ABSTRACT
This chapter examines user perception of both the traditional and ‘modem’ houses by determining the degree of satisfaction with them. It looks at the character of the traditional house. The chapter discusses the growth of Ghadames city as a result of the large revenue from petroleum during the oil boom period. It explores the characteristics of the contemporary house. The chapter examines the main findings from the survey of user satisfaction with their traditional and contemporary houses. The contemporary settlement of Ghadames was affected by the concept of the master plan, which was based on Western models of development. The contemporary dwelling was influenced by the Western plan which affected the internal arrangement of space and made access to such houses, particularly when the family has a visitor, very difficult. The contemporary design failed to adapt to the social life needs of the Libyan household.
