HOUSING

Anne Marie Chavez

Bs Arch 51A1
Current issues and future trends in housing

Current issues:
• Migration: “Migrants are particularly vulnerable to human rights violations, the
enjoyment of housing being among the most endangered rights. The duties of migrants
to the host State are equal to those of locals from the moment that they enter the host
community, as they are bound by its laws.”
People on the move, whether they are refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced
persons (IDPs) or migrants, are particularly vulnerable to a range of human rights
violations, including violations of the right to adequate housing. Displaced persons
are also particularly vulnerable to discrimination, racism and xenophobia, which can
further interfere with their ability to secure sustainable and adequate living conditions.
Refugee and IDP camps around the world, particularly when displacement is
protracted, are often dilapidated, and overcrowded, providing inadequate shelter and
services. Often unable in practice or because of their legal status to rent adequate
accommodation, many are forced to live in overcrowded and insecure conditions.
Migrants will also often end up living in precarious and unsafe conditions in cities and
urban areas. Employers may oblige migrant domestic workers or factory workers to
live at their place of work.
• Population: The relationship between population and housing is two-sided. On the
one hand, population change leads to a changing demand for housing. Population
growth, and particularly a growth in the number of households, leads to a growth in
housing demand. Population decline might lead to a decrease in housing demand.

• Poverty: Evidence that poverty affects housing circumstances is generally stronger

than evidence that housing circumstances affect poverty. Low incomes prevent access
to many potential housing options, or make them hard to sustain. However, the
housing system, with social housing, housing benefit and support for homeless
people, acts as a buffer against the effects of poverty, so that although people living in
poverty have a higher risk of bad housing conditions, they generally avoid them.
Future trends:

The future trends of residential architecture

Environments change as the world changes. Changing values, digital technologies, and
environmental consciousness are shaping the future of residential architecture. We know now
that the future of housing will require us to redefine how we live, how we occupy space and
move in response to global challenges. In this article, we uncover some of the trends that will
play a significant role in defining the future face of residential architecture.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability has moved from being a trend to being the norm. Residential designs of the
future must incorporate these energy efficient solutions and have less impact on our world.
This will be driven by passive house principles, renewable energy (solar and wind), and local
sustainability (reclaimed wood; recycled metals). These houses are designed to make the
most of natural light, airflow, and insulation, resulting in much lower energy consumption
and greater comfort.
Smart Home Integration
Residential architecture will focus on smart home integration. Future homes will feature
seamlessly integrated technology to provide everything from automated lighting and climate
control to security and energy management that anticipates the needs of its occupants.

Houses will become more responsive and customizable, enabled by voice-controlled devices,
AI-driven systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Technology developers will work with
architects to create environments that communicate back, interpreting residents' habits and
preferences to provide services that are intuitive and adaptive.

Flexible, Multi-Functional Spaces

As lifestyles evolve, so do the needs of living spaces. The future of residential architecture
will focus on flexible, multifunctional designs that adapt to the changing needs of
homeowners. The home office, once an afterthought, has become an essential part of modern
living, and this trend is here to stay.

Future homes will have dynamic spaces that can shift for different uses throughout the day.
Sliding walls, retractable partitions and modular furniture will allow rooms to transform from
office to playroom or living room to guest room, all within the same space. This flexibility
will enable houses to serve multiple functions without requiring more physical space.

Connection with Nature

Biophilic design is a growing movement in residential architecture. Future homes will aim to
create a stronger connection with nature by including natural elements and materials in their
design. Large windows, open-air terraces, and indoor gardens will soon become standard
features, blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
The use of materials such as stone, wood, and glass will strengthen this connection by giving
a more natural look and feel to the home. Beyond aesthetics, this approach has been proven to
improve mental and physical well-being, providing a healthier and more balanced living
environment for residents.
Minimalism and Clean Lines
Minimalism remains a key trend in modern residential architecture, and its influence isn't
fading anytime soon. Clean lines, open spaces, and uncluttered environments give a sense of
calm and order that is especially appealing in crowded urban areas. Future houses will follow
a "less is more" approach, with minimalist designs that focus on quality over quantity.

This minimalist trend will also influence the choice of materials and finishes. High-quality,
sustainable materials with simple, elegant forms will be emphasized, giving homes a
luxurious yet natural feel.

Community-Oriented Living
As urbanization increases, there's a growing trend toward communal and co-living spaces.
Future residential architecture will adapt by designing homes that encourage a sense of
community while providing privacy. Shared green spaces, communal kitchens and co-
working areas will become more common, especially in urban developments.

This shift will be driven by the need to connect with others, be sustainable and share
resources. Architecture will allow residents to feel part of a community while still being
independent.
 Property Development Trends Shaping the Future of Real Estate

THE WORLD OF PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING,

SHAPED BY SOCIETAL SHIFTS, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, AND
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS.
Staying ahead of the curve in this dynamic industry is crucial for success.
Let’s explore some of the most prominent property development trends that provide a
glimpse into the future of real estate and offer valuable insights for investors and developers.

1. SUSTAINABLE & GREEN DEVELOPMENTS

One of the most significant shifts in property development is the increased emphasis on
sustainable housing. Sustainability is not a trend. Developers have become aware of the
importance of incorporating energy-efficient solutions and using responsibly sourced
materials and methods.
From solar panels and energy-efficient appliances to green roofs
and rainwater harvesting systems, the focus on sustainability is
evident in all new construction. Net-zero carbon buildings and
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
certifications are becoming standard benchmarks for new
developments.
With growing environmental concerns and an increased awareness
of the impact of construction on the environment, developers are
taking this responsibility seriously.

2. SMART TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

Another prevalent trend is the integration of technology in property development. From
virtual reality tours to smart homes equipped with advanced automation systems, technology
is revolutionizing the way properties are designed, built, and sold.
Developers are also partnering with tech companies to create homes that are seamlessly
connected and offer residents a high level of convenience and control over their living
environments. This trend is expected to continue, with technology playing an
increasingly significant role in property development.
3. ADAPTIVE REUSE & REPURPOSING
Preserving heritage and historical buildings is gaining traction in property
development. Developers are opting
for adaptive reuse to repurpose old,
often distressed structures and
transform them into vibrant, functional
spaces.
Examples include converting old
factories into loft-style apartments or
turning warehouses into creative office
spaces. This trend not only preserves
architectural heritage but also aligns
with sustainability practices by
repurposing existing resources.
4. MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS
The rise of mixed-use developments is another trend to watch. These developments
efficiently blend residential, commercial, recreational, and sometimes even industrial spaces
into one location, offering convenience and a more
integrated lifestyle to residents.
This approach fosters a sense of community
offering residents the convenience of having
essential amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and
recreational facilities, within walking distance. The
mixed-use development trend is especially prominent
in urban areas and is expected to gain more traction in
the coming years.
Dhusud Comprehensive Guides and policy framework