Laurie Baker’s alternative approach to the design and development of affordable housing: case study Oudlajan

Abstract

ABSTRACT Revitalisation of historic cores is beset with complexity, especially when seen in linear terms of development, as backward versus modern. The order of spontaneous physical development has become obsolete in the modern world. Yet in Tehran’s Historic Core, the traditional bazaar has shown resilience and continues to grow and thrive. Oudlajan, the residential area has been gradually abandoned, however, and the decaying houses are warehouses for the bazaar. This study uses Laurie Baker’s approach to affordable housing, to understand what is required to revitalise the historic residential area for ordinary citizens.