House as a place of dwelling versus base for livelihood' the impact of home based work on the socio-spatial value of urban dwellings, and their implications on house designing in future.

Abstract

Home' has a special bond with its dwellers and also it is a fundamental necessity of every human being. Where it acts as 'own' place and provides 'shelter'. The bond between the home and the dweller is strong as it protects privacy, enhances mental satisfaction, and provides relaxation from the man's busy life pattern. Dwellers become highly attached to it and it becomes a part of their life. Before rampant urbanization because of the availability of adequate space and clear demarcation from other activities, did not hinder the concept of 'home' as a place of dwelling. 'The purpose of a 'house' (the physical place) as a 'home' (beyond the physicality - including all the relationships) was clearly defined as the place where the 'family'- the smallest social group of the society dwelled. But today, in urban situations a certain category of urban dwellers are unsatisfied with the economic conditions of their lives. The high land values and strategic locations in urban tight places provide a good potential to be exploited economically. With the acceleration of the development, economic situations need to be strengthened more so in the future than today, to survive in an urban context. Hence most people conduct many economic activities in their living environment HBW (home based work) in order to improve their economy. This gives a commercial facade to living and home environment. And also it is a threat for their 'homes' as traditionally defined and their home environment. It could be identified that because of this phenomenon occupants have done various changes, modifications, adaptation to their houses. Simultaneously the living pattern, the life style changed and as a result social and spatial conflicts arose. Therefore this issue' will become more critical in the future. In future within the development of the world, will home become more than living? Because of the multiple use of the home environment, what will happen to their living environment? Could people dwell with privacy as before, while being involved in the commercial activities within the home? As the interaction with outsiders increase, could they maintain their home environment as before