Housing Design Process Research Articles

Value assessment in the traditional housing design: Case studies applying a value analysis model

The traditional design approach faces difficulties in adequately responding to the value expected by customers. This research explores the generation and loss of value in the traditional housing design to understand how it responds to customer needs based on different conditions of satisfaction and identify the most common value losses. The novel Value Analysis Model (VAM) is applied in three traditional housing design projects as case studies to explore the desired, potential, and generated value for four typical customers: owners, designers, builders, and end-users. The main results quantitatively show that the traditional housing design process does not meet the value expected by customers; the builders and the designers obtain less value in the process, and the product, respectively; and both the end-user and the owner are the customers who receive more value. This paper incorporates the value losses associated with differences in the criteria of the various project stakeholders (default) and losses resulting from poor project performance. According to the findings, the most widespread value losses are associated with the project performance itself rather than differences in customers' perceptions. The main practical contribution is that the value benefits become explicit (measurable and traceable) through VAM. These explicit value metrics can be included alongside traditional project performance measures to provide a customer-centric perspective. For teams attempting to design efficiently, having a tool to assess and measure value generation during creating is important because value losses can be detected early.

A Meta-study of Architectural Design Processes in Post-disaster Housing Reconstruction in Iran

Background and objective Despite conducting numerous studies in the two areas of “architectural design process” and “post-disaster housing reconstruction” in recent years in Iran, limited studies have been conducted for the meta-study of these two areas. Therefore, to redefine the “post-disaster housing reconstruction” and strengthen the common theoretical foundations, the current study aims to review the related studies to obtain in-depth knowledge of the concepts common between post-disaster housing reconstruction and architectural design process, extract operational concepts, and formulate a proposed conceptual model. Method This is a mixed-method meta-study using an interpretive-naturalistic approach. The articles published in Persian over the last twenty years were searched using the keywords “housing architecture design process”, “post-disaster housing reconstruction,” and “participatory architecture design process and post-disaster housing “. The initial search yielded 168 articles. After several stages of screening, 66 articles were selected for further review. Quantitative analysis was done using descriptive statistics in Excel software. Qualitative analysis was done using the coding technique and MaxQDA software. Results The studies in the field of Iranian architecture are mainly subject-oriented and independent of time and place, based on theoretical knowledge along with the global knowledge of architecture and in line with the third generation of design processes (mental processes of architects). Meanwhile, the articles in the field of post-disaster housing reconstruction in Iran are mainly experience-oriented and location-oriented, with an applied design and using a case study method. Conclusion The “post-disaster housing design process,” due to its nature, includes all three generations of architectural design processes, including systematic, collaborative, and mental processes. Recognizing and redefining the “steps of post-disaster housing design and planning”, “roles and responsibilities”, and “managing the implementation of plans and programs” related to the systematic processes; “participatory design and participatory architects”, “participation in post-disaster design and supply of housing”, “effective factors, barriers, and facilitators of participation” related to the collaborative processes; and “architect- and problem-focused design factors”, “architect’s post-disaster knowledge and attitude towards the situation”, “redefining the post-disaster contextual architecture” and “ mentalizing factors of the architect and disaster survivors” related to the mental processes are the most important issues involved in the three generations of the post-disaster housing design process.

Housing Design Studies in Saudi Arabia: A Thematic Review

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) envisions sufficient housing access for its citizens, but the Ministry of Housing is unable to fulfil the housing requirements across various population segments. This necessitates research on architectural designs. This study reviewed relevant research over the past decade (housing design patterns and trends) derived from code-to-document analysis with ATLAS.ti 8, as well as the state of the housing design discipline. A total of 33 pertinent studies published between 2011 and 2021 were elicited through a keyword search from specific databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect and Emerald Insight) and divided thematically based on financial, social and sustainability factors. The review, which emphasised the design process, identified little correlation between the process and a systematic attempt to fulfil citizens’ requirements. Both knowledge and praxis-oriented gaps were ascertained in the interior housing design process. Specifically, this study evaluated empirical works on housing designs and elaborated on the research area based on KSA citizens’ financial, social and sustainability needs. This two-fold review presents a synthesis of current literature for local scholars and functions as a guideline for filling knowledge gaps that require bridging in future works and for house designs and interiors to complement KSA citizens’ requirements.

Automated modular housing design using a module configuration algorithm and a coupled generative adversarial network (CoGAN)

A modular housing design entails an expensive and time-consuming process including iterative modification steps for satisfying various project and modular construction requirements. In addition, the fulfillment of all functional requirements within a limited budget in the modular housing design process remains elusive. A lack of a systematic approach for module configuration is an another critical obstacle making the design procedure more arduous and complicated. To ameliorate these knowledge and practice gaps, this study provides a new coupled generative adversarial network (CoGAN)-based framework for automated modular housing design generation. Furthermore, this approach encompasses a new module configuration algorithm that structurally modularize a generated housing design layout. This framework is expected to contribute to establishing the body of knowledge in a generative design of modular housing for mass building production and help architects and relevant stakeholders facilitate their design processes by yielding feasible, constructible, and optimal modular housing design alternatives.

Design Rule and Social Dimensions of the Bengkilas of Vernacular Limas Houses in South Sumatra

This article explores the guidelines used to theoretically and empirically determine the bengkilas' measurement of Limas house to understand how the social dimension is integrated into the vernacular housing design process. This goal was achieved by conducting a multi-case study, mixed methods, interviews with four interviewees chosen purposively because of their limas house ownership and recognition of expertise in its architecture, and measurements on 30 limas houses in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The data was collected quantitatively through measurements of the dimensions of the house and qualitatively through interviews with community leaders. Previous research literature was also used to cross-examine various interviewees' statements. This literature was likely to be local studies that cannot be avoided due to the lack of international publications related to the limas house. The guideline used in determining the size of bengkilas is the dulang module system and the step count system. The social dimension can be seen from the priority of space to share food in the house based on the dish module. Based on the study results, a theory was developed which explained that the origins of bengkilas were semi-public space instead of social stratification. Governments trying to revitalize vernacular housing for reasons of tourism, culture, or preservation, can build on the findings of this study to build sustainable housing design. This article contributes to the understanding of vernacular design that exists today.

Adaptation and mitigation to climate change of envelope wall thermal insulation of residential buildings in a temperate oceanic climate

In the context of climate change, it is difficult to maintain the energy performance of houses, especially in countries with building codes that regulate the maximum allowed amount of energy that a building can consume. For this reason, there is a need for a review of building standards and adaptation to the context of energy performance in planning future projects. The objective of this research was to ascertain the thermal transmittance of external walls for single-family homes and to establish the energetically optimal thickness of thermal insulation by using an energy simulation to maintain heating energy consumption in conditions of climate change while following the state regulations in the Los Ríos region of Chile. It was demonstrated that for each time period and in each geographical location of the region the optimal U-value of the external walls is different. For a house to have a heating energy consumption corresponding to 90 kWh/m2/year, it must have an optimal average U-value of the walls of 0.49 ± 0.11 W/m2K (year 2006 in the study region); however, for the period 2035–2050, this value is expected to reach 0.78 ± 0.14 W/m2K. In addition, it was shown that designing the house with an energy performance perspective of 15 years helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the use of thermal insulation in the walls by 20%. The results obtained demonstrate the importance of considering the effects of future climate change in the housing design process in terms of both energy and environmental.

Resilience in architecture: housing as a process

This work starts with a hypothesis that housing design process can be an open system, whose resilience becomes positive when it is understood as a process with multiple agents, among one of them is the architect. Current housing production presents inadequacies and flexibility problems that bring this system to an unbalanced situation, which makes it more difficult for people to modify the space they live. This work aims to identify if and how the insertion of other architectural strategies in housing production could foster its resilience. In order to reach this objective, this research uses an explanatory approach based on a literature review on the theme and case studies. Firstly, the concepts of system and resilience are explored under approaches that cover the reductionist and the systemic paradigm. After that, some discussions regarding housing and counter-hegemonic practices are presented. Finally, selected case studies are analysed from the perspective of the resilience characteristics in order to verify if they develop the concept of housing as a continuous process. The results enforce the need for shifting the emphasis of current housing schemes to a new configuration of dynamic balance and highlight the role of open and informational processes to achieve this goal.

A hybrid approach to optimize initial design strategies for pre-sale housing projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid decision-making model for optimizing the initial design strategies of pre-sales housing, identifying factors affecting the initial design of housing, and developing different initial design approaches and strategies based on buyers’ preferences. Design/methodology/approach Indicators and factors in line with the local initial planning and design are created according to the design quality indicator framework. The important indicators and factors are screened out preliminarily with the fuzzy Delphi method and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory based analytic network process. The performances of two actual cases under similar site conditions are checked with regard to the overall residential sales rate and time on the market (TOM). Findings The result shows that the proposed model can effectively improve the sales rate, shorten the TOM and better complies with buyer design strategy demands, and thus positively correlating to economic value. Originality/value Pre-sales make possible the customized strategy of allowing future residents to participate in the housing design process. However, buyers’ participation in the design process is highly limited, and developers usually determine their planning and initial residential design strategies based on experience and intuition. With the proposed approach, the initial residential design of a project can be effectively intervened, so that home users can truly participate in the design, and the residential construction service can be provided in a unique, but non-universal way.

A bottom-up approach for implementation of Environmental Product Declarations in Mexico’s housing sector

A solid legislative framework and a strong sense of environmental sensitivity by the government are some of the elements that have contributed to a sustained development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) in developed countries, especially within the building sector. In Mexico, a big portion of the sustainability strategy from this sector has been focused on social housing. For this reason, the main objective of this research is to analyze a possible path to incorporate EPDs as part of this sustainability strategy, determining its possible reach and limitations in the current context of Mexican environmental legislative framework for housing sector. General information about the legislative framework supporting the government strategy for sustainability in the housing sector is presented. The main instruments and programs that have been developed to accomplish this strategy are analyzed. This analysis is made mainly through the National Strategy for Sustainable Housing (NSSH) because it organizes and correlates most of these instruments. An analysis is made on how the life cycle approach and EPDs are considered within the NSSH. There are instruments contemplating the life cycle approach and even the use of EPDs to promote the sustainability of the housing sector; however, these instruments are not part of the NSSH. Despite this, the majority of housing developers know and use them during their housing design process, but they do not do it properly, since they are unaware of the LCA methodology and EPDs. So, a proposal is made to fully incorporate the use of EPDs as part of the government’s sustainability strategy for the Mexican housing sector. The Sisevive-Ecohouse (the only official instrument in Mexico for the housing evaluation) is proposed as a platform. Incorporating the instruments that already contemplate the life cycle approach and the use of EPDs as part of the NSSH is also part of the proposed strategy. The strategy for housing sustainability in Mexico is mainly focused on the houses’ use phase, so a paradigm shift on this strategy has to be made, where life cycle approach must be included. There is feasibility for EPDs to be used for this purpose from existing instruments and programs. Nevertheless, the lack of legislative connection in addition to the obstacles for EPD implementation in an emergent economy as Mexico could slow down its development.

Interaction of Scales in Housing Design Process: An Experience from Small- to Large-scale Housing Studio

Interaction of Scales in Housing Design Process: An Experience from Small- to Large-scale Housing Studio

Analytical interpretation of energy efficiency concepts in the housing design process from hot climate

The classical understanding of an architectural product shows architecture as a series of complex activities, which aims to create an optimal material framework with well-organized functional spaces that can meet the material and human spiritual requirements. The vision of a multifaceted architecture shows that it is necessary to design and work cooperatively with an architectural theory to transform the lateral conceptual viewer of the multilateral design process. The effort has to focus on ensuring the active collaboration of sciences and techniques with the creative building design process. The real stages of house design theory still insufficiently incorporate natural phenomena such as thermography, climatology, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics in the building design approach. The primary target of this research is to define an efficient method of building design in which essential aspects are considered during the first phase of design ideas. The study concluded that using a classical design model is respectable. However, it can bring many mistakes in the confirmation of a holistic design assignment related to energy, thermal comfort, and economic factors that represents an essential tool for architectural creation products where the innovative model proceeds with all design elements, activities and space roles which can reunify in the interpretation of functional spaces by creating an interspace with a consistency habitat environment.

장수명주택 인필 정보시스템 구축에 관한 기초 연구

Purpose: This study aims to set up the classification system for providing infill information and draw detailed infill information required by suppliers, thereby promoting the revitalization of long-life housing and utilizing such information as preliminary data for establishing web system, on which infill information required by users in the long-life housing design process are available. Method: For the method of study, the infill information classification system and detailed information were drawn through the analysis of existing building material information systems; and the survey targeting working-level personnel was carried out in order to verify the drawn information system. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. First, the hierarchical classification system (scheme) was selected by quoting the classification system by material type as infill type, after analyzing existing DB information systems and drawing the hierarchical classification system for infill. Second, the comparative analysis between infill was available to users for the detailed infill information of long-life housing, and the essential information and general information were selected for differentiating information. Results: First, the hierarchical classification system (scheme) was selected by quoting the classification system by material type as infill type, after analyzing existing DB information systems and drawing the hierarchical classification system for infill. Second, the comparative analysis between infill was available to users for the detailed infill information of long-life housing, and the essential information and general information were selected for differentiating information. Third, only approximately 30% of the survey respondents recognized the infill of long-life housing, but they did not recognize its difference from existing building materials. Fourth, through the analysis of paths to obtain infill information of long-life housing, it was confirmed that infill information was obtained mostly through books and research papers regarding long-life housing, followed by the existing information systems. The significance of the study lies in that it is differentiated from the previous information system as the information system specialized in the infill of long-life housing was established, and can be used as a measure to revitalize long-life housing market.

Reaffirming Culture through a Community-based Housing Design Process

A community-based design process led to the creation of housing designs that offer a northern response to the dwelling culture and housing shortage of the Cree community in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada. The housing proposal developed in this project is informed by a design charrette, a study of contemporary and traditional Cree material and dwelling culture, research on climate and environment, and an analysis of existing housing in Moosonee. The design charrette conducted with northern Indigenous people encouraged them to think about their cultural heritage and its relationship to their housing needs. Using art-based methods, including drawing, modelling and sculpting techniques, the participants designed their ideal houses as an activity involving cultural re-appropriation. Encouraging discussion of memories of their cultural heritage helped participants to overcome feelings of discrimination from others and alienation from place. The architectural designs emerging from this project centre on housing as a response to Cree material culture, social structure, and ways of experiencing the land. The traditional forms found within the snowshoe, the canoe, the tipi and the shaapuhtuwaan inspired the creative process and the design of culturally appropriate housing. This article summarizes results from the research activities conducted in October 2010 and February 2011 with Cree people from several First Nation communities on the western James Bay in Northern Ontario, Canada, and includes images of housing models created by the participants. It also presents the resulting housing designs and investigates the myriad ways in which architecture can act as a cultural tool that reaffirms a sense of place and responds to living patterns and the northern climate.

The Application of BIM as Collaborative Design Technology for Collective Self-Organised Housing

Collective Self-Organised (CSO) housing projects are an emerging trend in Europe. In these projects communities engage in co-design throughout the process. Little knowledge exists that can support CSOs with the process of managing their projects by using state-of-the-art building information (BI) technologies. The authors introduce a BI supported CSO housing design process that can support CSOs through all stages in the design process, from early conceptual location planning through to selection of interior finishing. They illustrate the project using a demonstrative illustration of a CSO housing design process. The paper will concentrate on the development of innovative Collaborative Design Technology (CDT) solutions. The tools will be demonstrated on the basis of an illustrative demonstration case in which the CSO-process is combined with an IFD (Industrial, Flexible and Durable) building system. The particular advantages for architectural design practice will be highlighted throughout and gaps in the literature addressed.

Tribal Housing, Codesign, and Cultural Sovereignty

The authors assess the collaboration between the University of California, Berkeley’s Community Assessment of Renewable Energy and Sustainability program and the Pinoleville Pomo Nation, a small Native American tribal nation in northern California. The collaboration focused on creating culturally inspired, environmentally sustainable housing for tribal citizens using a codesign methodology developed at the university. The housing design process is evaluated in terms of both its contribution to Native American “cultural sovereignty,” as elaborated by Coffey and Tsosie, and as a potential example of the democratization of scientific practice.

Tenants in Their Personal Houses: A Product of Mass Housing Design Process in Kwara State, Nigeria

An examination of the mass housing schemes/estates in Nigeria will reveal that many housing providers put up restrictions on what modifications house owners can carry out on their personal houses (homes). If this were a rented house one can perhaps understand the needs for these limitations but for a personal house paid for by the house owner, this becomes untenable and seeks to make the house owner a permanent tenant. This paper examines how the mass housing provision process in Kwara state, Nigeria encourages this trend, in addition the reasons for setting some of these limitations would also be examined. It is part of a PhD research in the area of housing customization. In undertaking this research, mass housing schemes in Kwara state were selected and examined in relation to the to the aim of the paper. The data generated was analyzed using the SPSS and MS-Excel packages and the result is presented in charts and plates. The research concludes that prospective house owners have a valid right on their houses and should not be made to adhere to restrictions that make them appear as tenants. Architects working on mass housing schemes should be made to collaborate with the prospective house owners. The research concludes by proffering strategies which architects working on the provision of mass housing schemes can collaborate upon with the prospective house owners towards the provision of a satisfactory house.