Housing Model Research Articles

The role of health shocks after age 70 on housing and wealth profiles.

We conduct a novel investigation into the effects of uncertain health shocks and medical costs on the life cycle consumption, housing, and saving decisions. Our model aids in understanding the role of health shocks and medical costs after age 70 in explaining the lack of wealth and housing decumulation during retirement. We utilize a comprehensive life-cycle model that includes housing, as well as shocks to house price, labor income, and health. Our model could be useful for policy evaluation and future studies concerning older adults. Our first contribution to the previous literature is modeling the whole adult life-cycle. This enables us to determine whether decisions in youth and middle age are influenced by anticipated health shocks in old age. Our second contribution is modeling housing explicitly with health shocks. Conclusions regarding the savings puzzle may be significantly influenced by the explicit modeling of housing. We develop a more realistic model by relaxing some of the assumptions made in previous studies. We find that health shocks motivate the household to accumulate higher wealth before retirement. Moreover, as health shocks become more severe, individuals reduce their consumption and decumulate less wealth in old age. Health shocks help explain the flat trends observed in the housing and wealth profiles of older adults. The possible health shocks after age 70 affect the decisions in young and middle ages only marginally. The wealth profile in middle and old age is affected by health shocks.

INTEGRATING AND IMPROVING MULTIPLE-METHOD RESEARCH IN AGING

Abstract One of the basic tenets of mixed-method and mixed-methods research methodologies is that they integrate qualitative and quantitative data to provide a more holistic understanding of a research question. This interdisciplinary symposium examines several aging research projects to illustrate best practices for integrating and improving multiple methods research projects. We draw on fields including cultural anthropology, discourse analysis, and sociocultural gerontology to examine questions of language, identity, transcription, and homelessness. In a mixed-methods study, Saunders examines the integration of data and analysis from staff interviews, residents’ conversations, and staff ratings of friendship among persons living with dementia in a long-term care setting unit. Crampton examines the value of outliers in a study of how “ old” is defined by people aging into 80+ decades. Dobbs’ paper will discuss the role of AI transcription using smartphone and web-based platform technologies to collect data from older adults and their caregivers. Perone uses a novel multi-method approach to learn about housing models that aim to prevent or intervene in homelessness among LGBTQIA+ older adults. Directors of Aging Centers Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

Structural Dynamics Analysis and Optimization of an Oil-Free Piston Air Compressor Based on Vibration and Noise Characteristics

Air compressors play an important role in energy, mining, civil engineering, and transportation engineering. However, the abnormal vibration and noise of air compressors may pose a serious threat to the structural stability and smooth operation of these types of engineering equipment. To address the broadband noise and vibration problems of a new oil-free piston air compressor, we developed a hybrid optimization method that combines experimental testing, theoretical evaluation, and numerical simulation. Firstly, we conduct noise experiment testing, identify the frequency band of aerodynamic noise using a coherence analysis method, and design orthogonal experiments to further optimize pipeline noise. Then, the vibration characteristics were discussed from both theoretical and simulation perspectives. The dynamic balance has been redesigned on the spindle counterweight plate to reduce the force on the bearings, and a multi-body dynamics model has been constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimization. Subsequently, a finite element model of the compressor housing was established to analyze the radiation noise characteristics. Finally, three weak points in the structure were selected as key objects, and the structural stiffness was increased to improve vibration stability. The simulation results of radiated noise show that the proposed design scheme can effectively reduce vibration and noise, with a maximum noise reduction rate of 7.45%.

Supporting Active Aging through Value-Driven Accommodation Types for Bangkok’s Self-Reliant Elderly

As Thailand approaches "Super-Aged Society" status by 2031, addressing the housing needs of self-reliant pensioners has become crucial to supporting independence and quality of life for the aging population. This study examines accommodation models that support active aging, allowing retirees in Bangkok to maintain autonomy, well-being, and social engagement. Through focus groups with near-retirement individuals, key concerns such as accessibility, environmental safety, space utilization, and affordability were identified, emphasizing the importance of housing options that meet diverse income levels and lifestyle preferences. Based on these insights, three housing models; Detached/Semi-Detached Homes, Apartments/Condominiums, and Lodges, are proposed to address the varied needs of elderly residents across four essential dimensions: functional, emotional, life-changing, and social impact. Each model provides practical amenities, community integration, and supportive environments that foster active aging and enhance quality of life. By aligning housing features with the Elements of Value Pyramid, this study assesses the feasibility and impact of each model, with measurable outcomes such as resident satisfaction, social engagement, and accessibility. This research contributes to the development of sustainable, age-friendly accommodations that holistically address the functional, emotional, life-changing, and social needs of Thailand’s elderly population.

Establishment of a Low-Cost Reinforced Concrete Prefabricated Family Housing Construction System

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of an affordable and rapidly deployable prefabricated housing system adapted to urban contexts and emergency scenarios. The aim is to design an integrated system for the production, construction, and assembly of prefabricated reinforced concrete housing, offering accessible, efficient, and flexible housing solutions. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in key concepts and theories such as prefabrication in construction, modularity, environmental sustainability, housing resilience, advanced concrete technology, and project management on-site, providing a solid basis for understanding its context. Methodology: The study employs a comparative method, analyzing six representative housing units with built areas of 25.83 m², 33.39 m², 39.06 m², 42.21 m², 52.29 m², and 59.85 m². Data collection occurred in three stages: (1) search and review of experiences, (2) design and development of basic housing models, production, and assembly, (3) results analysis to evaluate technical and economic feasibility. Results and Discussion: The results confirm the feasibility of designing six models of basic family housing that comply with Peruvian standards and are accessible to low-income families. A production process for prefabricated elements is proposed, adaptable to any location and operable with minimal equipment. Among the evaluated models, VUF 04 stands out for its lowest cost, estimated at $311.43 USD per square meter of built area. Research Implications: The implications of this research are broad and significant, highlighting its potential to transform the design, production, and assembly of housing in urban and emergency contexts. By addressing multiple aspects, this study establishes a solid foundation for the implementation of sustainable, accessible, and efficient housing solutions. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its decentralized and simplified production approach, carried out on-site with minimal equipment. Its value resides in democratizing access to affordable, efficient, and sustainable housing, providing an alternative model to centralized systems and laying the groundwork for future research on accessible and resilient construction.

Vernacular Iranian housing as a sustainable model of functional and aesthetic comfort in contemporary passive dwellings

In the recent years, with global warming and the change in climatic characteristics, buildings and interior arrangements in dry and cold climates, that previously did not have cooling problems, now require built and pre-planned cooling systems as well as heating. On the other hand, the enormous increase in energy consumption and the rapid depletion of energy resources causes concern and anxiety for future generations. In this regard, utilizing natural resources and incorporating sustainable solutions into building design are critical. Vernacular technical systems and design ideas can still be accepted and applied to create sustainable solutions. In this context, design strategies for energy efficiency and provision of physical and spatial comforts could be considered based on traditional architecture. In this study, sustainable building design solutions that have been used in Iran’s vernacular houses, which has four distinct climate zones, aimed to create a paradigm for the general modern passive house designs in the global context. Traditional Iranian residential architecture incorporates architectural features for physical, spatial, and climatic needs, as well as aesthetic comfort for the user. In this manner, user needs and interior space organization in vernacular residential architecture can be considered as a sustainable housing model that meets today’s technology requirements in passive house design.

Sustainability potentials of collaborative housing and the barriers to realisation: a systematic review

The complexities of contemporary planning, the urgent need for affordable housing and increasing demands for sustainable development are pushing current housing provision practices to their limits. In response, more collaborative housing approaches have (re)gained prominence in recent decades, offering diverse sustainability potentials. This paper explores the framing of sustainability within European and US literature on collaborative housing while contrasting the perceived sustainability potential with practical implementation challenges. Approached through a systematic sample of selected literature, the socio-economic and environmental sustainability claims associated with collaborative housing are explored. This analysis outlines identified knowledge gaps, financial hurdles, and political challenges, offering insights into the emerging discourse on structural support for collaborative housing models. The findings indicate an absence of substantiated support for the sustainability claims made, emphasising a reliance on individual case studies. Furthermore, a disparity emerges between the potential of sustainable collaborative housing and the current policy environment’s capacity to facilitate their realisation. This research underscores the urgency of strengthening empirical foundations and aligning policies and instruments to bridge the gap between sustainability aspirations and the realities of the housing sector.

How to Work with In-House Service Design Client Types

Not all service design clients are the same. As a service designer, you need to adjust your engagement model accordingly, if you want to be successful. As a service design consulting firm, we have learned these lessons over the years while developing our in-house model. To determine the best approach for different client types, we developed a simple behavioral framework as part of our in- house model. The framework can be useful to other service design agencies, but also for organisations that hire agencies. Knowing the type of organisation you’re working with – or, if you’re an organisation, knowing your type – will help the engagement run smoothly and be successful.

Thermal comfort evaluation using different glazing technologies in an energy model of rural housing in a cold climate

Building energy efficiency, consumption and comfort are aspects to be evaluated in the energy simulation of buildings (BES). However, their results deviate from reality leading to the need to improve their accuracy through calibration. In this regard, a rural house located in a cold climate at more than 3000 meters above sea level, is energetically modeled with its subsequent calibration and evaluation of thermal comfort. The study is developed in four stages, starting with the monitoring of climatological variables and followed by the house energy modeling. Subsequently, manual and iterative calibration is conducted by means of statistical comparison and scatter plots. In this way, a model with more than 80% accuracy between monitored and simulated data is achieved. Based on the previously calibrated model, the thermal comfort is evaluated using different glazing technologies and then, the number of hours for two levels of thermal sensation are evaluated (comfortable and not comfortable). For this purpose, statistical methods such as predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) are used, which are included in the Design Builder software. This study identified that single bronze glazing technology increased thermal comfort hours by 14.2% with respect to the case study, allowing the development of a methodology that improves thermal comfort through passive heating in rural dwellings in cold climates.

Improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Brazil by changing the geometry of ceramic bricks

The performance of a building's thermal and energy systems is greatly affected by its building envelope. In Brazil, residential buildings typically utilize masonry walls with coatings, and the materials used, such as the block models, have a significant impact on their energy efficiency. However, cost is a limiting factor when it comes to improving performance. One way to modify thermal properties without significantly increasing manufacturing inputs is to explore new geometries of ceramic blocks. This study introduces a new ceramic block geometry for structural masonry, adapted from a commonly used 14cm thick commercial model in Brazil. The thermal properties of this new model are evaluated numerically using Abaqus software. Additionally, the study presents the findings of an energy simulation conducted on housing models in cities like Fortaleza, Brasília, and Curitiba using Energyplus software. The results show potential for reducing energy consumption in colder months while having a minimal impact on energy consumption in hotter climates, while still maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Impact of floating debris on houses during floods and vegetation-based mitigation

Debris generated by the destruction of houses in a floodplain can cause damage to the structure in the way of floodwater by the impact of different hydraulic forces. In the present study, the impact of different hydraulic forces including impact force, hydrostatic force, hydrodynamic force, fluid force index, and moment index on the house model of different porosity were examined and also the impact of these hydraulic forces on a house model for different types of debris including rectangular and cylindrical debris was investigated. The results showed that cylindrical debris of type D5 has a greater specific gravity of 0.206 compared to the other types of debris which is why it results higher magnitude of impact force (40%) for the double porous house model. D3 type of cylindrical debris showed the highest values of hydrostatic force (40%) as D3 has a greater length (26.5cm) and diameter (1.5cm). The higher velocity of flow causes a greater magnitude of fluid force index (60%) on the impermeable house model that reduces with the porosity of the house model. The highest moment index (97% ) acts on the impermeable house model because of greater flow velocity and water depth on the upstream side. Vegetation provided as a countermeasure on the upstream side of the house model reduced impact force from 10% to 22% for the double porous house model compared to the single house model (1-12%) and hydrostatic force reduced from 12-59% for different types of debris. Hydrodynamic force reduction was observed to be 30% when vegetation was provided on the upstream side of the house model of different porosity. Providing vegetation as countermeasures reduced the fluid force index and moment index up to 70% and 63.39% for the impermeable house model respectively.

Optimizing heating efficiency: The role of sunspace geometry

Solar energy stands out among renewable energy sources due to its efficiency and ease of application, making it a preferred option. It can be utilized through both active and passive systems, significantly reducing heating costs. Sunspaces, a type of passive heating system, not only provide additional usable spaces but also decrease the heating load of buildings. However, studies and market applications indicate that the roof slopes of sunspaces are generally not significantly varied. Additionally, the depth of the sunspace is often determined based on the area of use, which can limit the full utilization of its energy potential. In this study, the impact of sunspace geometry on energy savings was investigated. A scaled model of a detached house with a sunspace was created in Istanbul, and measurements were taken in an open field during winter conditions. Parameters such as indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar energy were examined. This house model was then simulated using TRNSYS software, and the results were compared with experimental data. After confirming that accurate results could be obtained with the computer model, different roof slopes and room depths of the sunspace were simulated. The results determined the effects of roof slope and room depth on energy consumption. Consequently, it became possible to better harness solar energy in sunspaces and reduce heating costs.

Grey-Box Energy Modelling of Energy-Efficient House Using Hybrid Optimization Technique of Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Quasi-Newton Algorithms with Markov Chain Monte Carlo Uncertainty Distribution

Understanding energy demands and costs is important for policy makers and the energy sector, especially in the context of residential heating and cooling systems. To estimate the thermal demand of a residential house, a grey-box modelling method with a resistance–capacitance (RC) analogy was implemented. The architectural properties used to parameterize the grey-box model were derived from a house used for research purposes in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada (TRCA-House A). The house model accounts for solar irradiance on exterior building surfaces, thermal conductivity through all surfaces, solar heat gains through windows, and thermal gains from ventilation. Two parallel short- and long-term calibrations were performed such that model outputs reflected the real-world operation of the house as best as possible. To define the unknown model parameters (such as the conductivity of building materials and some constant parameters), a hybrid optimization scheme including a genetic algorithm (GA) and the Quasi-Newton algorithm was introduced and implemented using Bayesian approximation and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The temperature outputs from the model were compared to the data retrieved from TRCA-House A. The final iteration of the model had an RMSE for interior zone temperature estimation of 0.22 °C when compared to the retrieved interior zone temperature data from TRCA-House A. Furthermore, the annual heating and cooling energy consumption values are within 1.50% and 0.08% of target values, respectively. According to these preliminary results, the introduced model and optimization techniques could be adjusted for different types of housing, as well as for smart control applications on both a short- and long-term basis.

Reimagining Housing During Reentry: A Process Evaluation of the Village of Hope Transitional Housing Program

ABSTRACT Village of Hope Transitional Housing Program is the first tiny home housing program in the United States for formerly incarcerated individuals. Unlike traditional congregate shelters, Village of Hope provides participants with individual housing units or “tiny homes,” in a neighborhood-like setting with an autonomous living space, amenities, case management, and referrals to services for up to six months. This process evaluation assesses the early implementation of Village of Hope, examining stakeholder planning and collaboration, program construction, and participant needs and perceptions. The study employs qualitative research methods to understand the major hurdles of implementing this housing model and the initial strides in easing reentry challenges for previously incarcerated individuals who would be experiencing homelessness. Findings reveal the achievements and challenges of implementing a tiny home program for the reentry population and are divided into six themes which outline the importance of public buy-in, program construction planning, autonomous housing benefits, service delivery, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. This paper concludes with recommendations for future tiny home programs designed for this population.

Room for Change: Rural Low-Barrier Housing Policy and Program Models for People with Substance Use and Mental Health Comorbidities

Rural North American communities experience disproportionate burdens of housing instability and toxic drug poisonings. These regions face complex intersections of homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues, and innovative strategies are required to effectively address these crises. In British Columbia, Canada, new funding opportunities to address rural homelessness for complex populations have come after a lag in available resources. Complex Care Housing is a model aimed at filling gaps in the current housing and care continuum for people with mental health and substance use challenges. Due to rural-specific social characteristics, new housing models require ongoing evaluation to ensure programs meet the quality and fidelity of gold standard Housing First programs that upload the tenets of harm reduction and person-centeredness.

Establishing a new system of affordable housing

The current housing security system plays a crucial role in improving people’s livelihood and promoting social equity and justice. However, the high eligibility criteria for affordable housing and its limited coverage have resulted in unsatisfactory outcomes of the affordable housing model. This paper introduces and analyzes the Korean Jeonse right system, and, in light of the current state of affordable housing development in China, proposes a new housing rental model. The aim is to address the core issues of the real estate market, alleviate the contradiction between “housing difficulties” and social progress, and offer suggestions for the future evolution of the housing rental market.

Collective Housing Tenure in Global Perspective: Articulations across the South/North Divide

Though rich literatures exist on housing models using collective tenure in both the Global South and Global North, research across these geographies is rarely in the same scholarly conversation, and the field uses a variety of imprecise keywords. I put forward “collective housing tenure” as a global keyword to describe this family of programs. I outline the institutional forms of several models around the world, the theoretical frameworks scholars employ to understand them, and findings emerging from empirical research. I find several articulations between the models across South-North geographies, which invites further investigations into collective housing tenure as a traveling policy.

Innovative housing models to support shared use of space: the case study of Sonnwendviertel Ost in Vienna

Amidst the persistent urban expansion in European cities, the need for high-quality housing for growing populations remains a challenge. Integrating newly developed housing areas into the urban fabric and fostering a distinct local identity pose additional challenges. Despite extensive research in this realm, there exists a gap in the examination of the extent of shared space utilization in new housing developments. This study fills that gap by analyzing the quantity, quality, and diversity of space utilization in new housing projects, focusing on the development processes and maintenance methods. The research, conducted through site and case study analyses of Sonnwendviertel Ost development area in Vienna, underscores that the shared utilization of spaces is closely tied to distinct housing models with varied levels of financing and involvement of diverse actors. Consequently, it provides insights into the housing models and their configurations that best facilitate the development of shared use of spaces in housing construction. This, in turn, is perceived as instrumental in cultivating a more robust neighborhood identity and enhancing the livability of communities, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development.

Cooperativism as pedagogy: Conversation with Gustavo Machado a lecturer and researcher from Facultad de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad de la República

This conversation with Gustavo Machado discusses the role of cooperativism as a pedagogical process in Uruguay. Machado emphasizes how cooperatives serve as models for housing production and transformative social learning processes, embedding collective action and mutual aid into daily life. He distinguishes between housing, habitat, and inhabitation, advocating for a broader understanding of living that transcends physical structures and integrates social, cultural, and communal dimensions. Our conversation delves into the political significance of cooperatives in the face of neoliberalism, positioning them as alternatives to market-based housing models. Machado discusses the challenges cooperatives face, such as state regulation and the need for flexibility in adapting to changing life circumstances. He also reflects on his personal experiences growing up in a cooperative during Uruguay's dictatorship, which shaped his political and professional views. The article highlights the intersection of cooperativism with broader social movements, such as gender equality and mental health, and the importance of international dialogue in expanding cooperative housing models across Latin America.

Modeling and Regulation of Dynamic Temperature for Layer Houses Under Combined Positive- and Negative-Pressure Ventilation.

The environmental control of layer houses with multi-tiered cage systems is influenced by factors such as the structure of the henhouses and the heat dissipation of the flock, leading to low precision and large fluctuations in temperature control. Based on a new combined positive- and negative-pressure ventilation (CPNPV) mode, a dynamic temperature model is constructed. Additionally, a temperature control method for a layer house is designed using a variable universe fuzzy PID control algorithm (VFPID). First, based on the principles of energy and mass balance, and by decoupling the relationship between positive- and negative-pressure ventilation volumes, a dynamic temperature model for layer houses under CPNPV was established. Then, the PID parameters and the proportional relationship between positive- and negative-pressure ventilation were optimized through fuzzy rules, and a proportional exponential function was introduced to adjust the scaling of the universe, enabling fine-tuned control. Finally, a temperature control model for the layer house was built using Simulink. The results show that the coefficients of determination (R2) of the constructed dynamic temperature models are between 0.79 and 0.88, respectively, indicating high accuracy. The designed VFPID method outperformed traditional on-off control and improved control precision by 20-23.53% and 10.34-22.22% compared with PID control and fuzzy PID(FPID) control methods, respectively. This study provides new insights for the development of environmental control equipment and precise environmental regulation of layer houses.