Housing as a Process Overview

Housing as a Process

• Housing is defined as a process, not just a structure
• Housing encompasses the preparation of food, clothing, care of bodies, procreation, nurturing children, and protecting activities
• This definition prioritizes the actions and experiences surrounding shelter
• A comprehensive view of housing necessitates consideration of the multiple dimensions involved
• There are multiple requirements in delivering a housing process

Elements of a Successful Housing Process

• Housing is a complex process needing multiple considerations
• A holistic view requires examining both physical and hidden dimensions of housing
• Necessary factors encompass technological, financial, urbanization, economic, political, social, and cultural facets.

Housing and Happiness

• Personal happiness is connected to life essentials
• A life that goes well involves more than just happiness, but meeting human needs
• Physiological needs, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization are crucial for well-being
• Human needs are essential for creating a satisfying living environment

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

• Maslow's theory arranges human needs into a hierarchy, starting with physiological needs (food, water, shelter) progressing to safety, belonging, and esteem, culminating in self-actualization.
• Higher-level needs emerge after lower-level ones are satisfied
• This framework is crucial to understand the different motivators driving human behavior when it comes to selecting housing

Culture and Housing

• Culture significantly shapes how people perceive and use housing.
• Cultural norms inform design decisions about residential space and community features

Housing Backlogs

• Housing backlogs are a significant global issue, marked by a shortfall in suitable housing and living environments
• Overpopulation exacerbates the problem.
• Housing inadequacies can be linked to multiple factors, including efficiency, standards, living conditions, and affordability, all impacting living standards

Housing Solutions examples

• Upgraded slums (e.g., in Brazil) and public housing (e.g., in Singapore) provide examples of addressing housing needs, although these solutions may differ in approach based on context.

Further Considerations in Relation To Housing

• Housing satisfaction is a multifaceted concept
• Effective housing design requires consideration of all aspects of the human experience
• Factors such as user-requirements and the need for private and public settings should be considered for different types of housing needs and expectations
• Considerations such as culture, demographics, and the natural environment, in conjunction with personal needs and desires, need exploration when designing a satisfactory housing environment