Learn 2024

Introduction of the Module

Inflated land values, spiraling energy costs and demographic change means the future of social housing must lie with high density and social diversity. Single residential accommodation for urban living is a huge and unsustainable extravagance. This form of housing is developed with state funds for people with very low incomes, but is more expensive to provide than row housing, semidetached housing or three-storey walk-ups. The designs do not make efficient use of the land available, and the high cost of extending infrastructure, roads and services to areas located on the periphery should also be taken into account. Higher-density rental housing is ideally suited to allow for a mixture of households with varied incomes and to combine uses within one development.

However, different housing typologies are needed to suit higher-density housing. This housing can also easily be developed on vacant sites in well developed areas that are located close to economic and other urban opportunities. The overall impact is that the provision of public infrastructure (including public transport) is more affordable and sustainable. I believe that understanding the relationship between people and the built environment and the way in which high density affects human behavior and social relations is particularly important for designing and constructing new high-density residential environments. It is clear the demand for rental tenure is increasing in both developing and developed countries, in part due to the inaccessibility of home ownership arising from constraints in the land and housing markets.

 Aim of the Module: Introduction to social housing and the implications of high density housing. High density housing norms and standards, housing typologies, housing performance.