Design considerations for livability : a survey-based study on residents’ perception of low-income high-rise housing in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study explores design considerations to enhance livability in low-income high-rise housing based on residents' perceptions in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Livability—a multidimensional concept encompassing quality of life, safety, health, and social interaction—is critical for human well-being and sustainable urban development. Despite numerous housing interventions to address urban low-income needs, many high-rise developments fall short of meeting residents’ expectations, leading to housing dissatisfaction, informal unit sales, and a return to slums and informal settlements. Key challenges in these developments include architectural, social, economic, and management deficiencies. Poor design and maintenance, insufficient unit sizes, lack of privacy, limited customization options, and absence of open spaces significantly reduce residential satisfaction. Additionally, safety concerns, social isolation, and high living costs exacerbate the issue, echoing lessons from failed international projects like the Pruitt-Igoe complex. Unlike studies focusing only on limited physical aspects, this research takes a holistic approach to livability in the Sri Lankan context, examining diverse indicators like ventilation, cleanliness, safety, and cultural compatibility. It is predominantly quantitative, using surveys, Likert scales, and chi-square analysis, while qualitative methods interviews, observations, and photographs capture emotional, social, and cultural subtleties often missed by numerical data alone. Findings reveal persistent issues at both unit and community scales, including inadequate maintenance systems and limited communal and recreational spaces, which undermine social cohesion. The study emphasizes the urgent need for adaptive, inclusive housing policies that integrate resident feedback and address structural and socio-economic disparities. It offers practical design and policy recommendations aimed at fostering more livable, equitable, and sustainable high-rise communities for low-income populations.