Write an 8-10
page research paper on a topic related to your field.(excluding Title Page,
References, and Appendices).
Some
guidelines:
·
Your
paper should have a clear argument and strong support.
·
You
may choose the formatting for your paper (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.), provided
your format is consistent throughout the document.
·
All
sources should be cited.
·
The
writing should be in your voice. You may
use ChatGPT to formulate ideas, but the paper should be in your best academic voice, which I’ve gotten familiar with at this
point. Direct use of ChatGPT constitutes
plagiarism.
Intro:
In the face of a critical housing affordability crisis, notably in the nation’s capital, there exists an urgent demand for innovative solutions to address the needs of low-income households, which often allocate more than half of their income to housing expenses. The National Low Income Housing Coalition highlights a pronounced shortage of rental homes that are both affordable and accessible to extremely low-income demographics. This stark reality prompts the question: How can the strategic implementation of co-living apartment units address the urgent needs of the low-income housing crisis, considering affordability, community dynamics, and long-term sustainability?
This research project delves into the intersection of affordable housing and architecture, exploring how innovative architectural designs, particularly through the lens of co-living apartment units, can play a pivotal role in bridging the affordability gap. It examines the correlation between architectural choices and housing affordability, with a keen focus on design strategies that not only contribute to cost-effective solutions but also enhance community integration within affordable housing projects. The concept of co-living, characterized by shared living spaces and a strong sense of community, offers a promising avenue for addressing the multifaceted challenges of the housing crisis. By fostering environments that emphasize shared resources, social connectivity, and community support, co-living apartment units may significantly reduce living costs and promote social cohesion.
Incorporating a value-inclusive design framework, this study aims to uncover architectural interventions that can enhance overall project success and foster a more inclusive urban environment. Through an analysis of design propositions and the identification of gaps in current affordable housing development strategies, this research endeavors to demonstrate how well-designed co-living spaces can serve as catalysts for economic growth and community resilience. Envisioning a future where affordable housing is not only accessible but also conducive to building vibrant, sustainable communities, this research seeks to contribute to both the architectural discourse and the broader conversation on inclusive and equitable urban development.
Mini – Annotated Bibliography
Baker, Emma, Laurence Lester, Kate Mason, and Rebecca Bentley. 2020. “Mental Health and
Prolonged Exposure to Unaffordable Housing: A Longitudinal Analysis.” Social
Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 55 (6): 715–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-
020-01849-1.
The study investigates the mental health effects of prolonged and intermittent exposure to
housing affordability problems, known as Housing Affordability Stress (HAS).
Analyzing a 15-year longitudinal population sample, the research finds that both
prolonged and intermittent exposure is associated with lower mental health. Even after
adjusting for baseline mental health, the negative impact remains significant,
emphasizing the need for interventions addressing affordable housing to improve
population mental health. The study suggests designing mental health interventions with
consideration for individuals’ housing context. This journal article would help support my
claim that coliving units could foster a viable solution for the improvement of mental
health residents in affordable housing units.
Freeman, Lance, and Jenny Schuetz. 2017. “Producing Affordable Housing in Rising Markets:
What Works?” Cityscape: A Journal of Policy Development and Research 19 (1): 217–
36. https://doi.org/10.2307/26328307.
The text examines the challenges of affordable housing in urban areas and the
effectiveness of local policy approaches in maintaining or increasing the supply of below-
market-rate housing. It discusses the limited impact of widely used policies such as
inclusionary zoning and fair share laws and emphasizes the need for increased funding
and political support. The authors also highlight the potential spillover effects of these
policies on local housing markets and the importance of understanding the political
dynamics of both local and state programs. This journal article could benefit my research
by showing gaps in policy that could be amended to include coliving units into the
existing policies.
Vale, Lawrence, Shomon Shamsuddin, Annemarie Gray, and Kassie Bertumen. 2014. “What
Affordable Housing Should Afford: Housing for Resilient Cities.” Cityscape: A Journal
of Policy Development and Research 16 (2): 21–50. https://doi.org/10.2307/26326882.
The reconstruction efforts in Banda Aceh Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami focused on
creating resilient communities that could withstand future disasters. The process involved
collaboration between local and international organizations and active participation from
affected communities. The efforts aimed to provide housing support economic
livelihoods reduce vulnerability to environmental risks enhance personal security and
empower communities through enhanced capacities for governance. The reconstruction
process highlighted the importance of housing in supporting city resilience and the need
for a broader approach to housing design that encompasses factors beyond just the
physical structure of buildings. The text also emphasizes the importance of community-
driven reconstruction processes and the role of organizations in empowering residents to
rebuild their lives and communities. This journal article will help my research in showing
how disasters can turn into a community driven way to bring make cities more resilient.