Affordable housing in Russia, Europe and USA in the 5–18th centuries

Abstract

The article discusses problems of concept genesis and development of affordable housing in Russia, Europe, and the USA in the 5–18th centuries. Affordable housing plays an important role in the quality of life and social integration. Affordable housing originates from the history of European civilization and Christian axiology, where communal living and housing for the poor are determined.Purpose: The following types of housing are studied: bursas (5−15th centuries), almshouses (10−11th centuries), Fuggerei (16th century), Shaker (17−18th centuries) houses. Their master plans and facades are studied herein. Population categories for which housing is assigned are indicated as well as the period of residence and owners.Research findings: Affordable housing is built by private individuals. The housing development is influenced by the policy pursued by their governments and external factors such as socio-economic, demographic, political, administrative, legal conditions, which determine the role, goals and characteristics of housing. Housing types are determined according by the following parameters: residence duration, owners, residents, and their activities.