Life cycle of dwellings; analysis and assessment of demolition by Dutch housing associations

Conference paper (2006)

Authors

C.L. van der Flier Housing Quality and Process Innovation (OLD)
A.F. Thomsen OLD Housing Quality and Process Innovation
Research Group
Housing Quality and Process Innovation (OLD)
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Published Date

2006

Language

Undefined/Unknown

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Research Group

Housing Quality and Process Innovation (OLD)

Abstract

What is the average lifespan of dwellings?
Unlike the life span of human beings, the life span of dwellings can technically be endless; prolongation is subject to decisions of the owner. The knowledge about this decision process and the underlying considerations is meager.
Recent research shows that, from a sustainable viewpoint, life cycle extension of existing dwellings is a better choice than replacement by new construction (de Jonge, 2005; Klunder, 2005). However, when we look at recent schemes proposed by Dutch housing associations we can see a sharp increase in numbers of less than 50 years old dwellings to be demolished (Thomsen c.s. 2004). What is happening and how can we assess this increase.
Following our previous research, our paper gives an overview of contemporary knowledge about the life cycle of dwellings and a conceptual framework to analyse the decision process about (the prolongation of) the life span of dwellings. We will use this scheme to assess the schemes proposed by Dutch housing associations and end with some questions for further research.