3rd AFFORDABLE HOUSING FORUM:

TOWARDS NEW CULTURES OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ?

THEME 3: Cultures of Affordable housing systems
The role of culture in understanding affordable housing models, housing supply, affordability and Profitability.
( 12-13 November 2018, Luxembourg )

INFLUENCE OF ‘CULTURE’ ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING TYPOLOGIES

Anjali Krishan Sharma
Abstract:

Access to decent, affordable housing is so fundamental to the health and well being of people and the smooth functioning
of economies that it is imbedded in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Globally in next ten years
one billion houses will be needed to house the new urban residents by 2025. Conventionally the key issues of affordable
housing recognized are buying capacity, construction and policy level interventions but the debate on typologies, models
and systems at large is missing, although a McKinsey report suggest the need to explore new approaches. As migration in
cities across the globe is the main reason for the urban population on the rise; concern of their respective cultures is
inherent. Houses have become a standard product to be consumed for profits and the social connotation have been
secondary while exploring the typologies over the ‘affordability’.

This paper intends to focus on dimensions of cultural mapping on affordable housing typologies. Typically the
urbanisation and development in cities have resulted in standard housing typology irrespective of its context and culture.
Overtime; this standard typology has undergone transformations chiefly due to culture on spatial to gentrification to
upgrading services essentially determined by their lifestyles. Further the impact of demography, political system, and
existing building stocks are additional dimensions of cultural mapping integral to affordable housing. The paper intends to
conclude with an approach for affordable housing in global Cities that centers on influence of culture.

Key words: Culture, Housing typologies, Transformations, Affordability and Sustainability.

1.0 Introduction

The latest un habitat report suggests ‘only 13% of World’s Cities have affordable housing, a sample
representing 70% of the world’s population – the median house price is 4.9 times annual household income in
the majority of metropolitan areas, well above the recommended ratio of 3.0 times. (Surabaya, 26 July 2016 –
According to the Global Sample of Cities – https://unhabitat.org/only-13-of-worlds-cities-have-affordable-
housing-according-to-new-research/)

The concern for affordable housing comes in largely to address the population that lives in slums; about one-
third of the world population. (UN Habitat UNHSP: 2011, report chapter 2 on Affordable land and housing in
Asia: 4 United Nations Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2007 Revision.)
In the debate of the number crunching the social connotations invariably are put on back burner. With
information technology shrinking the world and bringing the humanity at one platform the influence of culture
often argued for its relevance and contribution for the success of the same. But the situation is complex, as the
cities are growing essentially governed by the political framework that facilitates certain kind of demographics
that in turn dictates the built morphology of the cities both existing and proposed. And once inhabited
communities evolve. When theses communities are in harmony nurturing the health and well - being of the
people results in vibrant and sustainable housing’s. As dwelling units are social connect to make them livable,
for health and well being of the people such that communities evolve, only then they are sustainable. With
majority of the urbanisation occurring in Africa and Asian cities the concern is twin fold as invariably they
have developing economies coupled with issues of corruption, poverty, gender inequality, and others.
Interestingly in these contexts the civilizations have existed for centuries.

Incidentally, the three parameters of affordable housing as defined by McKinsey report; states that cities need
to address for their local contexts: (a) affordability threshold endorsed by to be about 30-40% monthly income,
(b) standard unit and (c) income thresholds.

Thus when dealing with people to look upon them only as numbers and stack them in affordable housing does
not yield cohesive harmonious inhabitants but the various dimensions of social connotation that binds them all
as one and in this respect culture emerges as chief determinant. To understand how far how much it influences
the typologies a systematic approach beginning with the current typologies, with documenting the cultural
dimensions of housings and relating the two as transformations due to culture on housing at large. Having put
things in correct perspective then the cultural centric approach outlined as a way forward for a new typology in
affordable housing.

Culture is an evolving and dynamic relationship between society and an environment; originated from a Latin
word ‘cultura’ meaning a relationship [cult] with the earth [Ur], thus culture. This relationship is best depicted
over a period of time and thus historic cities emerge as ideal examples. Historic cities are cultural centers, not
simply collections of structure; their history and their people give them meaning. … The concept of culture in
development does not view culture as an elite activity for the few but the essence of being for all. [WBR; 2001]

2.0 Housing Typologies

Industrialization propelled cities as economic hubs growing with time often overlaid with technology on a
regular basis. Migration to the cities thus was in sink with the economic growth of the respective cities. Initially
the migration was at a gradual pace and with time the arithmetical progression galloped to geometrical pace.
Also the complexity of migration too augmented the earlier response was from immediate rural areas close by
cities and later people from other states too moving in and eventually from one country to other developing
nations or developed countries. With such a backdrop of masses moving the issues of affordable housing have
become more and more complex as with each hierarchy of migration the issues got superimposed resulting in
more as a matrix rather than a linear relationship. The diversity of issues ranged from, ethnicity, races, caste/
creed/ religion, gender, lifestyles varying geographies and others backdrops.

Thus with time the architects/ planners came up with various typologies: the broadly as - small dwelling units
on the periphery of the cities to site and services scheme wherein plots were delineated with basic services
provided for and people to build on their own, to in-situ rehabilitation, later with increased demands and
limited land availability the low-rise high density was explored and later even high rise high density, often the
existing structures too were re-densified. In all these attempts the approach to housing was: affordability,
norms/standards and availability of land. Typically the key dimensions of affordability stems from availability
of land, to developmental costs, financing of projects, operation and maintenance and optimizing costs- almost
52%. (McKinsey Global Institute: 2014). Often the range of affordability gap is directly related to the earning
capacity the city offers; often not governed by the norms and minimum standards i.e. the minimum area of a
dwelling unit in different metropolitan cities for example: (a) in India varies from 10 sqm - 24 sqm (b) whereas
the space utilization too varies i.e. the kitchen essentially a service area is customarily used a sleeping area in
Mumbai and such flexible use of space is socially acceptable within the local population but not so in any other
metropolis. Both the cited examples are a strong pointer for impact of culture on social acceptance of spaces
and utilization of space at large.

Therefore affordable housing typology needs to be socially integrated as well. Especially wit the turn of the
millennium the same has been recognized and numerous issue taken up time and again ranging from minimum
cost to cost effective to exploring perspective of women/ children/ elderly/ and son on followed by other
experiments of high-rise, other models of Low Rise High Density (LRHD), to expandable homes, and others.

Culture is strongly intrinsic to an ethnic group but with migration from rural to urban and further within
countries the migration pattern has been systematic and so has been the impact of culture. Few express their
identities such while other smaller groups tends to congregate together. i.e example of China town in all major
metropolitan cities of the world considering migration form China is highest when compared to other countries.

3.0 Cultural Dimensions of Housing.

Most of the cultural connotations are qualitative but when translated influences the spatial characteristics of the
housing unit design- quantitative/ visual/ utilization/ others. The broad aspects of Culture translated such are as
follows:

 Beliefs- refers to faiths (may be old and new) often reinforced with religion dictates the use of
resources among others for example: be it Christianity/ Hinduism/ Buddhism/Sikhism/ Islam each one
recognizes water as pure and similar parallels may be drawn for other natural sources as well Sun/
Moon/ and others. Another example is the place of worship based on religion the place of Almighty is
a space in the house that is most sacred and in Hinduism it is the Kitchen or east-facing wall.
 Values- respective cultures define thresholds; this is crucial in consumption of available resources an
inherent unsaid belief accepted by the community as an intrinsic value. Ownership issue despite legal
rights has strong cultural connotations i.e. girls / sisters invariably waive off their legal rights in favour
of their brothers / male cousins in lieu of that there are some customs which they perform to
reciprocate. Such a symbiotic relationship bonds the community and identity at large. With such a
backdrop the houses are not just four walls and roof but an adobe for the family that resides
irrespective of the size of dwelling unit. The gender connotation is equally sensitive concern thus when
the ownership is in the name of the lady of the house the roof is assured for the family especially in
some cases where men folk take to drinking in absence of source of earning.
 Behaviour- The cultural / social behavior translated in building elements as well: entrance to a house
is huge deal from a new born to newly wed to the dead one the connotation continues till date thus
threshold of the entrance door; often the entrance door is adorned with pictures of God/ Goddesses
niche in the wall for light / bells. Thus the entrance door is the threshold of the outer world and a
secure family world where all the needs are taken care.
Next even the system of fenestrations are governed by cultural beliefs/ norms; if the community is an
extrovert then large openings while in case of introvert the number of opening are less even the scale,
proportion, shape of openings and hierarchy is determined such. Space utilization is huge factor be it
outdoor or indoor. For example courtyards an enclosed indoor space traditionally was used for
congregations and social interactions but in housing design courtyard have got translated in terraces /
 balconies where the activities are distributed. These open / semi open spaces of the house often houses
plants that have religious significance or practices. Thus it may be logical to conclude that role of
culture is significant when the population inhabiting the affordable housing has strong contextual
connotations.

The above-mentioned gives on an insight into the influence of culture but varies with contexts be it
geographical, religious or any other. But wherever culture exists their systems in place unsaid often
unanimously accepted which brings in harmony and cohesiveness that is evident – one of the key aspects of
social housing.

4.0 Culture and Transformations.

Affordable housing dwelling units across the world have a standard prototype designs and layouts. With the
backdrop of knowledge of cultures and people response to the built environment varies. And the responses are
reflected, as changes are typically limited to internal layout, services, utilization of spaces and others.

As the migrant population residing in these dwelling units belong to semi-skilled, moderately educated, often
less aware therefore for them their respective backdrops/ lineage/ places they hail from form a major
component of their identity and the expression of the same thus relatively more crucial. For example use of
specific colour / element/ paintings/ ornamentation etc on the external surfaces reinforces their sense of
belonging. Both utilization of resources and spaces are largely determined by their lifestyles. Therefore the
visual mapping of a conventional affordable housing shall appear like a ‘mosaic’ of colours and textures, often
few extensions, balconies/ terraces covered clothesline and even aromas of cooking. Such a visual backdrop
displays the vibrant nature of the residents that needs to be facilitated in design and planning.
With migration occurring between the developing nations; the mix of the residents gets even more complex and
thereby the transformations reflected as global cultures.
 All four images reflect the transformations in affordable housing sector (source: oddizzi.com)

Conventionally the affordable housing design parameters have been only quantifiable while housing is a social
strongly community based binds the city fabric at large as the culture of the city. Thus its imperative to address
qualitative issue for the success of any housing and in this respect culture emerges as a key parameter. Of the
major influences of culture is it governs; thresholds of both quality and quantity of spaces and their utlisation,
infrastructure facilities, to type of construction/ materials. As the typically the dwelling units in affordable
housing are standard each of the families moving in transform the unit to cater to their needs/ aspirations/
aesthetics/ others based on their buying capacities over time. Thus Gentrification takes place with time buying
capacity improves. Of all the transformations use of air-conditioning has been most challenging with respect to
climate change; as the cities have urban heat island the concern for thermal comfort is taking precedence
therefore steep rise in energy consumption and transformation such as this one is the most significant one.

Further women folk with culturally strong backdrops are often good with traditional crafts, skills and
housework and as indicated the houses are usually more than the affordable limits thus the women too
contribute financially by indulging in some economic activity or other may be within their residences only: as
when kids are studying and men folk at work they utilize their time such. For example they stitch clothes, as
cost of infrastructure is nil thus their earnings are shear profits. But as designers and planners such flexibility
may be inherent.

Transformation varies for different communities i.e. for a family as the buying capacity increases they upgrade
the interiors finishes, facilities: air-conditioning/ washing machines/ mixes and others. While for some they
would support other migrants from the area they came from and facilitate them temporarily and the cycle goes
on thus a community grows in number and strength. All such responses are limited to initial stages and over a
period of time gentrification takes place bringing in another set of other ethnic communities. The systems and
patterns vary over time for example from rural to urban and now from cities to urban metropolis. Each of the
transition occurs seamlessly as the framework and aspects of transformations gradually increase with the
hierarchy of the scale of the city.

5.0 Culture and Technology

With Urbanisation the local population gradually got exposed to education, other cultures, global lifestyles and
technology. Each of the issues had an impact on their respective cultures and logical rationale argued the
beliefs, values and responses. The educated and the aware ones relooked at the continued beliefs and continued
such while some were redundant and thus discontinued and religious faith continued uninterrupted. Where as
the value system had a paradigm shift from collective to individual driven by capitalism and continued; this
neo-culture too is a part of the larger cosmopolitan culture of the cities. Science and technology argued and
supported the information that helped people to validate their knowledge base such and related responses
emerged as behaviour at large.

Although, however generic in nature but exits in some form or the other. Thus the backdrop of local/
traditional/ regional cultures too influenced the inhabitants of the affordable housing as ‘gentrification’. As
architects and planners one needs to be aware of such influences and provide for flexibility for such
expressions. Such an approach shall add value to the typology/typologies, as the response shall vary for each
city/ metropolis.

Culture affects the attitudes and thus delivery at large and Cities being the economic hub driven with
technology if not in sink with the local cultures the impact is substantial.
 Box 1.0

An important contribution to the understanding of culture’s function is nurturing economic development by

addressing one element in the development of identity: sense of place. The sense of place and feeling of roots
are major components of building social cohesion, or social capital. The concept of roots introduces the
physical dimensions of the location, the buildings and the spaces that have special significance to people and
that help define identity and sense of belonging. Individual’s sense of well being and resulting effective action
depend on stable references from the past that provide a sense of continuity, from parallel may be drawn for the
local community too. [Lynch;1960]

In the recent past technology driven with information technology is encouraging a global culture wherein the
local and regional connotations are diluting. But when refereeing to the impact of culture on affordable housing
the thresholds are continuing and shall continue in future as well. As due to gentrification when one set of
people move out they shall be replaced by another set of people and during that time a sub-culture would
already in place essentially influenced by the earlier set of people resulting in a community. And the core of
this community invariably continues unless some major political intervention takes place.
One can conclude that technology is partly the new means of communicating or expressing culture and
continuing.

6.0 Cultural centric approach to Affordable housing

In UNESCO’s World commission on Culture and Development published a report “Our cultural Diversity”:
report argues convincingly that the prevalent model of development based solely on the yardstick of economic
growth is outmoded. ……. . finally, cultural diversity is a reservoir of knowledge and experience of social and
environmental interactions that can form improved sustainable approaches to using natural resources and
protecting built heritage.

To sum up typically Cultural centric approach to Affordable housing addresses the following key concerns:

 Flexible dwelling unit design- maximum utilization of spaces (covered/semi-covered/open)

 Adaptable layout of neighbourhood cluster
 Optimum resource consumption
 Facilitate economic activity as multiple use of space
 Health and well being
 Economic growth
 Sustainable
 Norms and standards specific to a context
 Climate responsive and optimum energy consumption.

With high rate of urbanisation across the globe and relatively higher in African and Asian countries; these
nations have developing or poor economies thus nature of development is crucial. Therefore the large portion
of affordable housing that needs to be built should be based on a typology that adds value over the limited
buying capacity of the inhabitants; such that they are effective and sustainable.

7.0 Conclusions and Way forward

If numbers could solve the issue the situation may not have the stage that it has. The thrust till date was limited
to buying capacity in terms on money. Ironically there are large housing stocks that are standing and vacant but
not inhabited essentially because of financial limitation. I the world need to be sustainable then all the pillars of
sustainability need to be balanced uniformly. Concepts like ‘regenerative economies’ by John Fullerton stress
on the fact that economies need to address the social aspect; the learning here in that each of the pillars be
perceived as inter-disciplinary and integral to one another. Culture emerges as a reliable time tested tool that
links up all the pillars.

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