Images of public housing : a design exploration addressing the intrinsic relationship between individuals and the living environment

Abstract

The architecture of public housing is generally lacking. It reflects a deteriorated national image of low-income housing and holds far-reaching consequences for the poor who have their own image of public housing. This thesis is an architectural investigation, and because it deals with images -- what people see and feel -- the sociological influences are strong as well. The concern of this thesis is creating positive images of public housing from both the residents' and the public's perspectives. To do so, it points out specific architectural devices which promote an improved image and better quality homes. The relationship between the individual and the living environment is critical to the process which yields the final design. An examination of the meaning of the house defines the parameters of this relationship as it initiates a user-oriented design theme. The result demonstrates that a process deeply rooted this way and based on step-by-step design decisions, ultimately satisfies user needs without soliciting the usual stigma public housing carries.