Improving Housing Sustainability Through an Innovative Approach

Abstract

The need for housing has always been a concern for societies throughout history, and for a long time, providing suitable housing has been a challenge not only for individuals but also for governments. Housing is a fundamental human need; however, access remains a significant challenge, especially for low-income families. Rapid urbanization exacerbates this issue and highlights the need for innovative and sustainable housing strategies that can support urban growth and improve living conditions for these families. This literature review examines housing strategies such as mixed-use developments, incremental housing, low-rent housing, retrofitting, micro-housing, co-housing, and green building through a comprehensive literature search and thematic analysis to address housing challenges comprehensively. The findings suggest that these strategies can significantly enhance spatial equity and promote sustainable urban development. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing practical recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and housing advocates, aiming to strengthen inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities. The study emphasizes that appropriate design techniques, new materials, and technologies not only increase housing sustainability but also enhance affordability by reducing life cycle costs. This research establishes the link between sustainability and affordability in housing design and offers insights that can be adapted and applied in other areas with low-income groups.