LOW COST HOUSING

& SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Lecture 01
Introduction to low cost housing,
motivation & International lessons
What is low cost housing?
Low Cost Housing is a new concept which deals
with
•effective budgeting and following of techniques
which help in reducing the
•cost construction through the use of locally
available materials along with improved skills
and technology without sacrificing the
•strength, performance and life of the structure.

There is huge misconception that low cost

housing is suitable for only sub standard works
and they are constructed by utilizing cheap
building materials of low quality. The fact is that
Low cost housing is done by proper management
of resources. Economy is also achieved by
postponing finishing works or implementing them
in phases.
What is Affordable housing?
Definitions vary and change, but generally:

“Affordable housing refers to housing units that

are affordable by that section of society whose
income is below the median household income in
that particular area "

Another definition is

“Affordable housing is .reasonably adequate in

standard and location for lower or middle-income
households and does not cost so much that a
household is unlikely to be able to meet other
basic needs on a sustainable basis."
Why it is needed?
It is easy to fathom why the 21st century is dubbed as
the urban century. According to a 2015 report by the
International Organization for Migration, 54 % of the
world’s population is now living in cities. This rapid
mass migration shows no signs of slowing down,
therefore “ low cost affordable housing” is the need of
the hour.
The other major challenge being faced by humanity is
climate change, which is directly related to building
and construction industry. Hence, a better solution is
to design within the context of sustainability and
lifestyle. If we want to ensure healthy cities, we have
to build with green space and human connectivity in
mind.
There are many economic benefits of affordable
housing. Studies have shown affordable housing
uplifts residents, encourages social connection,
reduces overcrowding, increases adjacent property
values, attracts businesses and jobs, and lowers crime
rates. 
Opportunities
Affordable housing buildings create several
opportunities for economic growth while fostering
a stable, healthy (and happy!) population. When
individuals are safely housed, they can shift their
focus from merely surviving to thriving.

Community
The need for affordable housing is imperative, not
only for families who rely on housing, but
neighborhoods. Having affordable housing
developments in neighborhoods bring a positive
impact on the surrounding communities.
Studies have shown affordable housing
uplifts residents, encourages social connection,
reduces overcrowding, increases adjacent
property values, attracts businesses and jobs, and
lowers crime rates. 
Education & Employment
Affordable housing creates employment
opportunities and it also improves
employment opportunities for the residents.

The impact of safe, secure affordable housing

on education, especially in childhood, is
massive. Children are extremely susceptible to
the negative effects associated with poverty.
Struggling families are shown to move
frequently in search of more affordable
accommodations, resulting in children being
forced to change schools often. Several studies
have shown that a stable & affordable housing,
decreases the likelihood of mental and
developmental issues in children resulting in
better results in schools.
Health & Essentials
Affordable housing fosters both mental and
physical health.
Tenant’s leftover income that results from living
in an affordable building can be allocated to
purchasing healthier groceries, essential
medicines and covering the costs of necessary
services as such dental or vision care.
The reduced stress and extra income that
accompanies living in affordable
accommodations improves mental health.
Households that are cost burdened by housing
payments will cut corners wherever possible,
out of necessity, often compromising their
wellbeing.
Stability
Income stability and financial support
opportunities are both underrated and often un
discussed benefits of affordable living
accommodations.

Affordable housing is an extremely valuable tool

for those struggling to make ends meet. From
supporting education to the ability to afford
essentials, affordable housing improves the lives
of residents and strengthens, grows, and
supports communities.
What’s affordable anyway?
What’s affordable anyway?

The term affordable is relative and its

implications vary among different social groups.
When we talk about affordability, we must look
at the following aspects as well.

•Location
•Access to transportation
•Median utility costs
•Green spaces
•Overall conduciveness to personal wellness

The rent may be low, but the neighborhood is

unsafe and remote. So not only is the commute
expensive; the long-term health costs will be
astronomical to a resident whose mobility is
restricted to the safety of a locked/moving car
over time.
What’s affordable anyway?

The unavailability of healthy fresh food or the

necessity for air conditioning systems in a
cramped apartment facing rising temperatures
every year.

The unexpected cost of travelling to work on

the pay cheque.

The impact of the glut of one-bedroom units

when the low-income workers who are trying
to live near where they work require a three-
bedroom house for their family

These are some of the examples of real life

challenges faced by the working class and
taking all these factors into account, the idea of
‘affordability’ becomes a far more complex
analysis.
Sustainable low cost affordable housing
The future of urban living is sustainable low cost
affordable housing.

What is Sustainability?
In the broadest possible sense, sustainability refers to
the ability of something to maintain or "sustain" itself
over time
It means "meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their needs.“
The concept is often broken into three core concepts or
"pillars":
•Economic

•Environmental

•Social

These are also known informally as profits, planet, and

people.
https://youtu.be/zx04Kl8y4dE