Contemporary Issues in Housing Design

Book excerpt: The word ‘house’ has evolved throughout the millennia and infused itself into many languages; however, the basic reference to covering and sheltering has always been preserved. Housing in the contemporary sense refers to a relatively complex structure comprising different shapes and sizes accommodating various functionalities, evolving in accordance with cultural, social, technological, and natural progresses. A house provides more than basic protection, but is the backdrop for the daily lives of occupants, and even a reflection of an individual’s character, beliefs, and socioeconomic status. This book discusses an array of critical contemporary issues on housing design pertaining to sustainable practices, emerging technologies, heritage conservation, humanitarian efforts, fictional environments and their effects on occupants’ physical and psychological experience and well-being. As such, it will serve to develop further understanding and to enrich the perspectives of any designer and educator invested in the subject.