Design inadequacies analysis in low income housing service areas

Abstract

Satisfaction surveys for housing units in Brazil have shown low levels regarding the service areas inside the units (kitchen and laundry spaces). In many cases, the poor quality of built environment is a consequence of overlooking user’s value-based requirements. This paper presents the results of a research conducted with an objective to identify and comprehend service spaces design inadequacies. We used qualitative methods of data collecting and analyzing, such as interviews, observations, physical and photographic surveys. The results presented can be used as inputs to the funding agencies’ evaluation on housing projects, as building standards for regulatory agencies, and as new standards for the development of housing products; which will contribute to improve technical, functional and spatial quality of such buildings.