Housing Categories Research Articles

Comparison of community response to road traffic noise by housing category

In 2023, a socio-acoustic survey on community response to road traffic noise was conducted in residential areas along several arterial roads in Kanagawa Prefecture as part of the Kanagawa University Cross-disciplinary Research Promotion Project. The survey targeted residents living in detached houses and apartment buildings. A questionnaire used for the survey was designed based on new findings from a survey conducted in 2021 using the Image Grid Method. Factors we focused were economic burden due to increased use of air conditioner, harmful impact of noise on family members, and importance of measures reducing noise. Regarding the noise exposure, we estimated Lden using noise maps, which were created for the survey. This paper presented the frequency distribution of the importance of measures reducing noise. In addition, applying multiple logistic regression analysis to individual data, we developed the exposure-response function for economic burden and harmful impact as well as listening disturbance and annoyance. Based on the results obtained, we discussed the importance of measures reducing noise and difference in exposure-response function between housing categories.

Socio-spatial segregation in residents’ daily life: A longitudinal study in Beijing

Segregation studies based on human activity spaces have attracted increasing interest in urban geography and planning. Previously, most research employed variations in the geographical features of individuals' physical activity areas to ascertain social group segregation. A few studies have examined segregation based on one's activity space, comparing this over several years. This research conducts an empirical analysis based on people's activity space in Beijing to detect changes in segregation over time. We investigate activity space-based segregation among Beijing residents, separated into four housing categories for inner-city and suburban areas. The primary outcomes show residents living in different types of housing experience varying degrees of segregation when considering their activity spaces, which has progressed over the years. Furthermore, the findings show that the impact of changes in the built environment on the socio-spatial segregation of residents is gradually deepening, while the impact of institutional contexts such as danwei is gradually decreasing. In summary, this paper provides Beijing-based empirical evidence for this housing type differentiation and increasing segregation, which helps to enrich the understanding of activity space-based socio-spatial segregation of urban residents in China.

Property and values: the affordability, accessibility, and autonomy of collaborative housing

Not all approaches to collaborative housing deliver equally on affordability, accessibility, and autonomy. Some cases may become expensive or enclaved, while others that are accessible and affordable may have little collaboration. This paper compares eight cases of collaborative housing in Milan and Amsterdam to understand how collaboration projects deal with demands for affordability, accessibility, and autonomy. We identify four categories of collaborative housing—common, self-promoted, co-managed, and developer-led—along the two axes of tenure type and project initiator. Trade-offs in affordability, accessibility, and autonomy always persist; however, each can be fostered by three of the types (all but developer-led) when explicitly established as core values of the project.

Comparing 5D BIM costs: stilt housing against conventional housing for flood management

Purpose Sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects aim to reduce flooding impacts and improve community adaptability. For instance, flood-resistant stilts elevate structures, mitigating flood damage. Comprehensive consideration is crucial when adding elements to housing projects, incurring costs for all involved parties. This study aims to assess the viability of concrete stilts for cost-effective flood mitigation in Malaysian terrace housing. Design/methodology/approach The study evaluates cost implications through a comparative 5D building information modeling (BIM) cost analysis of stilted and conventional (standard) housing models. This assesses the percentage increase in total cost. Furthermore, a survey of construction professionals was undertaken. The study used online convenience and stratified sampling techniques. Out of the 222 emails that were sent, 27 construction professionals located in Johor, Sabah and Selangor within Malaysia participated in the research survey. Their perspectives on stilt housing prospects and factors for costing such structures were analyzed through a descriptive analysis using SPSS. Findings The case study models revealed that the incorporation of stilts could lead to a 21.64% increase in the overall cost per unit. This cost increase was primarily attributed to the additional reinforcement required. However, the survey findings highlighted that a majority of construction professionals perceived the cost increment to fall within the range of 10%–20%. Consequently, it becomes imperative to meticulously consider cost factors such as foundational requirements, staircases, and the extended construction duration to effectively curtail expenditures. The prospect of heightened costs potentially posing a threat to profit margins and discouraging developers necessitates careful financial management. Notwithstanding these challenges, the survey's insights underscored that professionals in the construction industry indeed recognize the potential of stilt technology in the realm of flood mitigation and management, particularly within housing projects. Practical implications This research has significant practical implications. It provides a precise financial contrast between housing categories using 5D BIM and incorporates construction experts’ viewpoints on raised housing. Enhanced design considerations for raised housing can make it economically viable, offering a cost-effective, nature-based approach to flood mitigation. This approach can bring substantial benefits to residents by reducing flood-related damages and enhancing community resilience. Originality/value One of the notable aspects of this research is its originality. It uses a dual quantitative methodology involving modeling and survey techniques to address its objectives effectively. This approach contributes significantly to the relatively limited body of research focused on stilt housing and the application of 5D BIM. By combining these methodologies, the study explores a relatively uncharted area, making a valuable contribution to the field.

Enhancing urban safety through honeycomb housing design: A quantitative analysis of crime prevention

Honeycomb housing is a new design within the category of cluster housing that was inspired by the Prairie House concept created by Frank Lloyd Wright between 1900 and 1901. This design uses a hexagonal pattern to form clusters. It presents an alternative to traditional housing layouts, addressing problems like urban overcrowding, high crime rates, and social unrest. Therefore, this research aims to explore how the design of honeycomb housing can contribute to preventing crime and enhancing the safety of urban communities. This is done by examining aspects such as natural surveillance, controlled access, clear boundaries, upkeep, and management. The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing surveys completed by 168 heads of households in honeycomb housing, both owners and renters, selected through cluster sampling in Nong Chik Heights, Johor Bahru. The analysis of the data involved descriptive and inferential statistics, including means and standard deviations, frequencies and percentages, and correlation analysis. The findings indicate a positive link between the design of honeycomb housing and crime prevention in urban areas, supported by the principle of maintaining vigilance over public spaces to ensure community safety, tranquility, and protection against external threats.

Unequal household carbon emissions and potential determinants in China: Evidence from nationwide household surveys

Reducing carbon emissions from households can significantly contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. This study examined household carbon emissions and explored potential issues of inequality in China from 2010 to 2018. We found that the average carbon emissions of all households increased over the years, with the housing category experiencing the highest growth rate of 52.25%. Household carbon emissions are not the same across different regions and income groups. Inequality in carbon emissions is the highest in the eastern part of the country, followed by the central and western regions, and the lowest in the northeast. Carbon emissions inequality is highest among middle-income households, followed by high-income households, and the lowest among low-income households. These differences can be attributed to various factors such as population, technology, and socio-economic status. This study recommends implementing regional carbon taxes and income differential tax policies to address household carbon emissions inequalities.

Особливості забезпечення якості та тарифного регулювання послуг теплопостачання

The article deals with studying the state of providing heat supply services. The quality indica-tors of centralized heat supply services have been categorized. The evaluation of the quality of cen-tralized heat supply services hinges on principal benchmarks such as punctuality in starting and fin-ishing the heating season, uninterrupted service provision, and adherence to current regulations. Having analysed the heat energy supply, its pricing was divided into two components – condi-tionally permanent and conditionally variable. Such division allows us to mitigate the adverse effects of the seasonality of this housing and communal services category. It's noteworthy that this tariff formation developed with the 'cost plus' method (which also includes heat energy losses), is assumed imperfect according to European standards. It provides only a minimal level of profitability, which neither fosters equipment development nor encourages cost savings nor motivates employees. The study on the quality of heat supply services revealed that the assessment was primarily based on the minimum technical requirements and consumer relations. The article states that the principal challenge in providing high-quality heat supply services is the lack of competition in this sector. Heat supply enterprises do not have enough incentives to enhance their efficiency and seek opportunities for implementing investment programmes to ensure a more cost-effective service sup-ply. To improve quality and resolve current issues the authors propose to adopt non-conventional measures, to investigate changes in the quality of heat supply services and how they are evaluated by consumers, to inform the regulatory housing and communal services authorities and local self-government bodies about the existing problems of heat supply services and their quality so that they can make effective management decisions. For the purpose of enhancing the quality of heat supply services, it has been recommended to use monitoring based on the integrated quality index calculation. This index comprises elements such as commercial service quality, service reliability, service accessibility, and technical quality.

Disaster Vulnerability Assessment of Low-Cost Houses in Java Island

Among all of the Indonesian islands, Java poses the highest risk for all types of disasters, making it a significant threat to low-cost houses due to its high population vulnerability. The objective is to enhance comprehension of it by conducting a building typology analysis concerning various natural hazards/ risks. The methodology consists of 10 sample houses field observation, AutoCAD drawing, literature analysis, and built environment expert interviews. The results developed four categories of houses emphasising brick or timber walls with a combination of clay tile or zinc roofs. Related to disaster vulnerability, an improper building structure is the main problem. Smooth roof material is significant in a volcano eruption, a complete interconnection of structure is a must for the tornado, light materials are preferable in an earthquake zone, natural material is not recommended for high risk of forest fire, and elevating floor is mandatory in flooding. Focus on designing the four categories’ houses and quality control of the construction process are two strategies recommended. Also, a minimum of two types of disasters in the area should be considered in the design. Resilient low-cost houses will have an impact on reducing casualties, environmental damage, and economic losses. Covering more samples and areas in Java in future studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of low-cost houses.

Housing Status and COVID-19 Prevention Recommendations among People Who Use Drugs

Housing conditions can increase health risks for people who use opioids (PWUO). Little research documents the influence of housing on PWUO’s ability to practice disease prevention methods. This study examines associations between housing status of PWUO in NYC and their ability to practice COVID-19 prevention recommendations during the initial wave of the pandemic. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling and administered a survey. Eligibility required age ≥18 years, using opioids ≥3times in the prior 30 days, and accessing a health-related service in the prior year. Descriptive and bivariate statistics assessed relationships between housing and the ability to practice social distancing, access soap and running water or hand sanitizer (soap), and access face masks. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to examine relationships between housing and the potential to practice COVID-19 prevention recommendations. The 329 participants were grouped into stable housing (34.3%), unstable/shelter housing (31.9%), and street homeless (33.7%) categories. Street homeless PWUO were significantly less likely to have access to soap and face masks than those stably housed. There were no significant differences between PWUO experiencing unstable and stable housing. PWUO experiencing street homelessness may have had increased vulnerability to COVID-19. Providing low-threshold health-related resources and increasing linkages to housing opportunities could promote health of PWUO experiencing street homelessness during future emergencies.

Contracts for the purchase of affordable housing: concepts, legal nature and features

In Ukraine, the right of individuals – citizens to housing is constitutionally enshrined, which can be realized both by purchasing such an object of civil relations in ownership and in use. As of today, the issues of providing housing for the citizens of Ukraine have become particularly acute due to the fact that many of them lost it due to the criminal war against our state. These issues have become especially relevant due to the declaration of our state as a social state, because under such conditions, Ukraine must help its citizens to acquire rights to this category of property. For some reason, as of today, the most common basis for acquiring housing rights is the contract itself, which remains unique means of regulating legal relations in European private law.
 The concept of housing in Ukraine is provided in a number of normative legal acts of various levels of legal force, among which, of course, the Civil Code of Ukraine and the Housing Code of Ukraine that occupy a special place. Affordable housing is built and those being built with state support, residential buildings (complexes) and apartments. State support for the construction of affordable housing consists in the payment by the state of 30 percent of the cost of construction (purchase) of affordable housing and/or the provision of a preferential mortgage housing loan.
 Contracts for the purchase of this category of housing are sales contracts, that is, they belong to the group of transactions on the transfer of property into ownership. At the same time, by their legal nature, these are consensual, paid, bilateral and fixed-term (usually up to 12 months). In the case of investing in objects of unfinished construction, under certain conditions, such contracts may have a risky nature. Also, it is worth noting separately about: the specific subject composition of these contracts, the obligation to comply with the requirements regarding their form and specifics of execution.

The normalization model predicts responses during object-based attention in the human visual cortex.

Divisive normalization of the neural responses by the activity of the neighboring neurons has been proposed as a fundamental operation in the nervous system based on its success in predicting neural responses recorded in primate electrophysiology studies. Nevertheless, experimental evidence for the existence of this operation in the human brain is still scant. Here, using functional MRI, we explored the role of normalization across the visual hierarchy in the human visual cortex. Using stimuli form the two categories of human bodies and houses, we presented objects in isolation or in clutter and asked participants to attend or ignore the stimuli. Focusing on the primary visual area V1, the object-selective regions LO and pFs, the body-selective region EBA, and the scene-selective region PPA, we first modeled single-voxel responses using a weighted sum, a weighted average, and a normalization model and demonstrated that although the weighted sum and weighted average models also made acceptable predictions in some conditions, the response to multiple stimuli could generally be better described by a model that takes normalization into account. We then explored the observed effects of attention on cortical responses and demonstrated that these effects were predicted by the normalization model, but not by the weighted sum or the weighted average models. Our results thus provide evidence that the normalization model can predict responses to objects across shifts of visual attention, suggesting the role of normalization as a fundamental operation in the human brain.

A pilot evaluation of social needs among gynecologic oncology patients in inpatient versus outpatient settings

The WHO defines social determinants of health (SDoH) as the conditions in which we are born, grow, work, and live as well as other large systems that positively or negatively affect our health. Many healthcare systems currently lack the resources and strategies required to accurately assess and address SDoH. Action must be taken because studies have found that chronic diseases, including cancer, are affected by SDoH. The aim of this study is to identify the incidence of social needs in an inpatient gynecologic oncology population and its relation to patient demographics and clinical diagnostic data to guide and inform future intervention. Patients agreeing to participate in the study completed a needs assessment survey during their inpatient stay at the hospital between November 2020 to March 2021. The survey contained seven questions, six of which were questions screening for social needs including food and housing security, transportation means, financial stability, health literacy, and social support. Responses were considered positive if any degree of need was reported. Demographic and cancer diagnosis data were then collected and included zip code, race, cancer stage and age at diagnosis, treatment history, and number of hospital admissions and length of stay over the past 12 months. The most substantial reported needs across all gynecologic malignancies were social support (65%), health literacy (37%), and financial need (22%). Less need was reported in the categories of food (11%), housing (7%), and transportation (4%). SDoH have been studied in the outpatient gynecologic population and the needs seen in this study are similar to the needs of that population. However, there are likely different challenges and frequencies of unmet need in the different types of gynecologic cancers that may affect the stage at which their cancer is diagnosed as well as the number of hospital admissions related to their cancer care.

Investigation of Airflow for Natural Ventilation in the Typical Medium-Rise Housing Cluster in South-Eastern Nigeria

Wind driven natural ventilation dependents on the microclimate conditions of its environment to thrive. In urban streets, it is influenced by the wind velocity and air temperatures factors. In this study, field experiments were carried out in selected streets of a typical medium rise housing cluster in southeastern Nigeria. The aim of the study was to understand the characteristics of air flow within this housing category, and to better examine the potentials of wind driven ventilation in this class of settlement. Wind speed and directions in the middle of selected streets were measured. Respectively, the undisturbed climatic conditions above the street canyon were recorded as well. The overall conclusion at the end of the study is that inside the streets, the potential of natural ventilation for both the single type and multi-branch type configurations is reduced, while that of continuous street configuration (without intermediate intersections) provided a higher potential for natural wind driven ventilation. This is attributed to the internal interferences and reduction of the wind speeds inside the street canyons. Generally, universal meteorological information gotten from unobstructed areas in cities are used in the design of buildings, thus the significance of this study outlines the importance of obtaining microclimatic information in pre-design stages.

All-Union Housing Census of the USSR in 1960: Organization and Results

The article examines the organizational forms of housing accounting in the USSR and analyzes the results of the census and accounting of the housing stock of the USSR as of January 1, 1960. The article presents the criteria by which the Soviet leadership attributed a specific structure to a certain category of housing and also took into account the degree of its convenience and amenities. Throughout the USSR, the census registered 12.2 million residential buildings with a living area of 659.1 million m2, in which 109.1 million people were settled. In rural areas, the housing stock, being the personal property of citizens, was outside the census. The article provides data on the number of floors of residential buildings, the materials of the walls, describes the qualitative characteristics of housing and the provision of certain types of conveniences — sewerage, central heating, water supply, gas. The authors also consider the issue of providing Soviet citizens with living space. They come to the conclusion that the average space of 5.9 m2 per person is a rather approximate estimate since the standards for the provision of living space were set by local councils depending on the complexity of the housing situation in a particular city or district. These standards were necessary for the authorities to regulate housing queues. The census’s figures reflected the appearance of the majority of Soviet cities, which by 1960 remained (with the exception of capitals and some large cities) mostly wooden and one-storey, with small inclusions of stone blocks built at the beginning of the twentieth century and the period of industrialization as well as panel new buildings of the second half of the 1950s.

The COVID-19 Isolation Unit Design at Railway-Line Informal Settlement with Participatory Planning Approach

The increase in the number of patients who are positive for COVID-19 is not equipped by the capacity of isolation rooms in hospitals and safe houses assigned by the government, only 20% of infected patients require hospital care, while the rest 80% are suggested for self-quarantine and isolation. The problem becoming more complex for dense informal settlements, as a case study is a railway-line settlement in Surabaya. Based on the result of the observation, the house at the railway-line settlement has not met the healthy housing category, if there are residents infected with the COVID-19 virus, self-quarantine in their own house is also inadequate and it can cause the spread of the virus to other family members. This study aims to find a design solution for self-isolation units that can be applied in dense informal settlements during a pandemic. In addition to meeting health requirements, this isolation unit must be easy to assemble, cheap, and fast in its construction. The approach used for its design is participatory planning so that the design results are suitable for community needs and strengthen the community's sense of belonging towards its development and maintenance.

Identifying Market Segment for the Assessment of a Price Premium for Green Certified Housing: A Cluster Analysis Approach

While the literature confirms the existence of a green premium, various researchers have acknowledged the importance of homogeneity in the dataset used for premium assessment. This study developed a systematic approach to extract a sales subsample containing transactions from green-certified apartments and their most similar counterparts based on cluster analysis. The study applied k-means and PAM clustering algorithms to split an extensive sales sample of 81,605 transactions into sales subsamples. A sales subsample containing transactions from green-certified apartments and their peers was extracted and used for green premium estimation. The results indicate that through cluster analysis, a market segment containing above 80% of the total housing transactions from green-certified apartments could be identified. Through the hedonic model, a green premium of 26.2% was identified from the entire sales sample (no market segmentation). However, this value was reduced to 12.2 and 17.8% when estimated from a sales subsample extracted through k-means and PAM clustering, respectively. These findings have implications for the close assessment of green certification impact on the sale prices. In addition, they can also serve as an indicator of housing categories that need extra effort to promote green practices in that particular market segment.

Opera House as a Category of Ukrainian Operology

The aim of the article is to develop the explication of an opera house as a category of Ukrainian operology. The research methodology is based on the combination of historical, theoretical, and performance musicology, in particular systemic and terminological approaches. The author has also applied the historical-genetic and comparative methods, principles of the communication theory, and the principle of historical synchronisation. Scientific novelty of the research. The author has systematised the analysed content levels and essential categories; introduced a developed terminological system into the concept interpretation; specificated valued scales and interpretations relevant to the concept’s content levels. As a result, the author has suggested a topical scientific paradigm of interpreting the category of an opera house. The mechanism of making the terminology system of the opera house concept has been defined, which includes the detailed description of its content, specification of local terms and definitions that correlate with it. These terms include the world opera house, the continental opera house, and the national opera house. Moreover, the author has justified the necessity of introducing into the modern Ukrainian operology such terms as the authorial opera house and corporate impresario. The former term implies the interpretation of the opera house concept as «summa summarum» of opera projects (both realised and not yet finished; artistic and scientific-critical), a combination of artistic search and regularities of creative thinking, manifestation of opera poetics and esthetics as the legacy of each specific composer. The latter term specifies the opera house concept as a formation that tackles a number of creative and organisational problems, searching for an effective way of managing the crisis, preparing the opera-theatrical enterprise and professional tours. Conclusions. The article presents a system of interpretations and functions of the «opera house» category within the Ukrainian operology, develops a comprehensive terminology system, and suggests a scientific paradigm of interpreting the category of the opera house. The author also distinguishes five levels of interpreting the «opera house» category that can be observed in the Ukrainian operology: as a category of historical musicology of both continental and worldwide scale, as an authorial phenomenon, namely the authorial opera house, as a architectonic structure that defines the poetics of the «opera city», and as a managerial system created to solve organisational problems and favour successful realisation of the opera performance. It has been established that its content-functional duality as a generic feature distinguishes the opera house category. The opera house appears to be a field for distinguishing international, temporal, topographic forms of dialogue that stipulates for the topicality of a specific interpretation of the opera work at the level of stage and verbal language (implication) in the process of its staging in other national and continental conditions in accordance with the national traditions.
 Key words: opera house, authorial opera house, national opera house, operology, corporate impresario.

Estimating the energy saving potential of residential consumption in China based on decent living standards

The basic well-being of residents should be fully considered when making residential energy-saving policies. In this study, decent living standards for China were proposed. The provincial energy saving potential of Chinese residents were estimated from a lifetime perspective using environmental extended input–output analysis. The results show that, in 2017, the energy saving potential of Chinese residents constituted 32.74% of total energy consumption. The consumption categories of transportation, housing and cooking had the greatest energy saving potential of 1668.40, 3540.83 and 3229.75 trillion kJ, respectively, in which direct energy consumption accounted for 85% of total energy consumption. For food, clothing, water, health care and education, there was only energy saving potential from indirect consumption, of which food has the largest indirect energy consumption of 3159.25 trillion kJ. Moreover, the energy saving potential varied at the provincial level, coming from different consumption categories. Special attentions should be paid to the transportation in Beijing, housing in Liaoning, and cooking in Gansu, which have relatively greater energy saving potential with per capita energy saving potential of 207.38, 1002.16, and 4256.6 thousand kJ, respectively. The results verify the importance of differentiated and targeted energy policies for residential consumption in different provinces.

Involving Young Emirati Women in the Pre-Occupancy Evaluation of “Modern” Housing Designs: Simple Versus Advanced Participatory Tools

The recent shift from the traditional design of citizens’ housing in the United Arab Emirates, with its generous habitable spaces, to a more compact “modern” design has been experienced in the federal housing program in the country. Despite taking the social needs into considerations, the modern designs of this housing category have been professionally developed without genuine residents’ participation especially the young Emirati women (between 18 and 24 years old) who are considered the backbone of the new Emirati families benefiting from this housing program. The research poses this question: How can young Emirati women effectively participate in the pre-occupancy evaluation of the design of the “modern” housing models? To answer this question, the comparative potentials and constraints of utilizing both the simple versus the advanced Virtual Reality (VR) design participatory tools were investigated on a design of a selected model house. Both tools have shown the same trend for the overall satisfaction/dissatisfaction of the house architectural style, the suitability of the functional areas, the spatial organization, and the sizes and numbers of windows as a source for daylighting. Still, the use of the VR has elaborated the respondents’ perceptions and hence changed some responses form satisfaction to dissatisfaction or neutral. Some technical difficulties associated with utilizing the VR tool render it a non-inclusive participatory technique. Finally, it seems that an ideal pre-occupancy evaluation tool for involving young Emirati women in their housing design is through exploiting a hybrid participatory technique combining both simple and advanced VR tools. This could accurately facilitate the pre-occupancy evaluation process while helping save some cost and time.

Impacts of the Changing Housing Patterns on The Populations of House Sparrow Passer domesticus (Passeriformes: Passeridae) in the Rural Hills of Uttarakhand: A Case Study

The present study was aimed to assess the impacts of the changing housing patterns on the populations of House Sparrow in the rural areas of the hills of the Pithoragarh region in Uttarakhand. The sampling sites were chosen in such a manner to include the traditional stone masonry, mixed (partially concrete), and modern concrete houses. We recorded the density of House Sparrow (using point count method), density of nest, and sex ratios in the different categories of houses at different time durations of the day. In this study (i) the traditional stone masonry houses recorded the highest density of House Sparrow and nests, (ii) changing housing patterns did not affect the sex ratio in House Sparrow and, (iii) the changing housing patterns in the rural areas of the hills of Uttarakhand appeared to be one of the causes of population decline in House Sparrow. The conservation measures we have outlined here include a comprehensive public awareness and education programmes, installation of artificial nest boxes in the houses and gardens, and protection of House Sparrow under the rules of Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972), Government of India.