Urbanization and Housing: Industrial Revolution Insights

Arch 441: Low Income Housing

• Course is about low-income housing
• Lecture 1: Introduction to low-income housing
• Objectives include discussion of low-income housing challenges, urbanization history, scope and future of low-income housing, and community surveys

What is Low-Income Housing

• Low-income housing: affordable homes for people with limited earnings
• Aim: to provide safe and decent homes without excessive cost

Discussion Points

• Question: What makes a house affordable?
  • Answer: Rent/costs are low enough to also cover food, education, and healthcare.
• Question: Why are homes near jobs/schools important?
  • Answer: Saves time/money on transport and improves access to education and work opportunities.

Key Characteristics of Low-Income Housing

• Affordable: Rent/cost is below regular housing, typically between 25% and 30% of gross household income.

• Accessibility: Accessible to low and moderate income families; they can afford basic needs like food, clothes, transportation, medical care, and education.

• Basic Needs: Includes access to water, electricity, and toilets.

• Good Location: Located close to jobs, schools, hospitals, and public transport to save time and money.

• Government Assistance: Often developed with government assistance such as subsidies, funding, contributions to land, and planning incentives.

• Ownership: Homes may be owned by the financing authorities and offered to rent or sell.

• Examples: The King Salman Housing Charity (in Riyadh) builds affordable homes, and many countries such as the US and Europe have programs to support low-income families.

Urbanization in History

• Rise of Cities: Small villages grew into towns and cities as populations increased, often with significant inequality between rich and poor neighborhoods (ex: Babylon, Rome)

• Egyptian Early Civilization - Kahun City (3000 BC): This ancient city was built for workers involved in the construction of the pyramid and had a noticeable class difference in housing quality, with the size and design of buildings reflecting socioeconomic standing. The architecture used sun-dried bricks and plaster roofing. Dwelling had courtyards used for daily life.

• The Medieval Period (5th-15th century AD): Cities grew within fortified walls, but as populations increased the available space became inadequate; this resulted in congestion, unsanitary conditions, and disease.

• Carcassonne: An example of a medieval fortified town, showing the castle (with moat and walls), the marketplace, and St. Nazaire's Church.

• The Baroque City (17th-18th century AD): Versailles, France, illustrates the central importance of the monarch's palace reflected in the city's layout. Avenues radiated outward from the palace.

• Industrial Revolution (18th-19th century AD): Rapid urbanization due to factory work led to the development of new housing solutions. Cities experienced overcrowding, poor living conditions, and social problems.

1918-1945: Modern Movement

• Housing developments focused on minimizing the house size while maximizing the use of the spaces; promoting standardization with prefabrication elements, creating human-scale architecture, functional zones for clear circulation, and adaptable solutions to changing family needs.
• Focus on using modern technology and materials

Current Situation

• Bloomberg Global City Housing Affordability Index: Shows the relative affordability of housing in different cities around the world and how this has changed, especially in emerging economies.

Reuters Poll:

• A poll about future affordability of housing in various countries.

The Challenge of Low-Income Housing

• Question: What lessons from history can help us create better low-income housing today?
  • Answer: Proper sanitation, respect for cultural traditions, and designing homes that adapt to the local environment are key.

The Challenge of Low-Income Housing (Continued):

• Urban Growth: Cities like Riyadh currently face rapid population growth, putting a larger demand on housing supplies. Many low-income residents often live in informal settlements without basic services.
• Historical Lessons: History highlights the importance of balancing affordability, location, and quality in housing; successful housing projects usually incorporate cultural values and adapt to local climates.
• Salmani Architectural Connection: Traditional designs, like courtyards and wind towers, featured in Salmani architecture offer solutions, balancing cultural and environmental needs for low income housing.

Importance of Low-Income Housing

• Social Stability: Safe home environments promote feeling of security and inclusion among residents, reducing problems like homelessness.
• Economic Benefits: Stable housing lets families save for education/healthcare and helps workers be more productive.
• Better Cities: Proper housing reduces slum growth, and creates orderly urban environments.

Scope of Low-Income Housing

• Who Needs it? Low-income jobs (drivers, maids, construction workers), single parents, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
• Design Ideas: Smaller, efficient designs with features such as storage, natural light, and multi-purpose furniture; designs that complement/respect local traditions.
• Future Solutions: Utilizing new prefabrication methods to speed up design and reduce cost, implementing sustainable features (solar panels, energy efficiency) and accommodating the need for adaptable designs.

Housing for the Future

• Sustainable Design: Involves using environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient systems (like solar panels and natural ventilation).
• Community Spaces: Including shared spaces (like courtyards) that promote social interaction.
• Flexibility for Growth: Modular designs facilitate expansion and provide long-term solutions for families' needs.

Overview

• Low-income housing is more than just providing shelter; it's about creating opportunities for a better life through affordable, sustainable, and culturally sensitive designs.

Wrap-Up Discussion

• Question: What ideas do you have for improving housing for low-income families?
  • Answer: Better use of space, recycled materials, and shared resource spaces.
• Question: What features would you prioritize in future low-income housing?
  • Answer: Affordability, energy efficiency, cultural relevance, and adaptability for family growth.

Tutorial: Community Participation & Survey

• Community participation is valuable for gathering insights on current local housing conditions, design preferences, cultural sensitivities, resident needs and aspirations when designing low-income housing in Riyadh.
• Tutorial outlines sections for the community survey on housing conditions, preferred design aspects, housing needs, and feedback on Salmani-inspired housing.

This quiz explores critical themes surrounding urbanization and housing during the Industrial Revolution. Questions cover factors like overcrowding, architectural features, class distinctions, and challenges in modern cities. Test your understanding of how historical urban development shapes contemporary issues.