Multiunit Housing Research Articles

Collective self-organised housing, an opportunity for consolidating the Australian dream

ABSTRACTIn promoting urban consolidation, Australia’s strategic urban plans have the unintended consequence of reducing, if not eliminating, an individual household’s capacity to directly engage with new dwelling production. Contrasts exist between the production processes of a free-standing home, typically constructed to contract, and that of a multi-unit building, typically speculatively designed and sold off-the-plan. Hence, in providing a vision of higher-density urban communities, Australia’s strategic urban plans arguably contribute to a disjunction between the function of higher-density dwellings and the individual households who seek to call them home. The paper suggests successful consolidation of the Australian Dream advocated by contemporary urban planning policies, requires that future residents be provided with greater capacity to influence multi-unit housing design. It draws on literature from a diversity of international jurisdictions to summarise the benefits realised by collectives of households developing housing for their own use. In particular, it shows collective self-organised housing can support the objectives of plans promoting urban consolidation.

Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among High-Risk Patients in the United States (NHANES 2001-2012): Implications for Clinical Practice.

Patients with cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and respiratory disease are susceptible to health consequences related to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. This study examined the prevalence, time trends, and correlates of SHS exposure among these patients compared with individuals without these diseases (control). Data were obtained from the 2001-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. All adults (≥20 years old) who were nonsmokers and exposed to SHS (serum cotinine level 0.015-10 ng/mL), had cancer (n = 1,440), CVD (congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, or stroke; n = 1,754), respiratory disease (asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema; n = 1,444), or none of these diseases (control; n = 11,615) were included in the analysis. Weighted prevalence, weighted second-degree polynomial linear regression of prevalence on year for trend analysis, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with adjustments to the complex survey design. SHS exposure was the highest among patients with respiratory disease (72.1%), followed by patients with CVD (70.6%), controls (70.4%), and patients with cancer (65.4%). From 2001 to 2012, exposure decreased the most among CVD patients (19.6%), followed by controls (16.0%), cancer patients (14.7%), and respiratory patients (10.0%). Exposed individuals in all groups were more likely to be younger, Black, and less educated. Exposed patients with respiratory disease were more likely to be former smokers (p < .05 for all). SHS exposure among these patients is high and comparable to the general population. Strengthening smoke-free policies in all settings is critical. More efforts are needed to address SHS exposure more effectively in clinical care settings. Despite the negative health effect of SHS exposure among patients with cancer, CVD, and respiratory disease, modest progress has been made in reducing their exposure. Continued efforts to strengthen smoke-free policies in workplaces, public place, and multiunit housing is critical. In addition, exposure to SHS among these patients seems to be overlooked in clinical care settings. More efforts are needed to address this problem more effectively in health care settings and investigate specific interventions directed at increasing patients' awareness about the risk of exposure to SHS and helping them to reducing their exposure.

Relationships Between Secondhand Smoke Incursion and Wheeze, Rhinitis, and Eczema Symptoms in Children Living in Homes Without Smokers in Multi-Unit Housing.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) incursion can occur in units of multi-unit housing (MUH). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between SHS incursion and allergic symptoms in children living in MUH without smokers. We conducted a cross-sectional study from May to September 2015 in Seoul, Korea. Children were recruited from elementary schools, kindergartens, and daycare centers. In total, 16676 children between 1 and 13 years of age living in MUH without smokers were included in the analysis. Allergic symptoms during the previous 12 months (current wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema) and home environmental factors, including the frequency of SHS incursion during the previous 12 months, were examined using a questionnaire filled out by the parents or guardians of the children. The prevalence of current allergic symptoms in children was 4.9% for wheeze, 42.0% for rhinitis, and 28.1% for eczema. The prevalence of SHS incursion into the children's homes was 61.6%. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographic and home environmental factors, children living in homes with SHS incursion (either no more than once a month or more than once a month) were more likely to have current wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema than those with no SHS incursion. More than half of the children's homes in MUH without smokers had SHS incursion. SHS incursion into homes was associated with wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema symptoms in children. Children living in multi-unit housing (MUH) can be exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) from smoke transferred from neighboring units with smokers. This study found that more than half of the children's homes without smokers in MUH had SHS incursion. Children living in homes with SHS incursion (either no more than once a month or more than once a month) were more likely to have current wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema than those with no SHS incursion. We confirmed that SHS incursion was associated with allergic symptoms in children.

Formative research to support the transition of multi-unit rental housing to smoke-free

Formative research to support the transition of multi-unit rental housing to smoke-free

Time to Track Health Outcomes of Smoke-Free Multiunit Housing

Time to Track Health Outcomes of Smoke-Free Multiunit Housing

Attitudes Toward Smoke-Free Public Housing Among U.S. Adults, 2016.

Effective February 2017, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published a rule requiring each public housing agency to implement a smoke-free policy within 18 months. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of favorability toward smoke-free public housing among U.S. adults. Data from 2016 Summer Styles, a nationally representative web-based survey conducted among adults (N=4,203) were analyzed in 2017. Participants were asked: Do you favor or oppose prohibiting smoking in public housing, including all indoor areas of living units, common areas, and office buildings, as well as in all outdoor areas within 25 feet of buildings? Multivariate Poisson regression was used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios of favorability (strongly or somewhat). Overall, 73.7% of respondents favored smoke-free public housing. Favorability was 44.3% among current cigarette smokers, 73.2% among former smokers, and 80.4% among never smokers. The adjusted likelihood of favorability was greater among non-Hispanic, non-black racial/ethnic minorities than whites, and among those in the West than the Northeast (p<0.05). Favorability was lower among adults with a high school education or less compared with those with a college degree, adults with annual household income <$15,000 than those with income ≥$60,000, multiunit housing residents than non-multiunit housing residents, current cigarette smokers than never smokers, and current non-cigarette tobacco product users than never users (p<0.05). Most U.S. adults favor prohibiting smoking in public housing. These data can inform the implementation and sustainment of smoke-free policies to reduce the public health burden of tobacco smoking in public housing.

Determinants of Growth in Multiunit Housing Demand since the Great Recession: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis

Following the Great Recession (2007–2009), growth in multiunit housing starts has been exceptionally strong and sustained. In this study, we examine empirical evidence for three possible explanations, namely, the passage of Baby Boomers into senior years, the depressed economic conditions, and rising preference of recent birth cohorts for residing in urban cores. Applying Age-Period-Cohort analysis to census data on multiunit housing occupancy from 1970 to 2010, we find evidence to support the explanations that a sharp increase in demand from Millennials drawn to urban cores and retiring Baby Boomers are contributing to the growth in multiunit housing starts. The results provide weak evidence of a negative relationship between depressed economic conditions and demand for multiunit housing starts. Over the long term, demand for multiunit housing can be expected to moderate as a result of the projected aging of the population.

Tobacco-Smoke Incursions and Satisfaction Among Residents With Children in Multiunit Housing, United States, 2013.

Residents of multiunit housing can be exposed to tobacco smoke even if they do not permit smoking in their homes. Although even low levels of tobacco smoke exposure can cause health problems for children and adults, some landlords are reluctant to ban smoking for fear of decreased occupancy rates or tenant satisfaction. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of tobacco smoke-free policies and tobacco-smoke incursions on housing satisfaction in multiunit housing residences with children. In 2013, 3696 randomly sampled US adult multiunit housing dwellers were invited to participate in a survey, and 3253 (88%) participated. Of these, 3128 responded to the question about having a child in the home, and 835 (27%) reported having a child in the home. We collected data on demographic characteristics, tobacco-smoke incursions, knowledge and attitudes about smoking policies, and housing satisfaction for this sample of 835 residents. Of the 827 residents who responded to the question, 755 (91.3%) agreed that tenants have a right to live in a tobacco smoke-free building. Although 672 of 835 (80.5%) residents were not cigarette smokers, most lived where smoking was permitted in the units (n = 463, 56.9%) or on the property (n = 571, 70.5%). Of 580 non-cigarette smoking residents who lived where no one had smoked cigarettes in the home for the past 3 months, 144 (25.2%) reported a recent tobacco-smoke incursion. Of these 144 residents, 143 (99%) were bothered. Few (36/143, 25.2%) complained to the landlord. Reasons for not complaining were reluctance to upset neighbors or concern about retaliation. Tobacco-smoke incursions and housing/landlord satisfaction were inversely related ( P < .05). Multiunit housing residents living with children in the United States strongly support smoke-free multiunit housing.

Comparative Study on the Recognition of Housing and Residential Environments by Current Housing Type using Multi Category Logistic Model

This study compared the perception of housing and residential environments by current housing type including single family housing, multi household housing, apartment, and multi unit housing in Seoul using ANOVA, scheffe post-hoc analysis, and multinomial logistic analysis. As a result, this study found that the perception of housing conditions and residential environment features has significantly differed among the housing type. More specifically, the conditions of apartment are relatively better compared to other type of housing. On the other hand, the conditions of multi household housing are perceived as the worst. Regarding the residential environment features, all type of housing assessed to be relatively favorable for their structural and physical conditions, but the fact that the apartment is relatively satisfactory compared to the other type of housing. Specifically, the residential environment features related to safety and residential convenience have greater difference in perception. These results show that there is a big difference in understanding the residential environments typically between apartment and non-apartment type. Through the conclusion of this study, it is identified the need for housing planning and policy to improve residential environments, specifically in old and original residential areas where mainly non-apartment type of housing is sprawled.

Factors associated with secondhand smoke incursion into the homes of non-smoking residents in a multi-unit housing complex: a cross-sectional study in Seoul, Korea

BackgroundIn a multi-unit housing (MUH) complex, secondhand smoke (SHS) can pass from one living space to another. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SHS incursion, and to establish the relationship between SHS incursion and socio-demographic and built environmental factors in MUH in Korea.MethodsA population-based sample of 2600 residents (aged ≥19 years) living in MUH from across the city of Seoul, Korea, was obtained through a web-based selection panel. The residents completed a questionnaire detailing socio-demographic factors, smoking status, frequency of SHS incursion, and built environmental factors. The presence of a personal smoke-free home rule was determined by residents declaring that no one smoked inside the home.ResultsOf the 2600 participants, non-smoking residents who lived in homes with a personal smoke-free rule were selected for further analysis (n = 1784). In the previous 12 months, 74.7% of residents had experienced SHS incursion ≥1 times. A multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that residents who spent more time at home, lived with children, supported the implementation of smoke-free regulations in MUH, lived in small homes, lived in homes with natural ventilation provided by opening a front door or the windows and front door, and lived in homes with more frequent natural ventilation were more likely to report SHS incursion into their homes.ConclusionsThe majority of the non-smoking residents experienced SHS incursion, even with a personal smoke-free rule in their homes. A smoke-free policy in MUH is needed to protect residents from SHS exposure when they are at home.

Understanding Social Sustainability in Housing Form the Case Study "Wohnen Mit Uns" in Vienna and Adaptibility to Turkey

The aim of this research paper is to contribute to the design of socially sustainable housing by discussing the significance of social sustainability and assessing this quality according to the determined criterias of social sustainability. There is a massive construction industry in Turkey, most of which is in the housing sector. These residential areas generally have been built as chaotic mass productions and lack a vision related to social quality. Today, there are significant problems confronting the building sector, such as globalisation, industrialisation, the imbalance between nature and humanity. These problems determine the quality of life we will have in the future. The intention of this paper is to demonstrate more socially orientated housing design, especially in countries such as Turkey in which this aspect is not a real concern in the housing practice according to the perception of author, especially in comparison to Europe. In order to achieve this goal, this paper first points out the importance of social sustainability in housing within architectural quality. The description and necessity of social sustainability in multi-unit housing have been discussed and the criteria have been determined to evaluate the quality of social sustainability. An award-winning project in Austria has been chosen as a case study to analyse and perceive social sustainability in residential areas, according to the described criteria. These criteria for assessment and the concrete case study including the emerging phase of the project background provide a guideline for developing housing projects towards social quality in Turkey. In conclusion a general evaluation of the success of the case study with its background and applicability of this concept to Turkish housing which is used by middle-class has been discussed.

공동주택 경관향상을 위한 특별건축구역제도 적용실태 분석에 관한 연구 : 신반포1차아파트 주택재건축 정비사업을 대상으로

A Special Building Zone, which could relieve or ignore part of the Building Act and the regulations in relevant laws, was practically established for the creation of new urban landscape, the improvement of construction technology, and the improvement of construction-related policy. However, due to the lack of understanding the Special Building Zone as well as the insufficiency of detailed standards in policies, the system currently cannot be operated in universal matters. In such circumstance, this study, which is based on the current data on the Special Building Zone defined in exiting law, attempts to analyze the multi-unit housing that has been planned by the system of Special Building Zone. Also, this study aims to derive the Special Building Zone’s possibilities and implications that contribute to the improvement of landscape, so as to suggest solutions for effective improvement of the system. With the results above, solutions for the improvement of the system can be derived and summarized as the following. On the one hand, from ‘planning perspective’, it is necessary to improve the system in a comprehensive way with consideration of urban and local contexts. On the other hand, from ‘procedure perspective’, some foundation shall be prepared for a system that can allows comprehensive tasks, including the settlement of the zone, the alleviation/elimination of regulations, the approval of building’s construction, the process of construction, and the monitoring.

The influence of building renovation and rental housing on urban trees

Urban forest ecosystems are complex and vulnerable social–ecological systems. The relationship between urban forests and housing is particularly variable and uncertain. We examine the influence of building renovation and rental housing on public trees at the parcel and street-section scale in a residential neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada. We use empirical data describing multiple tree inventories and government open data describing building permit applications to test for effects on urban forest structure, tree mortality, and tree planting. We found that the presence and number of building permits significantly predicted mortality at both scales, while planting was positively correlated with building permits at the street-section scale only. Multi-unit parcels had significantly lower rates of planting than single-unit parcels and multi-unit housing was positively correlated with mortality at the street-section scale. These findings suggest that where concentrated changes in housing stock are occurring, substantial losses of trees and associated ecosystem services are possible.

서울시내 공동주택 거주자의 주거환경 내 금연정책 시행에 대한 지지와 영향요인

서울시내 공동주택 거주자의 주거환경 내 금연정책 시행에 대한 지지와 영향요인

Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Smoke-free Policy in Philadelphia Public Housing.

Multi-unit housing environments remain significant sources of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, especially for vulnerable populations in subsidized housing. In Philadelphia, the largest US housing authority to implement smoke-free policies, we measured baseline resident smoking-related behaviors and attitudes, and longitudinal exposures to airborne nicotine, during policy development and implementation. In 4 communities, we collected data in 2013, 2014, and 2016, before and after introduction of comprehensive smoke-free policies, interviewing persons in 172 households, and monitoring air-borne nicotine in non-smoking homes and public areas. Average nicotine level differences across years were estimated with multi-level models. Fifty-six percent of respondents smoked. Only 37% of households were smoke-free, with another 41% restricting smoking by area or time of day. The number of locations with detectable nicotine did not differ before and after policy implementation, with approximately 20% of non-smoking homes and 70%-80% of public areas having detectable nicotine. However, public area nicotine levels were lower in 2016, after policy implementation, than in 2013 and 2014 (-0.19 μg/m3, p = .03). Findings suggest that initial policy implementation was associated with reduced SHS exposure in Philadelphia. As HUD strengthens smoke-free policies, SHS monitoring can be useful to educate stakeholders and build support for policy enforcement.

Second and Thirdhand Smoke Exposure, Attitudes and Protective Practices: Results from a Survey of Hispanic Residents in Multi-unit Housing.

Secondhand and third hand smoke (SHS, THS) exposure is prevalent in multi-unit housing (MUH). Minorities and low-income MUH residents are disproportionally exposed to SHS and THS compared to other populations. This study describes the characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors related to SHS, THS and marijuana smoke exposure (MSHS) of a sample of Hispanic tenants in randomly selected MUH units in eastern metro Los Angeles (n = 402). Although most participants (97%) banned smoking inside their homes, 80% reported infiltration of SHS inside their apartments within the last year. Most (85%) favored a complete ban on smoking in apartment buildings. Twenty-eight percent did not know that marijuana (MSHS) smoke exposure is also harmful to their health. Knowledge scores were higher among Spanish-speakers (p < 0.05). Given the interpersonal barriers to advocating for change, widespread policy and communication interventions are also necessary to protect Hispanic MUH residents' rights to clean air in their living space.

Assessing the relationship between house types and residential satisfaction in Tabriz, Iran

ABSTRACTThis research investigates the association between house type and residential satisfaction in terms of neighbourhood and dwelling acceptability to occupants. Using a questionnaire survey, 328 households were sampled to evaluate the perceived residential satisfaction among three major house types of single-unit houses, multi-unit apartment houses and housing complexes in Tabriz, Iran. One-way analysis of variance and categorical regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Data analysis indicated that a significant relationship exists between house type and residential satisfaction with respect to selected variables of building amenities, privacy of dwelling units, school accessibility, quality of access roads and satisfaction with neighbours. Results of regression analysis revealed that the main predictors of residential satisfaction are not the same for all house types. While neighbourhood characteristics are the main predictors of residential satisfaction for all house types in Tabriz, building characteristics impact only satisfaction of apartment residents. This study has implications for residential planning in Iran, and confirms the need for housing planners and development agencies to consider relevant aspects of users’ preferences, which include their quest for suitable house types, when conceptualizing housing designs and residential development.

Future implications of urban intensification on residential water demand

Over recent decades Auckland, New Zealand, metropolitan area has vastly expanded as a result of rapid population growth and low-density housing developments. In order to manage the uncontrolled low-density urban sprawl, Auckland Council proposed a compact city model through promoting higher density housing developments. In order to understand the implications of this transition on future residential water demand, this study first evaluated water consumption in three major housing types in Auckland including single houses, low-rise and high-rise apartments. Using the geographic information system, the water consumption information, estimated from a large sample of 60,000 dwellings across Auckland, was subsequently integrated with the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan outlining the future housing composition over different areas in Auckland. Through developing different growth scenarios, the study showed that the housing transition from single houses to more intensified multi-unit houses cannot considerably affect the average per capita water consumption in Auckland.

Impacting Multiunit Housing Managers' Beliefs About the Benefits of Adopting Smoke-Free Policies: A Pilot Investigation.

To examine the influence of providing multiunit housing (MUH) managers with a resource manual for MUH smoke-free policy implementation on manager perceptions of smoke-free policies. One-group within-subject pretest-posttest design examining manager perceptions of smoke-free policies. Random sampling of MUH managers in Oklahoma. Forty-six MUH managers. The SMOKEFREE Landlord Manual (SLM) provides information on smoke-free policies and implementation resources. Beliefs regarding implementation of smoke-free policies were measured on a Likert scale before and after receiving the manual. A general linear model examined changes in beliefs regarding implementation of a smoke-free policy. After receiving the manual, managers were more likely to agree with positive beliefs about smoke-free policies (Wilks λ = 0.59, F[18, 70] = 2.68, P < .01). The MUH managers endorsed more positive beliefs regarding smoke-free policies following the receipt of the SLM.

Analysis of the Efficient Utilization of Surplus Parking Spaces in Apartment Complexes of Seoul

Purpose: Residents in deteriorated residential areas of Seoul have suffered from parking shortage problem. Since it is almost impossible to supply new parking, it is critical to find a way to efficiently utilize existing parking spaces. This study proposes utilizing unused parking spaces in apartment complexes so that residents in multi-unit or multi-family houses can share those parking spaces. Method: Spatial scope of this research is limited to multiplex-clustered neighborhood and apartment complex in Seoul. To identify the nature of parking problem, we reviewed current parking situations in residential areas and policies from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. To understand the amount of parking spaces required to solve parking shortages in multiplex-clustered neighborhoods, this study analyzed car ownership per household and available parking spaces in old residential areas. Then we were able to apprehend the amount of parking spaces that could be used for residents in aged multiplex-clustered areas. Result: Our analysis shows a great potential to utilize surplus parking spaces from apartment complexes for solving parking problems in multiplex-clustered neighborhoods.