HOUSING PROJECTS
A SOLUTION TO SOCIETAL
CHALLENGES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 Introduction
05 How these solutions work?
02 Historical Background
06 Case studies
03 Housing challenges
07 Conclusion
04 Solutions that housing projects provide
08 References
HOUSING PROJECT
Every architectural project aims to solve a problem. Housing is
not just about shelter; it addresses economic, social,
environmental, and urban challenges. This presentation explores
the historical evolution of housing, its role in solving key issues,
and the burning challenges we face today.
Pangyo Housing, Riken Yamato
HISTORY
Prehistoric and Ancient Housing (10,000 BCE - 500 CE)
Cave Dwellings : Earliest form of human shelter.
Pit Houses : Partially sunken into the ground.
Adobe Structures : Emerged around 3800 BCE.
Megaliths and Monumental Structures : Used in tombs and temples.
Caves Pit Houses
Medieval and Renaissance Housing (500-1700)
Thatched Roof Dwellings : Common in medieval England.
Wattle and Daub Construction : Widespread building technique.
Bastle Houses : Fortified farmhouses.
Industrial Revolution Era (1700-1900) Thatched roof houses Bastle houses
Georgian Houses : Symmetry and classical proportions.
Row Houses : First constructed in Philadelphia in 1799.
Victorian Terraced Houses : Brick construction and decorative ironwork.
Tenements : Poor conditions in industrial cities.
Row houses Victorian houses
Early 20th Century (1900-1945)
Edwardian Houses : Simpler designs with spacious rooms.
Arts and Crafts Movement : Emphasized traditional materials.
Garden City Developments : Leafy estates inspired by Ebenezer Howard.
Edwardian houses
HISTORY
Post-WWII Era (1945-1970)
Prefabricated Homes : Quickly assembled to address shortages.
High-Rise Tower Blocks : Became common in urban areas.
Panel System Buildings : Dominated Eastern Bloc housing.
Fužine Housing Estate
Modern Housing Developments (1970-2000)
Modern housing has evolved significantly, focusing on sustainability, technology,
and community needs. Addressing housing shortages, environmental concerns, and
social changes.
Urban Regeneration Projects :Urban regeneration projects have been instrumental in
transforming urban landscapes by replacing older housing with more community-
friendly designs, often incorporating neo-traditional elements.
Singapore's Public Housing : Achieved high public housing residency.
urban renewal projects Pittsburgh 1950’s Singapore's Public Housing 1960s.
Contemporary Housing (2000-Present)
Continued Emphasis on Sustainability : Incorporation of solar panels, green roofs,
and advanced insulation materials.
Social Housing Programs : Initiatives like Brazil's "Minha Casa Minha Vida".
Modular and Panel Construction : Prefabricated sections for efficiency.
Smart Homes: Integration of smart technologies for energy management, security, Minha Casa Minha Vida 2009
and convenience
HOUSING
CHALLENGES
03 Quality Challenges
01 The Affordability Gap Much existing housing is outdated,
Housing costs rising faster
inefficient, and deteriorating
than incomes in most cities
Accessibility features lacking for
Middle-income households
aging populations and people with
increasingly priced out of
disabilities.
markets
02 Supply and Access Challenges
Construction not keeping pace
with population growth
Demographic shifts increasing
demand for specific housing types
Land scarcity in urban areas
limiting development
HOUSING
CHALLENGES
04 Environmental Concerns 06 Technical and Construction Challenges
Housing responsible for significant Building safety regulations increasing
energy consumption complexity and cost
Suburban sprawl increasing Material costs rising due to global supply
transportation emissions chain issues
Land use patterns affecting ecosystem Balancing innovation with affordability
health
05 Social Integration and Equity
Residential patterns often reinforce racial and economic
segregation
Housing segregation reinforcing social and economic
divides
Gentrification displacing established communities
SOLUTIONS THAT HOUSING PROJECT PROVIDES
Housing projects can provide a variety of solutions to address the needs of communities, especially in the context of affordability and
sustainability.
Affordable Housing for Low-Income Groups Strengthened Urban Planning and Infrastructure
Addresses the lack of affordable homes by offering Contributes to well-planned cities by integrating
government-subsidized, rent-controlled, or low-cost housing essential infrastructure like schools, healthcare facilities,
options. and public transportation.
Ensures families with lower incomes can afford safe and stable Reduces urban slums and ensures that communities
living conditions without financial strain. have easy access to services.
Example: Social housing programs in Vienna provide high- Example: Curitiba, Brazil, where affordable housing is
quality affordable housing for diverse income groups. integrated with a world-class public transit system.
Fig. 1 A Social Housing in Vienna Fig. 2 Affordable housing in Brazil
Social Equity and Inclusion Improved Public Health and Well being
Promote diverse and inclusive communities by ensuring Poor housing conditions, such as overcrowding, lack of
access to housing for marginalized groups, including ventilation, and unsanitary environments, can lead to
individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and single severe health issues like respiratory diseases and stress-
parents. related disorders.
Well-designed public housing fosters social interaction, Modern housing projects prioritize access to natural light,
reducing segregation and promoting community bonding. proper sanitation, and green spaces to improve mental and
Example: Mixed-income housing developments in the physical health.
Netherlands that integrate different economic groups to Example: Singapore’s public housing includes green
prevent social isolation. spaces and recreational areas to promote a healthy
lifestyle.
Fig. 3 Mixed income housing in Netherlands Fig. 4 Public housing in Singapore
Economic Stability and Job Opportunity Sustainabilty and Eco-friendly living
By providing affordable housing near employment Many modern housing projects incorporate energy-
centers, housing projects enable residents to find efficient designs, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and
and retain stable jobs. green roofs to minimize environmental impact.
The construction, maintenance, and management of Well-planned housing reduces urban sprawl by
housing projects create jobs, boosting the local maximizing land use and integrating eco-friendly
economy. transport options like cycling and walking paths.
Example: Social housing developments in the UK Example: The Vauban district in Germany, which features
provide apprenticeships and employment eco-friendly social housing with sustainable energy
opportunities for residents. solutions.
Fig. 4 Social housing in UK Fig. 4 Social housing in Germany
HOW THESE SOLUTIONS WORK??
1. HOW IT PROVIDES AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2. HOW DOES IT PROVIDE SUSTAINABILITY
Subsidized Costs: Through government programs, private-public Energy Efficiency: The use of renewable energy sources (solar
partnerships, or social housing schemes, the cost of building or panels, wind energy) and energy-efficient materials reduces the
renting is lowered. environmental footprint of homes.
Efficient Construction: Use of cost-effective materials, modular Water Conservation: Incorporating rainwater harvesting
designs, and prefabrication techniques systems, efficient plumbing,
and greywater recycling helps manage water usage.
Land Use: Sustainable urban planning optimizes land use,
reducing urban sprawl and preserving natural habitats.
HOW THESE SOLUTIONS WORK??
3. BUILDING COMMUNITIES: SOCIAL AND 4. REVITALIZING URBAN AREAS:
CULTURAL INTEGRATION TRANSFORMATION THROUGH HOUSING
Master plans include shared spaces (parks, plazas, Adaptive reuse of abandoned or underutilized
community halls) buildings
Mixed-use developments ensure accessibility to daily Infrastructure upgrades, including roads, utilities,
needs and public transport
Inclusive design for diverse demographics (elderly, Cultural preservation by incorporating vernacular
differently-abled, various income groups) architecture
HOW THESE SOLUTIONS WORK??
5. ENHANCING HEALTH & WELL-BEING:
6. ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB CREATION
DESIGNING FOR COMFORT
Orientation and ventilation maximize natural light and Local Businesses: New housing projects lead to an increase
airflow in demand for goods and services, which benefits local
Green spaces and recreational areas promote physical and businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, and
mental health maintenance services.
Noise and pollution control through zoning and buffer Mixed-Use Zones: Commercial and retail spaces within
zones housing projects provide local jobs and encourage local
businesses to thrive.
CASE STUDY 1
CIDCO HOUSING, BELAPUR
The City and Industrial Development Corporation of
Maharashtra (CIDCO) initiated a significant housing project
in Belapur, Navi Mumbai, between 1988 and 1993. Designed
by architect Raj Rewal, this development aimed to provide
affordable housing solutions for low-income groups,
addressing the pressing need for cost-effective urban
housing.
Overview:
Location: Belapur Central Business District (CBD), Navi
Mumbai.
Timeline: Constructed between 1988 and 1993.
Design & Features: Architect: Raj Rewal.
Cluster Formation: Apartments were organized into Scope: The project encompassed 1,048 apartment units,
clusters, creating semi-public and private spaces predominantly comprising one to two-room
Varied Unit Sizes: Apartment sizes ranged from 20 to 100 configurations, with some larger two-bedroom units
square meters, catering to diverse income levels and
family sizes.
Community Amenities: schools and shopping areas,
enhancing the self-sufficiency of the community
CASE STUDY 2
CHURCHILL GARDENS
Churchill Gardens is a prominent housing estate located in
the Pimlico area of Westminster, London. Developed
between 1946 and 1962, it was designed by the
architectural duo Philip Powell and Hidalgo Moya. The
estate was constructed to replace Victorian terraced
houses that suffered extensive damage during the Blitz of
World War II.
Overview:
Location: Pimlico, Westminster, London
Architects: Philip Powell & Hidalgo Moya
Units: ~1,600 homes across 32 blocks
Design & Features:
Objective: Post-war social housing replacement for bomb-
Mixed Height Development: High-rise slabs (9-11 storeys)
damaged Victorian homes
& mid-rise blocks (balances density & open spaces)
Innovative Heating: Early district heating system using
waste heat from Battersea Power Station
Modernist Architecture – it follows modernist principles
with clean lines, open courtyards, and functional design.
(fostering social interaction and a sense of community).
CASE STUDY 3
VILLA VERDE HOUSING PROJECT
Villa Verde, designed by Alejandro Aravena (ELEMENTAL) in
2010, provides low-cost, expandable housing in
Constitución, Chile, after an earthquake destroyed 80% of
the city. Commissioned by Arauco, it follows the "Half a
Good House" concept, delivering partially built homes for
future expansion. Inspired by John F.C. Turner, the linear
layout with courtyards fosters community interaction and
long-term adaptability.
Overview:
Architect: Alejandro Aravena (ELEMENTAL)
Location: Constitución, Chile
Design & Features: Units: 484 affordable homes
Incremental Design: Each two-story row house starts at Objective: Post-earthquake reconstruction with low-cost,
57 m², with the structural capacity for residents to expand expandable housing
up to 85 m² Villa Verde’s innovative, adaptable housing model helped
Half-House Concept: Homes are delivered partially tackle the global housing crisis and contributed to
finished, allowing homeowners to complete and Alejandro Aravena winning the 2016 Pritzker Architecture
personalize the remaining space over time. Prize.
Community Planning: The layout fosters community
interaction while maintaining individual privacy.
CONCLUSION
Despite progress, challenges like rising populations, affordability
gaps, land scarcity, and regulatory barriers persist.
Solutions require technological innovation—smart materials,
modular construction, and energy-efficient systems—alongside
policy interventions like subsidies, land-use reforms, and public-
private partnerships. The future of housing lies in integrated,
community-focused approaches that balance economic and
social needs. By learning from the past and embracing innovation,
we can create sustainable, inclusive housing that fosters thriving,
equitable communities.
Belapur Housing, Charles Correa
REFERENCES:
Community Solutions. (2025). Housing. https://community.solutions/housing/
Gwen Napring Centre. (2025). Urban Housing Challenges. https://www.gwennapringingcentre.co.uk/urban-housing-challenges/
BOSS Magazine. (2024). Challenges in Developing Affordable Housing Projects. https://thebossmagazine.com/challenges-
developing-affordable-housing-projects/
LinkedIn. (2024). The Future of Social Impact Housing: Trends and Innovations. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-social-
impact-housing-trends-innovations-wntve
National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2019). Public Housing History. https://nlihc.org/resource/public-housing-history
Modern HB. (2024). Six Pioneering Social Housing Projects Across the Globe. https://modernhb.com/news/six-pioneering-
social-housing-projects-across-the-globe/
Gensler. (2024). How Design Can Integrate Social Value Into Residential Developments.
https://www.gensler.com/blog/integrating-social-value-into-housing
Kaarwan. (2025). Architects: Community Development & Social Impact Projects.
https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/architecture/role-of-architects-in-community-development-and-social-impact-projects?id=204
LinkedIn. (2024). Social Impact Housing: Building Communities, Creating Change! https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/social-
impact-housing-building-communities-65etc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchill_Gardens
https://rajrewal.in/portfolio/cidco-housing-navi-mumbai/
https://www.archdaily.com/447381/villa-verde-housing-elemental
THANK YOU!!!
