Housing Strategies Research Articles

Improving Housing Sustainability Through an Innovative Approach

The need for housing has always been a concern for societies throughout history, and for a long time, providing suitable housing has been a challenge not only for individuals but also for governments. Housing is a fundamental human need; however, access remains a significant challenge, especially for low-income families. Rapid urbanization exacerbates this issue and highlights the need for innovative and sustainable housing strategies that can support urban growth and improve living conditions for these families. This literature review examines housing strategies such as mixed-use developments, incremental housing, low-rent housing, retrofitting, micro-housing, co-housing, and green building through a comprehensive literature search and thematic analysis to address housing challenges comprehensively. The findings suggest that these strategies can significantly enhance spatial equity and promote sustainable urban development. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing practical recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and housing advocates, aiming to strengthen inclusive, equitable, and sustainable cities. The study emphasizes that appropriate design techniques, new materials, and technologies not only increase housing sustainability but also enhance affordability by reducing life cycle costs. This research establishes the link between sustainability and affordability in housing design and offers insights that can be adapted and applied in other areas with low-income groups.

Data-driven Strategies for Affordable Housing: A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning Optimization Model in the Melbourne Metropolitan Area

Abstract. The escalating rental crisis in Australia, rooted in demographic dynamics, a scarcity of lands suitable for development and the influence of interest rates and government subsidies, necessitates innovative solutions for housing affordability. One promising approach is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. Nevertheless, these efforts must be guided by well-informed policies as they are required to cater to the diverse needs of the stakeholders involved. Accordingly, this study aims to prioritize suburbs in the Melbourne Metropolitan area for the construction of apartment/unit buildings, benefiting both builders/investors and renters. Leveraging a hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Machine Learning (GA-ML) framework, multi-objective optimization models are developed to rank 105 suburbs based on key parameters for both builders/investors and renters. The optimization process seeks to maximize economic outlook and rental yields for builders/investors while minimizing rents and commuting distances for renters, in addition to proximity to essential amenities. First, an initial optimization using GA based on six key parameters is performed considering a linear multi-objective function. Subsequently, ML-based objective functions are defined using Random Forest (RF) and extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models to refine the optimization model for suburb rankings. The evaluation reveals strong correlations between GA and GA-XGB rankings, suggesting the effectiveness of the GA-XGBoost model in prioritizing suburbs. Notably, suburbs consistently prioritized across all models include Brunswick, Coburg, Preston and Reservoir, highlighting their suitability for apartment/unit building construction. By directing attention to specific suburbs aligned with different stakeholders' needs and preferences, this study contributes to a more sustainable and equitable housing landscape.

Just Housing Unrealized: The Canada Housing Benefit in Atlantic Canada

We examine the design and implementation of the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB), which is a rent subsidy provided to low-income tenants and an important part of the National Housing Strategy. Focusing on three Atlantic provinces, we explore to what extent the CHB adheres to just housing, based on the perspectives of stakeholders (n=18) who work with people living in poverty. We find that the CHB fails to provide assistance to many marginalized renters, thus perpetuating their exclusion. The CHB also falls short in providing housing that is affordable and secure, and lacks involvement in decision-making on the part of those with lived experience. Finally, the current state of the rental market, including a lack of units and landlord discrimination, poses significant limitations to its implementation. We conclude that the design of the CHB needs to be overhauled to comply with just housing, but that the housing terrain in which allowances are provided needs to be transformed or just housing will remain unrealized.

An integrated model of a prefabrication hub feasibility assessment: a Hong Kong case

Housing issues in densely populated, high-rise cities like Hong Kong place significant pressure on the local Housing Authority to devise effective housing strategies. In response to these challenges, prefabrication, promoting sustainable construction has gained traction, and addresses labour shortages, time constraints, safety concerns, and environmental impacts. However, cross-border logistics from Mainland China heighten supply chain disruptions and risks. Establishing a local prefabrication hub could mitigate these issues and streamline the construction process. There is a lack of research on standardized model solutions for prefabrication hub feasibility assessments, which is essential for objective project viability analysis. This article proposes an integrated model for assessing the feasibility of prefabrication hubs, considering financial, market performance, technical, social, and environmental aspects. The interrelationships among these five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were formulated as hypotheses. A questionnaire survey collected expert opinions from industry and academia on influential KPIs and their measurement items, followed by Structural Equation Modelling and interviews for hypothesis testing and validation. The assessment of market performance appears foundational, with ‘demand analysis for prefabricated components’ and ‘supply analysis’ as the most critical factors. These findings could serve as a basis for developing strategies for smoothly integrating prefabrication hubs into Hong Kong’s supply chain.

Update to UK calf management and housing strategies

Update to UK calf management and housing strategies

Effects of Social Group Housing on the Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Captive Sub-Adult Giant Pandas.

Wild giant pandas are inherently solitary creatures, however, the ex-situ conservation efforts significantly alter the living circumstances of their captive counterparts. Following the breeding period, giant pandas in captivity may be maintained in social groups. Currently, there is a lack of research on the effects of group housing on the physiology, behavior, and gut microbiota of captive giant pandas. This study divided six captive giant pandas into two groups following the breeding period. By comparing the behavior, physiology, and microorganisms of the two groups, we aim to investigate the behavioral responses and physiological adaptation mechanisms exhibited by captive giant pandas in a "group living" state. Our findings indicate that sub-adult giant pandas housed in group settings exhibit a significantly longer duration of playing behavior (including interactive and non-interactive play) compared to their counterparts housed separately (p < 0.001) while also demonstrating a significantly lower duration of stereotyped behavior than their separately housed counterparts. Additionally, an analysis of urine cortisol and heart rate variability between the two groups revealed no significant differences. Simultaneously, the group housing strategy markedly elevated the β diversity of gut microbiota in sub-adult giant pandas. In conclusion, the group-rearing model during the sub-adult stage has been shown to significantly alter the behavioral patterns of captive giant pandas. In conclusion, within the present captive setting, the group-rearing approach during the sub-adult stage proved to be less distressing for adult captive giant pandas.

The Effect Round House strategy on pupils Writing skill

The present study aims at finding out the effect of Round House strategy on developing EFL Intermediate pupils’ Writing skill. To achieve the aim of this study , a hypotheses is assumed to be established. there is no statistically significant difference between the experimental group in the pre –post writing test . A sample consists of (60) pupils in first grade at Al-Hammiya Intermediate School for Boys distributed into two groups. Group (A) represents experimental group that includes (30) pupils are taught according to Round House strategy. Group (B) represents control group who also includes (30) pupils who are taught according to the prescribed method. Both groups have been equalized in such variables educational level of parents. English scores achievement in preceding year, and the pre-test of both groups. The dependability coefficient has been validated using the Alpha-Cronbach method. A statistical study of the items has been done to determine the discrimination power and level of difficulty for each item. As a result, the post-test has been administered to the full sample. The formula for "the T-test of two independent and paired samples' has been employed to statistically analyze the data acquired from the post-test results. There is a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental group" when using Round House strategy. Appropriate recommendations and suggestion for future research are made in light of the study's results and conclusions

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARISON BETWEEN LANDED AND VERTICAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN LAHORE

Pakistan has experienced substantial housing growth and stands as one of the most urbanised countries in South Asia, yet it grapples with a housing backlog exceeding 10 million units. The affordability challenges in Lahore are particularly acute. In the realm of affordable housing, there is a preference for vertical living over landed homes. However, no prior research has systematically examined the price correlation between apartment living and landed housing, along with the impact of policies in the context of neoliberal ideology within Pakistan. Neoliberalism, emphasising the superiority of the market over the state has been a dominant force influencing affordable housing strategies. With this backdrop of affordability and neoliberalism, this paper aims to examine the performance difference between landed and vertical housing development. This paper aims to draw an affordability comparison between landed and vertical housing development using a document review and market survey. The study used a qualitative approach employing a case study design. For the data collection, interpretative discourse analysis for public documents was performed, and field surveys for pricing evaluation were conducted in Lahore. The analysis revealed that apartments by the private sector are not affordable for low-income people, often characterised by larger sizes and lacking specific quotas for low-income residents. The study recommends a comprehensive review of building regulations, particularly focusing on specific provisions (quota) targeting low-income people in housing development.

The Problematisation of Young People Within Existing Housing-Related Policy in Queensland

AbstractMore young people are experiencing homelessness and housing stress in Australia than ever before, with policy responses failing to address a current housing and cost-of-living crisis. Of particular concern when considering increasing rates of youth homelessness and housing stress is the absence of research examining existing policy. This research was undertaken in the Australian state of Queensland and contributes to addressing this gap in knowledge by utilising Carol Bacchi’s (2009) ‘What’s the Problem Represented to be?’ approach to policy analysis to examine three state policies, namely Towards Ending Homelessness for Young Queenslanders 2022–2027, the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017–2027, and the Queensland Youth Strategy. A range of discourses were found which position young people as lacking knowledge and skills to obtain housing. Emphasis is also placed on education, training, and employment as solutions to youth housing issues rather than a genuine focus on empowering young people through policy and practice initiatives. The findings of this research mirror existing discourses found in global conversations about youth homelessness and housing stress and contribute to a growing knowledge base around the importance of engaging young people in decision making within public policy and social reform.

The impact of population growth on housing food security and transportation

Background: Rapid population growth and its impact on the environment is a major problem facing the world today, in addition to other issues that also require serious handling and attention. Rapid population growth, especially in cities and urban areas, puts pressure on the fulfillment of population needs that must be provided to ensure the survival of the population. Population growth has an impact on the increasing needs of the population for affordable housing, food needs, transportation. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach based on case studies and literature reviews. This approach involves a critical and in-depth evaluation of previous research, focusing on data collected from various sources related to the impact of population growth on affordable housing, food needs, and sustainable transportation. Findings: The rate of population growth has an impact on environmental sustainability, as a result of the exploitation of natural resources to fulfill various needs, including food needs. Population growth has a linear effect on the demand for food, such as rice and tubers, through the provision of agricultural land. This increase in consumption value occurs in an increasingly limited stock of natural resources, therefore a food fulfillment strategy is needed to achieve national food security and sovereignty, to meet the needs of the population and for food stocks to anticipate undesirable things, such as natural disasters and crop failures. Some of the efforts that can be made are food diversification, intensification, and extensification of agriculture accompanied by the active role of the government in providing infrastructure and supporting policies. Population growth also affects the level of population mobility. Each individual carries out daily activities such as school, work and other activities. This population mobility greatly affects the use of transportation modes to reach certain destinations. The mode of transportation consists of private vehicles and public vehicles. Conclusion: If the use of private vehicles is more than public vehicles, there is the potential for traffic congestion. In addition, the more vehicles used, the greater the carbon emissions produced so that it can cause greenhouse gas effects. One of the efforts that can be made is to implement sustainable transportation management through Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the provision of transportation modes. TOD is expected to make private vehicle users switch to using public transportation. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research proposes a holistic approach to address the impacts of urban population growth, combining strategies for food diversification, transit-based development, and affordable housing. This framework is expected to be a practical innovation for sustainable urban development in countries with rapid population growth.

Access to the exclusive city: Home sharing as an affordable housing strategy

Home sharing, particularly via online platforms, is becoming a mainstream housing strategy as social processes evolve and housing costs rise. Recent research has studied shared rentals as a modality for students and kin-based households, as one strategy among diversifying pathways to housing and as a social phenomenon. However, we still know little about whether it actually creates opportunities for home seekers in unaffordable markets. Analysing online rental listings in Los Angeles, we find that shared rentals are both more affordable and more widely available across diverse neighbourhoods than traditional whole-unit rentals. Shared rentals have historically been understudied due to their limited data trail, but they offer important entryways into unaffordable markets. We argue for shared housing research to shift its traditional focus away from students and young adults and towards a broader exploration of the diverse populations that may benefit from or depend on shared housing.

Bioclimatic Design Strategies For Housing in Areas Affected by Natural Events

Objective: The objective of this study was a housing design with bioclimatic criteria and construction technology with traditional materials to propose an appropriate solution for families that suffered damage from the 2017 earthquakes in Oaxaca, Mexico. Method: A climatic characterization of the site was carried out to obtain bioclimatic strategies for the housing design. Analysis methods were used to validate these strategies such as comfort triangles and Mahoney tables. The housing was designed considering the resulting strategies and prioritized passive ones. Results and conclusions: It was obtained that for the study area the main strategies for the housing design are natural cross ventilation, thermal inertia in walls and ceilings and solar radiation during the cold months. The study highlights the importance of implementing bioclimatic design strategies according to the climatic context that promote the improvement of the habitability level of housing. Implications of the research: The research contributes to the design of a sustainable housing model for families affected in their patrimony by the action of earthquakes in the study area considering the environmental conditions, in addition to promoting the conservation of traditional architecture and construction systems. Originality/value: In the area of sustainability and the environment, a housing design was proposed that adopts practices that minimize the environmental impact and ensures that the new houses are energy efficient and environmentally friendly and adapt to climate change.

Comparative Assessment of Insulation Materials for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Building Retrofit

This paper evaluates the impacts of different insulation materials on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and occupant health with a focus on the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. The main aim is to identify options that minimize exposure rates while improving IAQ and energy in retrofitted buildings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted synthesizing scholarly articles, guidelines from international organizations, and information on pollutants, IAQ standards, and retrofit strategies. The findings show high emission rates for some insulation materials that could negatively affect health. Hemp insulation in contrast was identified as a promising solution exhibiting low VOC emissions compared to other insulation materials. As sustainable construction practices advance, hemp insulation emerges as a viable retrofit strategy for social housing by synergistically addressing performance gaps related to energy conservation, air quality, and thermal comfort. The synthesis of evidence from this paper suggests that, from environmental and public health perspectives, certain insulation materials are preferable for improving IAQ and reducing the risk of exposure to indoor air pollutants in retrofitted buildings.

Problems and design strategies for elderly housing

In article describes the choice of methods for caring for the elderly and the comfort of living spaces are closely linked to aging-friendly design. Aging leads to a decline in physical functions, resulting in numerous obstacles in life. Therefore, the article analyzes the activity of housing for the elderly, taking aging-friendly design as a starting point. The development status of elderly housing needs in management, safety, social interaction, respect, and other aspects are examined. Design strategies conducive to aging, in terms of lighting, ventilation, detailed environment, public spaces, and intellectual services, are proposed. This aims to enhance comfort, safety, and livability in housing for the elderly and ensure the quality of life for older people. With the rapid growth in demand for elderly care, the vacancy rate in elderly housing reaches 50%. Due to changes in social and family structure, most elderly people live alone and lack security. Elderly homes have become ideal places for them. Currently, most care facilities lack professional management, and the services provided are too uniform. This leads to a weak sense of identity, with resources remaining underutilized. For semi-disabled individuals, standardized conditions do not always meet their expectations for rehabilitation care, medical services, and spiritual comfort. Elderly people face behavioral disorders affecting sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Declines in the five senses, including speech impairments, mobility difficulties, and physiological disorders, lead to psychological needs such as socialization and self-realization. Aging-friendly design is based on the physiological and psychological cognitive characteristics of elderly people. It aims to create an environment that meets their needs and ensures effective care for them. The aim of the study is to analyze the problems associated with designing buildings for the elderly and to determine strategies for creating a supportive design that considers the needs and characteristics of the target audience. The work is aimed at improving the comfort, safety, and quality of life of elderly people by providing them with an appropriate living environment.

Optimization of energy consumption in residential housing within the framework of energy sustainability strategies. A case study in the Canary Islands

Given that the energy consumption of buildings equates to practically 40 % of the total energy demand of any electrical system, research studies on reducing such energy consumption are of paramount importance. This problem is accentuated in isolated weak electrical systems, like those found in many island territories, where there are significant limitations on the management of energy generation and demand. The objective of the present work is to identify the relationship between the energy consumption of residential housing and its thermal envelope characteristics within the framework of energy sustainability strategies. For this purpose, multiple solutions were compared based on combinations of values associated to different types of residential building, a wide range of thermal transmittance values based on the application of different materials and/or envelope designs, and different climate zones. It is concluded that the energy consumption of these buildings can be significantly reduced by optimizing the technical characteristics of the thermal envelope, adapting it the surrounding climate conditions. For the case study, the specific energy saving can be as high as 51.4 kWh/m2·year. Bearing in mind the housing stock in the study area, the total energy saving is equivalent to 9.17 % of its current energy demand. The results and conclusions obtained can be used in the development of planning strategies for new housing and/or the optimization of energy consumption in already existing housing stock.

Evaluating Passive Housing Strategies in Extreme Climates: A Case Study of Dubai Using PHPP and IESVE Models

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable architecture necessitates precise building energy modeling, especially in regions marked by extreme climates. The focus of this study is to evaluate the potential and practicality of passive housing strategies in climates similar to Dubai. In this study, we employed the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) to create a meticulous representation of the Dubai environmental conditions, ensuring that detailed architectural elements and HVAC systems were captured to provide the most energy-efficient architecture. To validate the accuracy of the model, consumption data from 2020 was used as a benchmark, reflecting the observed hot water and electricity consumption. Additionally, we developed a linear state-space model using IES Virtual Environment software (IESVE) to capture the dynamic thermal behaviour of the proposed building. We assessed the merits of the Passivhaus model in harsh climates and compared them with those of various space calculation methodologies. The model showed significant congruence with the actual consumption data and external temperature metrics for 2020. Furthermore, the state-space model, along with its various state variables, inputs, and outputs, aligned well with the real-world observations. The results indicate that the Passivhaus model possesses significant potential to reduce carbon emissions, highlighted by a detected 10% variance in energy consumption during the simulated summer peak. Differences in space calculation methodologies were also determined, emphasising the necessity of context-driven architectural evaluation. This study provides invaluable insights into the energy dynamics of contemporary buildings and emphasises the transformative potential of passive housing in extreme climates.

The limits of right-sizing: analyzing social housing strategies in French shrinking cities

ABSTRACT Right-sizing is becoming an increasingly relevant topic within the burgeoning literature on shrinking cities, specifically as a means for cities to cope with population loss. It encompasses various measures, such as demolishing vacant housing, consolidating urban development, and reusing vacant land for community gardens. Right-sizing promises to reduce financial concerns and increase quality of life. However, several studies have pointed out the limitations of its application, as it is bound by the principles of austerity. Recent research has argued for a more nuanced interpretation of the concept, as right-sizing can have differing impacts and outcomes depending on the local context. Following these recent contributions, this paper aims to deconstruct the right-sizing approach by analyzing social housing strategies in two shrinking cities in France (Le Creusot and Montluçon). The analysis shows that these two cities have been implementing strategies that include some quantitative adjustments of supply to demand. However, the strategies adopted are considerably more complex than mere quantitative adjustment and include a variety of synergistic lines of action. Thus, the aim of this paper is twofold: first, to highlight the limitations of right-sizing as an analytical concept, and second, to contribute to identifying appropriate social housing policies for shrinking cities.

Shaping Strict Migrant Policies through Housing Strategies in Denmark

In Denmark, approximately one million people reside in public housing. This sector encompasses over half of all “immigrants and their descendants from non-Western countries “. Educational attainment and employment rates among public housing residents are notably lower than the na-tional average, and a significant proportion rely on transfer income (Landsbyggefonden, 2022). In 2020, the Housing and Planning Authority designated 25 public housing areas as 'disadvantaged residential areas.' According to the Ministry of Housing, these areas are beset by several chal-lenges, including higher unemployment rates, lower educational levels, increased criminal activity, a predominance of residents with only basic education, and substantially lower incomes compared to the broader population (Bolig- og Planstyrelsen, 2020). The political strategy for addressing these disadvantaged areas has significantly changed in recent years. Since 2018, the Danish parliament, supported by a broad majority, has implemented the Parallel Society Agreement (PSA). Key elements of the PSA include mandatory childcare from age one for children in these areas, a prohibition on individuals receiving transfer incomes from relocating to the most severely affected 'ghetto areas,' language assessments for children beginning in kindergarten, and a cap of no more than 40% public housing in these areas. This is to be achieved by demolishing existing public housing and developing new private properties (PSA, 2018). These regulations, unique to areas predominantly inhabited by ethnic minorities, prompt questions about whether this represents a singular approach to housing policy or a continuation of practices that have been evolving since the 1980s with the increase in labor and refugee migration. This article will demonstrate, through policy document analysis and three case studies in Denmark, how politicians and the media construct a narrative that ethnic minorities in disadvantaged housing areas, often labeled as ghetto areas, lack the desire for cultural interaction and integration with the wider Danish society. This perception paves the way for legal and administrative practices that systematically discriminate against ethnic minorities, illustrating how housing policy is intricately connected to migration policy in Denmark.

Housing Vulnerability, Shared Housing, Informality, and Crowding: The Housing Strategies of China’s Recent College Graduates

ABSTRACT Mirroring developments elsewhere, for recent college graduates in China the transition to employment is increasingly protracted and, for some, precarious. Case studies of individual strategies and cities indicate a diversification of housing pathways, where economic precarity is rendering at least some vulnerable. Based on original survey data collected in 2019, I investigate the housing choices of Chinese college graduate job market entrants and ask who is vulnerable and whether adverse outcomes are mere market entry strategies or lasting. I find that recent graduates generally find housing in central locations, close to their work. However, to achieve favourable locational outcomes on low budgets, many resort to sharing. High-density room sharing of three or more people is illegal but prominent and dominates in first-tier cities. The findings highlight how urbanization interacts with housing vulnerability and contribute to theorizing on the housing crisis, the Global North-South binary, and the very nature of home sharing.

Should I stay or should I go?: Reasons beneficiaries decide to stay or leave aid-provided in-situ housing

Providing in-situ housing after a disaster is thought to prevent issues resulting in housing inoccupancy. In-situ housing, or housing built at the original site, aims to retain beneficiary connection to people, place, and livelihoods, addressing many noted challenges of building at relocated sites. However, beneficiaries have left thousands of aid-provided in-situ houses in post-tsunami Aceh, Indonesia. This research conducted and analyzed questionnaires administered to beneficiaries that both stayed and left their provided in-situ housing almost two decades post-tsunami, exploring the reasons for their decisions. Results show that while place- and community-based reasons can be reasons to remain in in-situ housing, these can also cause beneficiaries to leave their housing due to place-based trauma and disrupted social capital due to loss. In addition, economic and personal conditions influence decisions to stay or leave. Economic conditions, including opportunities for education and more formal livelihoods, particularly for those that were younger, were stated as reasons beneficiaries left, whereas older beneficiaries with less education, more intact social capital, and livelihoods tied to the land, such as farming and fishing, tended to remain. These findings reinforce the importance of aligning post-disaster housing strategies with the lived dynamics of the affected individuals, emphasizing the need for solutions that not only address immediate housing concerns but also foster social and economic resilience to enable long-term housing occupancy.