Can we have housing that support high quality of life, is economically viable and supports the environment?
The housing industry is incentivised to build small, cookie-cutter apartments that do not support people's quality of life. What are the levers that would create a profitable housing market built on principles of universal design?
Can we have housing that support high quality of life, is economically viable and supports the environment?
The housing industry is incentivised to build small, cookie-cutter apartments that do not support people's quality of life. What are the levers that would create a profitable housing market built on principles of universal design?
Housing is a basic human need. Yet as it stands, there’s a chasm between economic incentives for the construction industry - where fitting as many units as possible onto a parcel of land is the goal - and best practice according to universal design principles. There are great examples out there, e.g. Assemble Housing, but these still are “exceptions that prove the rule”. Part of this comes down to government legislation and regulations, but shared will among business leaders is key, as well as investment in expertise.
What is universal design / inclusive design? What are examples of these principles in practice in housing - particularly affordable housing in higher density areas? What are the barriers to building quality housing for people, and what would make the biggest difference for the industry? What is the evidence base on quality of life and quality of housing?
The quality of our housing is “a social determinant of health and wellbeing.” It matters as an end in and of itself - quality of life for people. There is so much knowledge and research about housing and people’s wellbeing, and good examples of this in practice, and yet the incentives to make this the norm aren’t working. The impact for businesses = becoming a leader in the industry, doing purposeful work; impact for individuals = quality of life; impact for society = more cohesive communities, happier people, less strain on health systems.
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