Global Housing Design from edX

Building adequate housing is a pressing issue worldwide. With close to a billion people currently living in slums, accommodating a growing population, and improving dwelling conditions is a critical issue for society.

This challenge cannot be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every city, region and country demand their own housing models and prototypes. That’s why housing design needs to negotiate many aspects simultaneously to achieve sustainable urban environments and inclusive dwelling communities.

This course uncovers how social, economic and environmental factors are interrelated in the design of housing settlements. For this, the course dives into three key aspects that anyone involved in housing design should take into consideration: time, environment, and community. Each of these aspects will be examined through a specific design approach, respectively:

Incrementality : how dwelling environments should be able to accommodate growth and change through time.
Typology Mix : how design can be responsive to different patterns of inhabitation, aspirations and cultural backgrounds, creating inclusive dwelling environments.
Clustering : what methods and strategies can shape the association of dwelling units in order to create meaningful communities.

In this course, each of these themes will be discussed in detail and exemplified by a new analytical approach to award-winning housing projects developed in different geopolitical contexts.

While each of these themes will examine aspects related to the design decision-making process, the course aims at addressing concerns that go beyond the design disciplines. Hence, regardless of background or level of expertise, this course will introduce learners to the core issues and challenges of global housing design, using examples from different regions.

This course has been developed by TU Delft’s Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). It offers a unique combination of videos, documentation of key case studies, animations, and feedback sessions. We will discuss options for affordable housing design, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. We will take you through the intricacies of designing “housing for the large number”, as well as inspire you to understand your own context and the housing challenges you might be facing.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify social practices and spatial configurations that determine the qualities of existing dwelling communities.
Understand how incrementality, typologyical mix and clustering can become key design approaches in enhancing the living conditions of urban communities.
Recognize design approaches that can contribute to the development of adequate housing neighbourhoods.

Compare the characteristics of housing schemes designed by different architects taking account of different social, political and geographical contexts.
Evaluate the performance of dwelling communities taking into consideration the relation between social, economic and environmental factors.
Formulate a design hypothesis and/or a managerial strategy to develop an inclusive housing clusterdwelling community based on incrementality, typology mix and clustering located in a city of a low- or middle- income country.

Identify social practices and spatial configurations that determine the qualities of existing dwelling communities.
Understand how incrementality, typologyical mix and clustering can become key design approaches in enhancing the living conditions of urban communities.
Recognize design approaches that can contribute to the development of adequate housing neighbourhoods.
Compare the characteristics of housing schemes designed by different architects taking account of different social, political and geographical contexts.
Evaluate the performance of dwelling communities taking into consideration the relation between social, economic and environmental factors.
Formulate a design hypothesis and/or a managerial strategy to develop an inclusive housing clusterdwelling community based on incrementality, typology mix and clustering located in a city of a low- or middle- income country.

Syllabus

In the following weeks, the themes will be discussed in detail and exemplified by a new analytical approach to housing projects that have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, and that were developed in the 1970s and 1980s, a period of intense advancement in housing design and theory.

Week 1: The course begins with an introduction to the main design themes, course structure and some other more practical matters. This week also provides opportunities for you to introduce yourself to all the other participants.

Week 2: This module focuses on incrementality. We will discuss how housing can be designed to accommodate growth and change through time. This approach to housing design has been widely discussed and debated over the last century, and it is usually associated with a period of resource scarcity and economic austerity. The Indian architect, B.V. Doshi’s Aranya Low-Cost Housing project in Indore is a very good example of allowing people to build and mould their own houses, and best demonstrates his ideas for low-income housing and incrementality – that architecture must allow for growth and change. Designed for a population of about 60,000 people across some 85 hectares, Aranya, today, has grown to resemble a typical Indian town where narrow streets are shaded by a variety of houses, ranging from ground story dwellings to even three-floor high urban townhouses.

Week 3: This module will discuss the importance of creating a typological mix in housing settlements. This design approach will be discussed through a close look to Shushtar New Town, a project designed by the Iranian architect, Kamran Diba. Shushtar was designed to house 30,000 industrial workers along the principles of traditional urban patterns typically found in old Iranian towns and cities. In this project, an interwoven urban fabric built in (mud) brick construction houses a diverse set of dwelling types that at the same time are carefully orchestrated in a master plan consisting of gardens, paved squares, covered and shaded resting places, arcades and bazaars.

Week 4: This module focuses on clustering as a design strategy to create meaningful communities. We will study in-depth the Dar Lamane Housing project in Casablanca, Morocco. We will analyse how a low-income residential community built for 25,000 people, and consisting of over 4,000 units, makes use of an ingenious clustering of four-and five-story apartment blocks, organized around a large central square in which the mosque, markets and festival hall are located.

Week 5: We will introduce the final assignment in which you will develop a critical stance towards the housing challenges in your own context, using the theories and tools presented during the course.

Week 6: Review and final feedback.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches incrementality, typology mix, and clustering, which are key design approaches for making housing inclusive and sustainable for low- and middle-income countries

Examines housing systems in developing countries, which is highly relevant to students in the Global South

Led by experienced instructors with backgrounds in architecture and the built environment

Offers a certificate upon completion, which can enhance career prospects

May not provide sufficient hands-on experience for students seeking practical skills in housing design

Requires students to have a basic understanding of housing design principles

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Housing Design with these activities:

Explore online tutorials on housing design software

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Gain proficiency in using specialized software tools to enhance your housing design capabilities

Browse courses on Design Software

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Identify popular housing design software programs
Locate online tutorials or courses that provide step-by-step guidance on using these software programs
Follow the tutorials and practice using the software to create your own housing designs

Consider reviewing basic architecture principles

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Reinforce design basics to set up for success in learning about complex housing design techniques

Browse courses on Architectural Design

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Review basic elements and principles of architectural design, including line, shape, form, texture, and color
Consider drawing or sketching architectural structures to practice applying these elements

Review the basics of urban planning and design

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Bolster foundational knowledge in urban planning in advance of taking the course

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Review your notes from any previous coursework or consult textbooks on urban planning to refresh your memory
Familiarize yourself with recent advancements in the field by reading industry-related articles or blogs

Ten other activities

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Volunteer at a local housing organization

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Hands-on experience at housing organizations provide valuable insights into real-world housing issues

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Identify local housing organizations that align with your interests
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Participate in volunteer activities, such as assisting with housing construction, renovation, or community outreach programs

Review the book 'Housing for the Urban Poor'

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Gain insights into the challenges and approaches to housing design for low-income communities

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Read the book 'Housing for the Urban Poor'
Take notes on key concepts, design principles, and case studies presented in the book
Reflect on how the book's insights can inform your own understanding and approach to housing design

Organize a study group to discuss course concepts

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Deepen your understanding of the course concepts by engaging in discussions with peers

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Find a group of classmates who are interested in collaborating
Set up regular meeting times and designate specific topics for each session
During the study sessions, engage in discussions, share insights, and work through problems together

Do some real world examples of housing design

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Practice applying design principles to the creation of real housing structures

Browse courses on Architectural Design

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Select a specific housing design challenge or problem to focus on
Research and analyze different housing design examples that address similar challenges
Sketch or model your own housing design solutions

Secondary Analysis

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Draft a preliminary research plan and analysis for a secondary analysis of housing project case studies presented in the course.

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Select Case Study
Gather Data
Analyze Data
Write Research Plan

Create a 3D model of a housing complex

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Solidify understanding of the principles covered in the course by completing a hands-on modeling project

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Choose a tutorial that aligns with the principles from this course you want to reinforce
Follow the instructions carefully to complete the 3D model
Share your model or screenshots with peers to gather feedback

Collaborate with other students

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Engage in discussions and knowledge sharing with peers can deepen understanding of housing design concepts

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Join or form a study group with other students taking the course
Meet regularly to discuss course material, share insights, and work on projects together

Create a Housing Design Plan

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Develop a comprehensive plan for a sustainable and inclusive housing community, applying the concepts of incrementality, typology mix, and clustering.

Browse courses on Housing Design

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Define project scope and objectives
Research and analyze existing housing designs
Create a site plan and architectural drawings
Develop a budget and timeline for implementation
Present your plan to stakeholders

Develop a proposal for an affordable housing project

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Put your knowledge of housing design and development into practice by creating a comprehensive proposal

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Research best practices for affordable housing design
Identify a suitable site and develop a preliminary design concept
Create a detailed proposal outlining your project's goals, design principles, and financial plan

Design a housing project proposal

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Developing a project proposal helps you synthesize your knowledge and apply it to a specific housing design challenge

Browse courses on Architectural Design

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Select a specific housing design problem or need that you want to address
Research and analyze the target population, site conditions, and relevant design standards
Develop a comprehensive design proposal that includes site plans, floor plans, elevations, and a written description of your design concept

Career center

Learners who complete Global Housing Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architect

The Global Housing Design course provides a foundation in the principles of sustainable urban environments and inclusive dwelling communities. Architects use these principles to design and build structures that meet the needs of people and communities, and they play a critical role in creating affordable housing solutions. This course can help architects develop the skills and knowledge they need to create innovative and sustainable housing designs.

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Urban Planner

Urban planners use their knowledge of social, economic, and environmental factors to create plans for the development of cities and towns. The Global Housing Design course can help urban planners understand the challenges of housing design and develop strategies to create more sustainable and equitable communities.

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Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and infrastructure. The Global Housing Design course can help construction managers understand the principles of sustainable design and construction, and it can help them develop the skills they need to manage complex housing projects.

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Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers acquire, develop, and manage real estate properties. The Global Housing Design course can help real estate developers understand the challenges of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to create more sustainable and equitable housing communities.

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Housing Policy Analyst

Housing policy analysts research and analyze housing policies and programs. The Global Housing Design course can help housing policy analysts understand the challenges of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to create more effective housing policies.

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Nonprofit Housing Director

Nonprofit housing directors lead organizations that provide affordable housing to low-income families and individuals. The Global Housing Design course can help nonprofit housing directors understand the challenges of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to create more sustainable and equitable housing communities.

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Community Development Director

Community development directors lead organizations that work to improve the quality of life for residents in low-income communities. The Global Housing Design course can help community development directors understand the challenges of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to create more sustainable and equitable communities.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. The Global Housing Design course can help social workers understand the challenges of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to advocate for more sustainable and equitable housing policies.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and its impact on human health. The Global Housing Design course can help environmental scientists understand the environmental challenges of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to create more sustainable housing solutions.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design and create outdoor spaces. The Global Housing Design course can help landscape architects understand the principles of sustainable design and construction, and it can help them develop the skills they need to create more sustainable and equitable housing communities.

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Urban Designer

Urban designers plan and design urban areas. The Global Housing Design course can help urban designers understand the challenges of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to create more sustainable and equitable communities.

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Architectural Historian

Architectural historians study the history and theory of architecture. The Global Housing Design course can help architectural historians understand the history of housing design and development, and it can help them develop the skills they need to analyze and interpret housing design.

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Museum curator

Museum curators oversee the collections and exhibitions of museums. The Global Housing Design course may be useful for museum curators who are interested in developing exhibitions on the history of housing design.

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Journalist

Journalists write and report on current events and issues. The Global Housing Design course may be useful for journalists who are interested in writing about housing design and development.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. The Global Housing Design course may be useful for teachers who are interested in teaching about housing design and development.

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