Upgrading : an alternative approach towards housing reform in China

Abstract

The thesis is a study on urban housing upgrading in China. The main objective is to look at upgrading, which has been widely used in many developing countries, as an alternative approach to solving the existing urban housing problems in China. It is argued that these problems are caused by two main factors: first, the unequal distribution system, under which, public housing can hardly reach those who lack access. Since most of this disadvantaged population group resides in old city neighborhoods, an effective housing upgrading program for these areas will effectively solve the overall housing problems. Second, the undergoing housing commercialization reform does little to help the disadvantaged group , because most urban residents cannot afford expensive commodity housing units. Therefore, a new approach is needed to break through the conventional housing system. China can learn valuable lessens from the international experience on providing low-cost housing to the urban poor. In the first part of the thesis, the basic housing background is introduced aiming at better understanding of what are the fundamental factors causing the housing problem; who suffer from these problems; and why upgrading is the crucial issue. The second part is to review the international upgrading experience in many developing countries. The valuable experiences on dealing with issues, such as affordability standard, self-help and effective management are what China lacks and should learn from the international paradigm. In the third part, the main focus of the thesis, I will examine the feasibility of applying the upgrading strategy in China. Based on some detailed analysis, A self-help and lowcost upgrading program will be developed. The suggested strategies involve a series changes on housing policy, design attitude, financial arrangement, as well as institutions.