A study of housing modification in East Boston

Abstract

This thesis deals with inhabitants' modifications of the 19th century sidehall houses in East Boston, now a predominantly Italian neighborhood. On the basis of the data obtained by a survey and observations, the practical reasons and social and psychological implications of each identified pattern of both interior and exterior modification are analyzed. Inhabitant s modify their houses according to their changing living situations, or special needs that are different in each family. They can correspond with the changing living standard in the whole society and developing technology by constantly modifying their houses. Housing modification functions as an important adaptation mechanism especially for working class people who cannot easily move from one place to another because of financial constraints and the tight social relationships among them in the region. Modifications are also a means of self-expression for the inhabitants. As they modify their houses they always try to imply their taste and values through the modifications. They try to define their own territories and personalize them through modifications. Modifications are the results of inhabitants' active reactions to such needs, which are quite essential to them. After all, home modification, which has been ignored by most architects despite its familiarity in the United States, has great significance to the inhabitants, psychologically as well as practically. It enhances the inhabitants' sense of ownership, competence and self-worth.