Housing Planning Research Articles

Factors that Hinder the Return of the IDPs to their Homes at Marawi’s Most Affected Areas

ABSTRACT This study is designed to investigate the factors hindering the return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City resulting from the May 2017 Marawi Siege to the most affected area (MAA), revealing the urgent need for holistic solutions that address property ownership, socio-economic challenges, security concerns, administrative hurdles, and psychological trauma. The primary data required in the study were scientifically obtained through the use of the FGD and key informant interview (KII) methods. More specifically, the study findings disclosed that despite the fact that over 86% of Marawi's displaced longing to return home, a multitude of obstacles stand in their way such as inadequate housing, insecure land ownership, limited livelihoods, lingering trauma, and bureaucratic hurdles create a tangled web of challenges. Moreover, the aforementioned findings were further exacerbated by the exclusion of undocumented residents from reconstruction efforts, widening inequalities and stalling progress. To facilitate a smooth return, comprehensive solutions addressing financial constraints, trauma, community rebuilding, and streamlined administrative processes are critical. Only then can Marawi's displaced rebuild their lives and restore their shattered sense of home. Hence, a comprehensive housing plan offering reconstruction support, flexible payment options, and diverse shelter models for non-owners is crucial; exigent empowerment through financial assistance, skills training, and infrastructure development; addressing psychological well-being through culturally sensitive mental health programs; building trust and accountability requires transparency in resource allocation and addressing concerns about bogus beneficiaries and unauthorized demolitions; and collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and communities empowers IDPs and ensures their voices are heard.

7.M. Round table: A new lens on loneliness: leveraging the built environment for social health

Abstract Loneliness is a global issue impacting a third of all adults, with young adults (15-25 years) disproportionately affected. Prolonged loneliness has serious consequences for mental and physical health and should be addressed as a matter of urgency. The built environment, where we live, work, and socialise, is increasingly recognised as a significant factor influencing loneliness. However, existing interventions often focus on older adults and neglect the role of the built environments in promoting connectedness across the life course. To bridge this gap, we need interdisciplinary collaboration to understand how our environments and communities can mitigate loneliness. This workshop will explore the critical intersection of place and loneliness interventions. The three panellists bring unique interdisciplinary expertise on loneliness ranging from policy to intervention implementation. These three talks (10min each) will set the stage for a dynamic discussion (30min): 1. Nina Goldman, commissioned by the World Health Organization to undertake a global overview of national loneliness policies, will present findings on how national strategies integrate place-based strategies across sectors such as housing, transportation, and urban planning. 2. Mathias Lasgaard, leading researcher on loneliness interventions, will present the innovative ‘More Together’ (MoTo) project - a multifaceted intervention addressing loneliness in both young and older adults within the Silkeborg Municipality, Denmark. This presentation will contextualize MoTo within the broader landscape of targeted loneliness interventions. 3. Eric Schoenmakers, advisor of the national loneliness action program in the Netherlands, will introduce the “I BELONG” project, an international network dedicated to understanding the relationship between public spaces, loneliness, and effective interventions for young adults in the Netherlands. Key messages • We aim to stimulate a paradigm shift in the way we address loneliness by moving beyond individual-centred solutions to develop a more holistic and community-based approach. • We need more interdisciplinary collaboration to understand how our environments and communities can mitigate loneliness. Speakers/Panelists Nina Goldman University of Manchester, Manchester, UK Mathias Lasgaard Defactum, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark Eric Schoenmakers Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, Netherlands

Between Tradition and Modernity: The Sociospatial Dynamics of Japanese Residential Architecture from Pre-War to Present

This research examines the evolution of Japanese residential architecture throughout the 20th century, focusing on the transformation of house plans in response to changing societal needs. This study specifically examines how traditional spatial configurations adapted to urbanization, modernisation, and shifts in the family structure. By analysing house plans across three distinct periods—the pre-war and post-Kanto earthquake period, the post-war period, and the post-oil shock period to the present—this research illustrates the transition from detached houses to modern collective housing. Utilising a space syntax methodology, this research quantitatively analyses threshold spaces, circulation, and family gathering spaces to understand their social and architectural implications. Historical analyses are paired with a network analysis of selected house plans, highlighting the persistent significance of traditional elements such as the doma (vestibule) and the en-gawa (verandah) in contemporary designs. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in the size and complexity of living spaces over time, reflecting broader trends towards efficiency and modernisation in public housing. This research contributes to architectural scholarship by providing a detailed account of how Japanese customary spaces have been reconfigured to accommodate evolving lifestyles, offering insights into the balance between tradition and modern living.

Factors Affecting Urban Housing Development in Lusaka, Zambia

This study investigates the factors affecting urban housing development in Lusaka, Zambia, a city facing significant challenges due to rapid urbanization and a high prevalence of inadequate housing. Utilizing the Delphi method, data was collected through two iterative rounds from a panel of 10 experts to identify and evaluate 15 factors contributing to poor housing outcomes. The findings reveal that political influence, poor linkage between infrastructure investment and service delivery, lack of access to affordable housing finance, weak urban governance, and high mortgage interest rates are the key factors impeding urban housing development in Lusaka. The study recommends developing an integrated housing planning framework, tailored housing finance products for low-income earners, and promoting governance principles to enhance transparency and accountability in housing development. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting socio-economic areas requiring intervention to achieve sustainable urban housing development.

Renewed Theories and Discourses of 21st Century; City Planning and Housing Design COVID-19 and Beyond, Sustainable, and Green Design

This research delves into the future housing theories of the 21st century, focusing on recent transformations in both urban planning and housing projects and models. Despite the world's anticipation of a vast sustainable transformation since the late 20th century, the first quarter of the 21st century was confronted with an unexpected event: humanity found itself amidst a pandemic that significantly transformed the world. The post-COVID-19 era has guided significant and enduring changes in various aspects from urban planning to living styles, working patterns, housing models, and typologies. This research presents renewed perspectives, based on theoretical dialogues, and discourses that aim to understand the transformation period with recent events specifically housing. The research also includes the perspective of housing in the past aims to contribute to comprehension of this new era and aid in shaping future urban and housing planning strategies. The theoretical basis is to investigate new methods and techniques in urban, and housing planning that have addressed climate-related issues since the 1980s and the subsequent pandemic period. According to the findings obtained in the research, COVID-19 and sustainability initially considered different phenomena, pandemic is essentially triggered and contributed to sustainable city planning, and housing design. While the public perception often distinguishes between COVID-19 and drivability as distinct design concepts, the research reveals a nuanced reality. Despite apparent differences, it is discerning that similar ideas and design principles aim for a healthier housing concept in airier, and greener areas both in terms of housing planning, and models. This intricates a close conceptual relationship between pandemic-induced design adaptations and sustainable concepts underscores the complexity of contemporary urban and housing planning paradigms.

The Complexity of State-Led Housing Planning: Lessons from Implementation in Southern California

California’s current housing planning system is comprised of a complex housing target allocation mechanism and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that local governments effectively accommodate the development of the allocated housing units. This study illustrates the complexity in California’s planning requirements and discusses the implications for implementation. Drawing on interview data and observations of public events, this study also reveals implementation challenges perceived by front-line workers. This study contributes to the planning and policy implementation literature by addressing the implementation of complex rules in the context of top-down planning.

An Algorithm for Generating Outdoor Floor Plans and 3D Models of Rural Houses Based on Backpack LiDAR.

As the Rural Revitalization Strategy continues to progress, there is an increasing demand for the digitization of rural houses, roads, and roadside trees. Given the characteristics of rural areas, such as narrow roads, high building density, and low-rise buildings, the precise and automated generation of outdoor floor plans and 3D models for rural areas is the core research issue of this paper. The specific research content is as follows: Using the point cloud data of the outer walls of rural houses collected by backpack LiDAR as the data source, this paper proposes an algorithm for drawing outdoor floor plans based on the topological relationship of sliced and rasterized wall point clouds. This algorithm aims to meet the needs of periodically updating large-scale rural house floor plans. By comparing the coordinates of house corner points measured with RTK, it is verified that the floor plans drawn by this algorithm can meet the accuracy requirements of 1:1000 topographic maps. Additionally, based on the generated outdoor floor plans, this paper proposes an algorithm for quickly generating outdoor 3D models of rural houses using the height information of wall point clouds. This algorithm can quickly generate outdoor 3D models of rural houses by longitudinally stretching the floor plans, meeting the requirements for 3D models in spatial analyses such as lighting and inundation. By measuring the distance from the wall point clouds to the 3D models and conducting statistical analysis, results show that the distances are concentrated between -0.1 m and 0.1 m. The 3D model generated by the method proposed in this paper can be used as one of the basic data for real 3D construction.

Stakeholders’ longitudinal perspectives on a large public housing redevelopment in Los Angeles, California

The Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere VI programme (HOPE VI) model created a new approach to redeveloping public housing in the US, paving the way for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). Unlike traditional public housing redevelopment, CNI aims to revitalise entire ecosystems to create sustainable, thriving communities by focusing on housing, people, neighbourhoods and participatory community planning. This study used qualitative methods to explore the longitudinal perspectives of 12 stakeholders involved in a large CNI-funded public housing redevelopment project in Los Angeles, California. Our grounded theory analysis identified four key themes: (1) persistent community ghosts; (2) growing regeneration rooted in optimism and hope for the future; (3) displacement concerns; and (4) the emergence of a mixed-income dichotomy. These findings underscore the importance of continued community involvement in redevelopment efforts, especially in communities that bear complex historical and social challenges.

Stakeholders’ longitudinal perspectives on a large public housing redevelopment in Los Angeles, California

The Homeownership and Opportunity for People Everywhere VI programme (HOPE VI) model created a new approach to redeveloping public housing in the US, paving the way for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). Unlike traditional public housing redevelopment, CNI aims to revitalise entire ecosystems to create sustainable, thriving communities by focusing on housing, people, neighbourhoods and participatory community planning. This study used qualitative methods to explore the longitudinal perspectives of 12 stakeholders involved in a large CNI-funded public housing redevelopment project in Los Angeles, California. Our grounded theory analysis identified four key themes: (1) persistent community ghosts; (2) growing regeneration rooted in optimism and hope for the future; (3) displacement concerns; and (4) the emergence of a mixed-income dichotomy. These findings underscore the importance of continued community involvement in redevelopment efforts, especially in communities that bear complex historical and social challenges.

Markers of predicting discharge from forensic psychiatric hospitals in Czechia.

Secure forensic hospital treatments are resource-intensive, aiming to rehabilitate offenders and enhance public safety. While these treatments consume significant portions of mental health budgets and show efficacy in some countries, their effectiveness in Czechia remains underexplored. Previous research has highlighted various factors influencing the likelihood of discharge from these institutions. Notably, the role of sociodemographic variables and the length of stay (LoS) in the context of forensic treatments has presented inconsistent findings across studies. The study, part of the 'Deinstitutionalization project' in Czechia, collected data from all inpatient forensic care hospitals. A total of 793 patients (711 male, 79 female and 3 unknown) were included. Data collection spanned 6 months, with tools like HoNOS, HoNOS-Secure, MOAS, HCR-20V3 and AQoL-8D employed to assess various aspects of patient health, behaviour, risk and quality of life. The study revealed several determinants influencing patient discharge from forensic hospitals. Key assessment tools, such as HoNOS secure scores and the HCR-20 clinical subscale, showed that higher scores equated to lower chances of release. Furthermore, specific diagnoses like substance use disorder increased discharge odds, while a mental retardation diagnosis significantly reduced it. The type of index offense showed no influence on discharge decisions. Factors like reduced risk behaviours, absence of mental retardation diagnosis, social support and secure post-release housing plans played significant roles. The results underscored the importance of using standardized assessment tools over clinical judgement. A standout insight was the unique challenges faced by patients diagnosed with mental retardation, emphasizing a need for specialized care units or tailored programmes.

Kualitas Bangunan, Fasilitas, dan Lokasi Perumahan sebagai Faktor Penentu Tingkat Kepuasan Penghuni

This study aims to explore the role of building quality, facilities, and housing location in determining the level of occupant satisfaction. Using quantitative methods with SEM-Smart PLS analysis techniques, this study analyzes primary and secondary data collected from residents of several housing complexes. The analysis results indicate that housing location significantly affects occupant satisfaction, while building quality and facilities do not show a statistically significant effect. These findings underline the importance of selecting a strategic location in housing development to improve occupant satisfaction. This study suggests that developers pay more attention to the location aspect in housing planning and development to achieve optimal levels of occupant satisfaction. Thus, the results of this study can be a reference for stakeholders in developing policies and strategies to improve housing quality

Strategic planning and investment analysis for affordable housing: Enhancing viability and growth

Strategic planning and investment analysis are critical to enhancing the viability and growth of affordable housing projects. As urban populations rise and housing affordability challenges persist, effective strategies are needed to ensure that affordable housing developments are both financially viable and scalable. This paper explores key aspects of strategic planning and investment analysis in the context of affordable housing, emphasizing their role in fostering sustainable growth and maximizing impact. Strategic planning involves setting clear objectives, identifying key success factors, and developing actionable plans to achieve desired outcomes. In affordable housing, this includes assessing local housing needs, understanding market dynamics, and aligning development goals with community priorities. Effective strategic planning ensures that housing projects are responsive to the needs of low- and moderate-income populations while addressing broader urban development goals. Investment analysis plays a crucial role in determining the financial feasibility and sustainability of affordable housing projects. This includes evaluating funding sources, estimating costs, and projecting financial returns. Key components of investment analysis include financial modeling, risk assessment, and scenario planning. By employing robust analytical tools, stakeholders can identify potential financial challenges and opportunities, optimize resource allocation, and ensure that projects are financially sound. Case studies from various regions highlight successful strategic planning and investment practices. For instance, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program in the United States has demonstrated how targeted investment incentives can stimulate the development of affordable housing while achieving financial and social returns. Similarly, initiatives in European countries have illustrated the importance of integrating strategic planning with innovative financing mechanisms to address housing shortages. Despite these successes, challenges remain, including securing adequate funding, navigating regulatory environments, and managing project risks. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, private investors, and community organizations. By leveraging strategic planning and investment analysis, stakeholders can enhance the viability and growth of affordable housing projects, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and inclusive urban development. In conclusion, strategic planning and investment analysis are essential for advancing affordable housing initiatives. They enable stakeholders to navigate complex financial landscapes, mitigate risks, and achieve long-term goals, fostering the growth of affordable housing and improving housing stability for underserved populations.

Cost-Related Drivers and Barriers of Passivhaus: A Systematic Literature Review

Passivhaus (PH) has gained global recognition for its energy-efficient features despite a 5% to 10% higher construction cost than traditional houses, especially within European countries. However, its adoption and popularity have not met the same fate in other countries like New Zealand. The higher upfront cost has been critical to the slow adoption of the PH movement in New Zealand. This study aimed to demystify the mist around the cost of PHs with a focus on the effects of drivers and barriers on their life cycle costs (LCCs). As such, a systematic literature review was conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cost implications associated with PH. Using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) review method, we examined 71 past studies on PHs from 2005 to 2023. We found that the drivers of PHs include reduced heating demand, increased thermal comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ). Research showed that the rising market for PHs is fueled by climate change, environmental awareness, innovative materials and technologies, individual commitment, improved regulations, pilot studies, research efforts, and governmental funding and initiatives. However, PHs face significant challenges such as increased complexity, advanced technology, higher initial investments compared to conventional and low-energy houses, national requirements, overheating, difficulties in affording the technologies, and a lack of options in the market. Despite the wealth of research on the economic aspects of PH, there is a lack of in-depth studies exploring the LCC of PHs focusing on cost commitments and benefits. Such studies are essential for assessing and optimising the cost-effectiveness of PH, considering different climates and regions, and comparing them with other low energy standards. The findings of our review provide a crucial focus for PH stakeholders in assessing the long-term financial viability of PH projects, thereby improving decision-making and facilitating effective planning for sustainable and cost-effective housing.

Concept of Assessment of Age-Friendly Residential Areas (AFRA): A Case Study of Gdańsk, Poland

(1) Background: Local governments are facing a considerable challenge to accurately verify cities, as well as to diagnose the condition of housing estates in the context of their friendliness to life of older people in order to be able to pursue a sustainable pro-ageing policy. In response to these needs, universal methodology for identifying age-friendly residential areas (AFRA) in cities was developed and tested. Thus, the main objective of the research was to develop an innovative methodological approach to the AFRA assessment, taking into account integrated functional-spatial and aesthetic indicators with particular emphasis on the ways of presenting results. (2) Methods: The methodology was based on the general, international assumptions of “ageing in place”, “age-friendly city”, “active ageing”, and an in-depth analysis of contemporary trends in this field, using international guidelines and recommendations, as in the case of survey data from the target international population and information provided by experts. (3) Results: The overall result of the project is a universal methodology for diagnosing housing estates in cities, taking into account infrastructural and landscape determinants in terms of their friendliness to older people, including a presentation of the usefulness of GIS tools to create thematic maps visualising the degree of friendliness. (4) Conclusions: This innovative approach to AFRA visualisation will expand the knowledge about the possibilities of diagnosing age-friendly spaces in the city that are conducted at the level of the city’s settlement units. The developed list of criteria influencing the friendliness of housing estates for older citizens can be useful for public entities in creating city and housing planning policies for private entities to manage their own investment plans and implement the concept of on-site ageing in their planning and for real estate agents to explore the real estate market for the needs of older clients.

The spatial planning of housing and urban green space: A combined stated choice experiment and land-use modeling approach

Urban green space (UGS) is receiving increasing attention as a means to make cities better adapted to climate change and to create high-quality living environments for citizens. The spatial planning of UGS generally asks a trade-off between optimizing land-use and accessibility characteristics which may differ between housing types. In this paper, we use a stated choice experiment to estimate residential location preferences related to neighborhood land-use, UGS and accessibility characteristics in the framework of a land-use model. A national sample of 394 Dutch homeowners participated in the experiments and mixed logit models were estimated by housing type distinguishing detached, row houses and apartments. The estimation results show that trade-offs made between a green neighborhood and accessibility to urban amenities tend to differ between the housing types. The estimates are used as parameters in a housing land-use allocation model. An application of the model to a residential area development problem shows that creating green buffers along road infrastructure is the most beneficial way of allocating UGS considering the housing value for residents. The application further shows that apartments benefit more strongly from UGS in the neighborhood than from high accessibility of urban amenities compared to detached and row houses. Finally, we find that the optimal spatial allocation of UGS depends on whether maximizing housing market-value or residents’ utility is the prime objective.

Promoting sustainable communities through affordable housing. A case study of Beirut, Lebanon

Promoting sustainable communities aims at creating both environmentally and socially responsible living environments. This paper explores the role of affordable housing in promoting the long-term sustainability of a community within healthy living conditions by closely examining the relationship between affordable housing, urban development policies, and sustainability, with the capital of Lebanon, Beirut, serving as a case study. The first part of the paper focuses on the current building laws issued in the official newspaper in 2004 using a content analysis methodology to demonstrate the impact of the changes in the laws on the new morphology and social fabric of the city through the creation of a favorable environment for big developers, wealthy property owners, and real estate agencies and, at the expense of old city residents and low-income families. The second part of the paper uses the qualitative analysis methodology to justify the presence of large unused stock of residential units in Beirut, referring to information from multiple data sources selected based on their applicability to sustainable development, affordable housing, and urban planning in areas related to the case study, Beirut. This part then investigates the potential presented by this stock of residential units in Beirut to increase the supply of affordable housing and foster a sustainable community. This paper argues that the promoted vertical expansion of the city weighs heavily on the environment and fails to provide a diverse mix of housing units, excluding a significant portion of the community from the city. Alternative development models aligning with principles of sustainable development and challenging the current building laws can promote social inclusivity, reduce urban sprawl, and minimize environmental impacts associated with new constructions, thus preserving the city’s physical and social fabric.

Personalisation under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: how personal are personal housing plans?

ABSTRACT This article explores the personalisation of homelessness services in the context of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. This ambitious piece of legislative reform introduced requirements on local housing authorities in England to assess an individual’s circumstances and develop personalised housing plans for people experiencing homelessness (s.3 HRA 2017, inserting s.189A Housing Act 1996). This article analyses research data (including 26 interviews) collected in 2018–2019 from ethnographic studies completed in two local authorities in the Midlands, across a period of four months in each site. Exploring the implementation of personalised housing plans in practice, this article investigates barriers to the application of the personalisation narrative, finding it operates as a tool of neoliberal governance rather than one of social justice. It asserts that if personalisation has the potential for more satisfactory and sustainable outcomes in preventing and relieving homelessness, then the inability for this narrative to manifest suggests the goal of the HRA 2017 in ‘reducing homelessness’ is being hampered.

THE TOWER HOUSE SPACE PLANNING AND ACTIVITIES IN OLD CITY SANA’A YEMEN

This paper explores the activities of Yemeni people in the Traditional Tower Houses in Old City of Sana'a. Yemen characterized by its unique traditional architecture; it is evident that every region in the country has its architectural character, which influenced by the local context (natural and cultural environments), and has many heritage sites registered with UNESCO heritage areas. The researcher will be focusing on the tower houses type to find the relation between the space planning and the Yemeni people daily activities that affect the space planning of the traditional tower house. Daily activities for Yemeni will be identify to ensure the space planning are designing according to the Yemeni activities as usual in term of the space size and space function. The tower house was design with 4 to 7 storey which is, each storey has a different function and activities. This study will be carried out through two types of data collection started by the observation, interviews, questionnaire's and the measurement by the researcher based on one of the case studies which is Bait Abu Luhum tower house which located in the Old City of Sana'a at Al- Abhar tower house. The conclusion summarizes the Tower House components and its relationship to the lifestyle and activities of Yemeni people the lessons to be learned from this example.

Spatial Planning Prerequisites for the Development of Affordable Housing in the Center of the City of Zagreb

This paper analyzes the concept of affordable housing and urban planning instruments that incentivize its development, especially in city centers. Considering the shortage of affordable housing in Zagreb, the research aims to identify contemporary urban planning practices that focus on the social function of housing and the role that local urban and housing policies have in ensuring access to it. By comparing the strategic documents for the housing development of the cities of Lyon and Barcelona and models of their implementation in the local urban plans for the areas of city centers and contact brownfield areas, the provisions incentivizing the development of the affordable housing (right of pre-emption, category of subsidized housing, inclusionary zoning, density bonus, and protection of residential use) are singled out. In the context of urban renewal of the historic center of Zagreb and of brownfield redevelopment in the contact zone of the city center, inclusion of the aforementioned provisions in local urban plans is examined, demonstrating the potential that such instrument has for the development of affordable housing in the city center.

Local Wisdom in Housing and Settlement Planning: A Case Study of Sudiroprajan Chinatown, Surakarta

Local wisdom is essential in urban development planning by bringing cultural values. Local wisdom in housing and settlements forms special characteristics both in spatial and social aspects. Chinatown is a form of residential area created by Chinese community groups. Sudiroprajan Chinatown Village is the center of Chinese settlement which is also located in the economic center area of Surakarta City. The method used in this research is qualitative with literature study, observation, description and analysis of settlement character based on physical and non-physical characteristics. Chinatown Village has a linear pattern following the road and is influenced by feng shui in arranging the interior and exterior of housing. Most residents in Sudiroprajan Chinatown Village work in the trade and services sector, namely by opening businesses in house buildings or at Pasar Gede. The temple is also the worship centre for Chinese residents in Chinatown Village. The local wisdom found in Chinatown Village influences other activities, such as the emergence of economic activities and cultural tourism. This shows that local wisdom influences the character and condition of settlements physically and non-physically.