Critical analysis of housing condition impacts on residents' well-being and social costs

Abstract

Housing is fundamental to the welfare of people and society. On the contrary, housing may impose costs on users as regards their health and quality of life. These costs are not only individual but also social. Studies on the concept of social costs (SCs) related to living conditions of social housing (SH) are scarce, and the concept needs in-depth debates. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to answer the primary research question: What are SCs, and what triggers them? The research specifically aims to identify spatial design factors and construction details of SH, which may cause adverse impacts and social costs and affect households' quality of life. The SLR results are analysed and discussed concerning the major concepts of SCs and social impacts (SIs). The visual representation and organization of data contribute to detailed and in-depth conceptual discussions to understand the factors that can induce actions to improve SH design and upgrading of the existing stock. Most publications emphasise physical and mental health risks. Poor thermal conditions cause illnesses, and depression is prevalent in many housing developments putting pressure on public systems and their health services. Social unrest and family conflict can impose further costs on policing and social assistance. Housing conditions’ cause and effect are rarely detailed in the SC literature, which constitutes a research gap. New housing design, Upgrading or refurbishment initiatives should also effectively increase well-being, reduce environmental impacts, and ultimately contribute towards positive social and technological developments.

The covid-19 pandemic in relation to built environment design characteristics

“…As well as these consequences, long-term therapies became apparent, demanding new investments. Social cost are costs incurred on society and the public sector by built environment impacts [11].…”

“…The perception of crowding (housing density) also represents a negative factor [11]. Crowding is considered a condition when the number of individuals exceeds available ENTAC2022 -Ambiente Construído: Resiliente e Sustentável 3 space [5].…”

“…Crowding is considered a condition when the number of individuals exceeds available ENTAC2022 -Ambiente Construído: Resiliente e Sustentável 3 space [5]. Impacts of crowding have been studied in various types of indoor spaces and open areas as well as public transport (leisure, services, amenities, schools, hospitals) [4] [11][12] [13]. Crowding may affect the propagation of infectious diseases, such as Covid-19 virus [5].…”

Housing transformations and their impacts on the well-being of dwellers

“…Poor housing conditions, safety, and security issues can affect physical and cognitive health and create conflict (MUIANGA et al, 2021;ITARD;BLUYSSEN, 2020;BARDHAN;SUNIKKA-BLANK;HAQUE, 2019;POORTINGA et al, 2017). Health and well-being, including harmonious family and community life, are important goals for official housing upgrading programmes (STANDEN et al, 2020).…”

Drivers and Challenges for Implementing Sustainability-oriented Upgrading in Social Housing in Brazil

“…However, due to the urgency for massive housing delivery, SH projects are based on standardized low-cost models throughout the country, ignoring regional characteristics and their specific climates. This leads to low-quality buildings that in many ways do not meet user needs, especially regarding functional and thermal comfort [5,11]. In this context, users often intervene on their own, especially in SH developments based on single-family houses.…”