Evaluation of social cost of low-income housing

Abstract

Brazilian Social Housing (SH) programmes have a positive effect on reducing habitational deficits, however, often fail to mitigate social segregation. In addition, SHs present a minimal, or inadequate comfort, and environment quality with adverse consequences on the quality of life and well-being of users. The negative impacts of housing conditions and the built environment may imply in Social Costs (SCs) incurred on society. There is a gap related to SCs associated with Brazilian SH, and how to estimate these. Our research aims to evaluate potential SCs related to SH. The study was developed in 3 stages: evaluation of SCs components, estimation of a SC model, and identification of SCs in a specific SH example. Visual observations, questionnaires, photos, mapping, and documents to analyse SCs were applied in a specific case study. Furthermore, our research highlights a participatory process, placing the residents as protagonists to define their housing. Understanding how social issues are associated with housing conditions and their surroundings and creating mechanisms to reduce SCs may enable the development and implementation of new housing design solutions. Also, fundamental are future scenarios where sustainability, quality of life, and well-being guide the production of housing and the resulting built environment