UNITY UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING

INTEGRATED DESIGN I

Assignment 1

INTRODUCTION TO MASS HOUSING

Section: AR1R1N2/13

By Osam Hassen

Oct 15, 2023

What is mass housing?

Mass housing in architecture refers to a type of housing project that is characterized by its large scale and
standardized design. Mass housing projects are typically undertaken by governments or developers in
order to provide affordable housing for a large number of people. The architecture of mass housing is
often criticized for its lack of individuality and for its impersonal feeling.

Mass housing has come a long way since the days of almshouses in Europe, and it's changed a lot over
time. The reasons for building housing estates have changed, and so have the politics, social, and
economic factors that shape the cityscape of modern cities. There are three main eras when mass housing
has changed - pre-war, inter-war, and post-war.

In the foremost years, housing estates were a disciplinary mechanism in the service of aristocrats and the
middle class. The upper and middle classes committed to providing improved housing conditions to the
lower two-thirds of the population that strived in miserable living conditions with the rise of
industrialization. Housing Policies and Town Planning associations were formed.

The First World War presented the European government with the urgent need to provide dwellings on a
large scale; intending to create employment as much as housing. The new standards of living that fulfilled
minimum requirements were put forth by CIAM, who formalized Modern Architecture and saw it as a
social service amidst economic crises.

Post-World War 2, the mass housing projects received an impetus like never before to house the
marginalized communities and meet with the post-war developments. Variations of low-rise and high-rise
came into the picture along with the terms prefabricated and modularity.

Rapid urbanization has led to an increased demand for housing, often resulting in skyrocketing property
prices and homelessness. These projects are designed to provide to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds,
ensuring that individuals from various income groups have access to adequate housing. Mass housing
maximizes land use efficiency by accommodating a larger number of people within a relatively small
footprint. The large-scale nature of mass housing projects allows for economies of scale in construction
and operation. Bulk purchasing of materials and streamlined construction processes lead to cost savings,
making it possible to offer affordable housing options. These cost efficiencies benefit both the developers
and the residents.

Types of mass housing

Condominium
A condominium, or condo, is an individually owned residential unit in a complex or building of like units.
Condo owners own their units but share common spaces, amenities, and other resources. They pay condo
fees, which cover maintenance costs, amenities, and the upkeep of common spaces.

Apartment

An apartment is defined as a residence that is rented, often as part of a larger residential building. A
condo can be similar in structure to an apartment usually a unit within a larger residential building — but
condos are owned instead of rented.

Real Estate

Real estate is considered real property that includes land, and anything permanently attached to it or built
on it, whether natural or man-made.

Cooperative Housing

Cooperative housing is when a group of people creates a legal entity or company to purchase and own
housing collectively. This can be done in many ways depending on the needs and wants of the owners
involved.

Public Housing

Public housing is a form of housing tenure in which the property is usually owned by a government
authority, either central or local.

Ways to achieve the objectives of mass housing

Enhancing the capacity of all stakeholders involved, including those in the public and private sectors, as
well as beneficiaries. We also need to find cheaper ways of building to reduce the need for cement and
reinforcing bars, which are becoming prohibitively expensive. Considering housing quality, not just
quantity is also a crucial factor. Moreover, carrying out slum clearance and resettlement based on
procedural protection and due process prescribed by international human rights, to avoid forced evictions.

To sum up, mass housing has emerged as a vital solution to the challenges posed by urbanization and
housing shortages. Its significance lies in its ability to provide affordable housing, promote inclusivity,
and contribute to overall community development. By efficiently utilizing land, spurring infrastructure
growth, and capitalizing on economies of scale, mass housing projects offer a way forward towards
sustainable urban living. As cities continue to expand, embracing these projects can lead to a brighter
future for both residents and the urban landscape.
References

Wilkinson, T. (2020, July 22). Typology: Housing estate - Architectural review. Architectural Review.
https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/typology/typology-housing-estate?tkn=1

Wagner, K. (2016, December 15). The Modularity is Here: A Modern History of Modular Mass Housing
Schemes - 99% Invisible. 99% Invisible. https://99percentinvisible.org/article/modularity-modern-history-
modular-mass-housing-schemes/

Admin. (2023). Mass Housing: importance, implementation and advantages. Construct Konnect.
https://constructkonnect.com/mass-housing-importance-and-advantages/

Chen, J. (2023). What is a condominium? How condos work compared to apartments. Investopedia.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/condominium.asp