Someone at home?
an integrated housing system that utilises vacancy in London for temporary housing to ensure homes for low-income families
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Abstract
Due to the ongoing housing crisis in London, a significant number of low-income families at the risk of homelessness and displacement are currently placed in insufficient temporary accommodation while simultaneously autonomous developments like the ‘financialisation of housing’ and the ‘sharing economy’ result in an increasing number of vacancies. Thus, this graduation project aims to improve the availability and quality of temporary accommodation by developing an integrated housing system inspired by informal practices that utilises currently unavailable vacant buildings.
Therefore, different types of informal housing practices and their advantages and disadvantages were compared, and useful outcomes were transferred for the development of the integrated housing system. The system consists of a framework of policies and regulations which operate in different ways and on different levels. Additionally, the situation of low-income families being at the risk of homelessness and displacement was analysed with a mixed-method approach using both quantitative and qualitative data to gain an understanding of their needs and requirements regarding temporary housing solutions. Furthermore, an investigation based on literature as well as statistical and spatial data of vacancies, their indicators, and location in London, has revealed two main types. In order to determine the suitability of the different vacancy types a multi-scalar set of indicators was developed based on the three concepts of livability, meaning of home, and social safety. Based on the previous analysis a catalogue of spatial interventions that enhance the suitability according to the three concepts was created as a guide for both the public and private sector. Lastly, through an exemplary design in the case study area, the different spatial changes are visualised.
In summary this graduation project offers a combined solution for the presented problem by introducing the integrated housing system and providing a guide for related spatial changes.