Extentions and modifications in low income housing: a study of socio - spatial relationship and architectural implications

Abstract

Shelter is a basic need of mankind and most architects are getting involved in giving solutions for that particular problem. In the present situation with the increase of population, mass housing schemes have been accepted as the most appropriate solution. When designing houses on a large scale, the architects are restricted by standardized components , materials technology and mainly the economy. But shelter is not only an end product of these components but also integrates the household and socio spatial characters of a particular group. A.K. Jain explains this as "the shelter is not an end product or a standardized commodity. It's a complex process including mental and physical , individual and community aspects and social and historical activities." Yet giving priority to the political and economic aspects ignoring the specific socio cultural qualities of the communities have created certain problems on their living patterns. As a result people do their own alterations and modifications to the built form violating the existing rules and regulation, to achieve their lost qualities. This situation can be mostly seen in housing providing for the urban poor and it implies the spatial requirements and the characteristic qualities needed by the particular user category. To provide better living conditions within an affordable economic conditions is not that easy, specially the low-income communities. Large-scale housing schemes are essential to overcome this housing shortage of the poor and also for the town renewal programmes. Therefore it has become a necessity to study this complex situation to be more effective in delivering housing for the urban poor of a country.