity, mental health, and social interaction, thereby mitigating some of the adverse effects of prolonged home confinement. This study employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data from an online survey of 150 residents alongside in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 participants, to investigate evolving balcony usage patterns. It particularly focuses on how physical characteristics—including balcony size, orientation, and shading—affect the ability of these spaces to adapt to varied user needs. The findings underscore the multifunctionality of balconies as restorative environments that foster inclusivity by accommodating people of different ages and abilities, while also revealing ongoing accessibility challenges that need to be addressed. Ultimately, this research offers evidence-based, climate- and culture-sensitive architectural and urban design recommendations aimed at enhancing residential resilience, promoting social equity, and ensuring the sustainability of urban living spaces in the post-pandemic era.