That a country of wealth cannot provide sound housing for those in need is a national embarrassment. This book is about the design of dignified, affordable housing for those not served by the private sector, and how that housing fits comfortably into American communities. It is a non-technical analysis for everyone interested in the creation of affordable housing. Through discussions of cost, politics, and design concepts, as well as case studies of completed projects, it gives solutions to the dilemmas posed by the development process. Good housing design is a delicate balance of community values, individual needs, aesthetic judgements and technical requirements. Good design can save money - 70% of the cost of a new dwelling is affected by planning and design. As a key ingredient in community building, housing should bestow on its inhabitants a sense of dignity, says Davis. To view this as a privilege for those who can afford market-rate housing invites both social and financial disaster.
He also considers the American obsession with the single-family house and the historical ambivalence toward subsidized housing-attitudes that have often led to the stigmatization of low-income groups. This book should be of interest to community and volunteer groups, local governments, financial backers, architects, planners and students in related fields.
- ISBN10 0520919076
- ISBN13 9780520919075
- Publish Date 27 April 1995
- Publish Status Active
- Imprint University of California Press
- Format eBook
- Pages 208
- Language English