Ar6017 urban housing unit 04 no copy

AR6017 |URBAN HOUSING|2013 REG| AR.A.SIVARAMAN, M.ARCH| PRIMECAP 105
UNIT IV SITE PLANNING AND HOUSING DESIGN
Content:
4. a) Site Planning -Selection of site for housing, consideration of physical characteristics
of site, site Location factors, orientation, climate, topography – Landscaping.
4. b) Housing Design-Traditional housing, row housing, cluster housing – apartments
and high-rise housing relating to Indian situations – case studies in India – integration all
types of services, parking, incorporation of green sustainable practices –prefabrication
in housing.
ASPECTS:
4.a).SITE PLANNING
SITE SELECTION FOR HOUSING DESIGN
Three main dimensions for site selection
An economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by
ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right
time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development
requirements, including the provision of infrastructure;
A social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of
housing required to meet the needs of present and future generations; and by creating a
high-quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s
needs and support its health, social and cultural well-being; and
An environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and
historic environment; and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural
resources prudently, minimize waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change
including moving to a low carbon economy.
OTHER CRITERIA’S
1. Site Access: location (roads, connecting services and waste removal) - to be considered
for feasibility of developing the site (Sustainability: Recycling is considered as part of
waste collection)
2. Site Access: viability - to be considered for feasibility of developing the site. CW:2 a)
adequate existing maintained roads c) new roads need to be built b) existing road needs
upgrading or widening d) new roads plus extra infrastructure to be built e.g.
roundabout, bridge

3. Topography – site choice to be suitable for building works to ensure the most efficient
& effective use of land; to be environmentally sustainable; to avoid the hazard of
unstable land slippage
4. Rights of Way – to be considered for feasibility of developing the site Features of site that
is unlikely to be resisted or removed
5. Neighbor sites - to be considered for feasibility of developing the site and for promotion
of healthy life styles
6. Flood Risk: ground water saturation and surface water drainage
7. Urban sprawl – to avoid the loss of the green corridor of land around the
town/villages, to protect from urban sprawl.
8. The natural environment: biodiversity and ecology - site choice should ensure
protection and enhancement of all ecological and biodiversity features where possible
and avoid irreversible losses
9. The natural environment: landscape settings, views and natural features
SUBSURFACE FEATURES
 Geology: Geological history of the area, bedrock type & depth etc.
 Hydrology: Underground water table, aquifers, springs etc.
 Soil Genesis: erosion susceptibility, moisture (pF), reaction (pH) organic content,
bearing capacity etc.
NATURAL SURFACE FEATURES
 Vegetation: Type, size, location, shade pattern, aesthetics, ecology etc.
 Slopes: Gradient, landforms, elevations, drainage patterns
 Wild Life: ecology, species etc.
CLIMATE
 Precipitation,
 Annual rain/snow,
 Humidity,
 Wind direction,
 Solar intensity & orientation,
 average/highest/lowest temperature.
CULTURAL & MAN-MADE FEATURES
 Utilities: sanitary, water supply, gas, electrical etc.
 Land use: Usage of site, adjacent use, zoning restrictions, easement etc.
 Historic notes: archeological sites, landmarks, building type, size, condition
 Circulation: linkages an transit roads, auto & pedestrian access, mass transit routes etc.
 Social Factors: population, intensity, educational level, economic & political factors,
ethnicity, cultural typology etc.

AESTHETIC FACTORS:
 Perceptual: from an auto, by pedestrian, by bike etc.
 Spatial Pattern: views of the site, views from the site, spaces existing, potential for
new areas, sequential relationship.
 Natural Features: significant natural features of the site, water elements, rock
formations, Plant materials
GREEN SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES RELEVANT TO HOUSING DESIGN:
 Social sustainability
 Economic sustainability
 Cultural sustainability
 Institutional sustainability
 Materials – cost effective and sustainable
SUSTAINABILITY IN HOUSING DESIGN
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
• In practice, social sustainability has many dimensions with various strategies, for example the
empowerment of poor communities; inclusion of all groups in planning, design and governance
decisions; building the skills of people; and creating training and employment opportunities
through construction processes.
• Inclusion of low-income groups in housing strategies can increase security and decrease social
tensions in cities.
• Particular urban forms and approaches such as mixed land use and density can promote social
integration and equity.
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
 Housing policies, design, and construction processes should be connected to micro- and
macroeconomic development, and employment and income generation.
 Governmental incentives to support the development of a sustainable housing sector is
crucial, as is increasing the means to help poor communities access initial, up-front costs
needed for building sustainable housing.
 Macro-economic development in developing countries needs to be connected to
sustainable housing in order to create long-term economically-viable solutions.
CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
Cultural heritage is important for people’s identity and should be maintained for future
generations.

Protecting traditional housing forms, patterns and domestic ways of living is historically is
historically important, and can also have economic value in terms of tourism.
Culturally appropriate and responsive built environments (including their form, design, spatial
layout, and materials, etc.) are an important dimension of sustainable housing and is indeed
one of the seven criteria of ‘adequate housing’ as prescribed in international instruments.
INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
• Governments are the key housing sector stakeholder that can guide the sustainable
development of a country and are therefore in a crucial position to support sustainable housing
development.
• Sustainable housing is not a ‘one-off’ task; it is a continual process that requires a robust and
transparent institutional setting where each stakeholder can play their part. Where
fundamental institutions exist, they should be strengthened; where they do not exist, they
must be created.
• Institutions should work to improve economic support for low-income households and groups
to access sustainable housing and reform unsustainable policies, building codes and regulations
that constrain the provision of sustainable housing.
MATERIALS – COST EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE
WOOD AND STRAW CONSTRUCTION
• Wood and straw construction are easy to work with without a high level of required technical
expertise or expensive tools and allow good insulation possibilities: straw has a good insulation
value on its own and skeletal wood construction allows easy insulation in comparison
monolithic constructions.
• Bamboo construction has a lot of potential in the affordable housing sector but the treatment
and proper jointing of bamboo need to be ensured.
EARTH AND STONE CONSTRUCTION
• Earth and stone construction present good thermal mass opportunities and a lot of potential
in the affordable housing sector to produce comfortable housing interiors, especially in the hot
and dry climate zone.

• New ways of producing and using mud bricks, for example through stabilized soil block
technologies, has enhanced the abilities of traditional adobe bricks and made them more
attractive as an affordable construction material and building system.
WAYS OF USING CONCRETE IN A MORE SUSTAINABLE MANNER
• Concrete is one of the most used construction materials in the world today.
• Concrete has many advantageous characteristics, which explains its wide use, but it also has a
high embodied energy and its production can emits harmful substances. Additionally, the
production of steel needed for reinforcement of concrete has a major environmental impact.
• New ways of producing more environmentally friendly concrete materials and construction
systems should be developed and promoted.
RECYCLED MATERIALS
• Recycling materials is of high importance considering the current global environmental crisis.
• Recycling activities can create employment for the informal sector in developing countries.
• A vast amount of different materials from industrial waste, household waste and construction
waste can be reused in building sustainability in a house.
4.b).PREFABRICATION IN HOUSING
Prefabricated homes, often referred to as prefab homes or simply prefabs, are specialist
dwelling types of prefabricated building, which are manufactured off-site in advance, usually in
standard sections that can be easily shipped and assembled
The advantages of using prefabrication in housing are that:
1. Prefabricated components speed up construction time, resulting in lower labor costs;
2. Prefabrication allows for year-round construction;
3. Work is not affected by weather delays (related to excessive cold, heat, rain, snow, etc.);
4. The mechanization used in prefabricated construction ensures precise conformity to building
code standards and greater quality assurance;
5. There are less wasted materials than in site-built construction;
6. There is less theft of material/equipment (and less property damage due to vandalism);
7. Materials are protected from exposure to the elements during construction;
8. Worker safety and comfort level are higher than in site-built construction;

9. Computerization of the production process permits a high degree of customization, at an
affordable cost;
10. Quality control and factory sealing and design can ensure high energy efficiency; and
11. Cost savings through prefabrication can reduce the income required to qualify for a high
ratio mortgage by up to one third compared to a conventionally built home of the same size.
ISSUES
The issues related to using prefabrication in housing are that:
1. Many municipalities zone against manufactured housing because of earlier perceptions
created by trailer parks;
2. Concerns have been raised by local and regional governments with regard to whether the
taxation paid by manufactured homes is sufficient to offset public costs such as schools;
3. The requirement to transport manufactured homes or modules to their intended site can
mean that prefabrication potential may be limited for infill projects in inner city areas; and
4. Increased production volume is required to ensure affordability through prefabrication.

HOUSING DESIGN -CASE STUDIES IN INDIA
TRADITIONAL HOUSING
Case study: TAMIL QUARTERS HOUSING, PONDICHERRY
DESIGN ASPECTS
Traditional Tamil houses are strictly functional, and a series of open semi-covered and covered
spaces with subtle levels and a through-axis Characterizes the plan.
The thinnai marks the transition space, after which the house is entered through a finely carved
wooden door and a vestibule, and once inside, the mutram (open courtyard) becomes the
central space around which various other private spaces are functionally arranged.
The mutram is an age-old concept, and according to the Vaastu Shastra, each house was to
possess an open courtyard – known as brahmasthanam (meaning ‘vital space’). This open space
is mainly to facilitate a direct link – an auspicious connection – with the five elements – earth,
fire (sun), water (rain), ether and wind.
Country tiled roofs of the surrounding thalvaram funnel air into this mutram, which is the major
source of lighting and ventilation. In the case of two-storied buildings this space is covered by a
clerestory. Mutrams are very useful during functions or family meetings.
Beyond the mutram are the more private spaces like sami arai (pooja room), kitchen,
storeroom or bedroom.The kitchen opens onto a rear courtyard.
This open space at the end of the house is provided with a well and a tree, and is mainly used
for domestic utilities and accommodating livestock, which were part of the household then. In
the case of wealthy houses multiple courtyards are common.
These continuous back to-back row houses share walls, and the eastern wall of a house is
usually taken as its mother wall.
STREET SCAPE OF TAMIL TOWN
It is interesting to note the distinct variation in the characteristics of French and Tamil streets.
French streets are characterised by mansion type villas with high compound walls, elaborate
gates, garden courts,arched patios, colonnaded galleries, voluminous rooms, high arched
openings, wooden balconies and flat terraced roofs. Tamil streets are mainly characterised by
the thalvaram (street verandah with platform and lean-to-roof over wooden posts) – a social

extension of the house – and a thinnai (semi-public verandah space with masonry benches for
visitors).
These talking streets, so called because of their intimate scale and interactive nature, are
typical of the vernacular Tamil architecture (also to be found in Kumbakonam, Tanjore,
Chidambaram, Srirangam, Mylapore), and the entire street stretch is homogenous because of
the use of connecting elements like lean-to-roofs, cornices (horizontals), pilasters or engaged
columns (verticals) and ornamental parapets. These Tamil buildings usually feature a
combination of flat and pitched roofs.
In the case of two-storied Tamil buildings the first floor is usually treated with French features
leading to a mix of Tamil and French styles which is the signature mark of Pondicherry heritage.
CLIMATIC ASPECTS
To minimize the discomfort of the tropical climate, where it is hot and humid throughout the
year, direct openings and large volumes were avoided (totally contrasting with the design
approach of the large colonial villas on the other side of the town – for the same climate).
On the street side where the walls are exposed to direct sun or rain, the use of thalvaram and
thinna is provide shade and protection. The courtyard induces ventilation due to updraft.
In the case of country tiled roofs, the successive layers of tiling traps the heat and provides
effective insulation. The mix of open, covered and semi-covered spaces offers a choice
according to the climate.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
Buildings feature simple load bearing walls. Foundations are of rubble and have one or two
stepping.
Walls are of flat bricks – about 45 to 60 cm thick and packed with an infill of mud and brickbats.
First floor walls are lesser in thickness than those of the ground floor.
Madras terrace roofing (brick-on-edge masonry in lime mortar over closely spaced timber
joists) is used for flat roofs and Mangalore tiles or half-round country tiles (laid on battens over
wooden rafters) are used for sloping roofs.
Thinnais, thalvarams and mutrams feature wooden structures.Balconies rest on cantilevered
wooden joists, sometimes over wrought iron brackets.
In some cases the lean to roof is supported by iron or wooden brackets. Brick cornice belling is
used for cornices, copings and decorative bands.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Tamil and French houses were built of a combination of various nature friendly and locally
available materials such as burnt bricks, lime, terracotta tiles and wood. Major structural
wooden members like columns and beams were made of teak,
While minor members like rafters and posts were made of palm or other local timbers.
Traditional Tamil houses demanded skills in brick laying, tile laying, timber craft and plaster
work.
Plan
Section
FRANCO-TAMIL STYLE
It is important to point out the synthesis of the French and Tamil styles especially in the Tamil
town. Probably it was considered fashionable to use French features in the street façades of the
native buildings (and in any cases in the interiors as well) – however this was done without
compromising on the age-old functional elements of thalvarams and thinnais.
This exchange of architectural patterns is evident in the façades of two-storied buildings where
the ground floor is usually of the Tamil type with thinnai, thalvaram and carved doors while the
first floor features French influence with arched windows, plaster decorations, fluted pilasters,
columns with capitals, and end ornament elements. On the whole, a conspicuous synthesis of

two varying styles has happened which has resulted in the interesting Franco-Tamil
architectural style.
CLUSTER/ COMMUNITY HOUSING
CASE STUDY: ARANYA HOUSING, INDORE
INTRODUCTION
The Indore housing in India, designed at B. V. Doshi's Vastu-Shilpa, represents in many ways a
'classic' architectural approach to large scale, low-cost dwellings for the poor: the professional
designer responded to the public client (IDA) with a concrete project, thoroughly researched
and conceived. What is different, however, is that a "sites and services" approach has been
refined (while remaining flexible, attentive to individual resources and spontaneity) to include
'models' for future dwellers, house-types, suggested materials, steps for implementation. This
proposal searches a middle ground, between a house 'with no rooms’.
PROJECT DATA
• Site: 6 kilometres north of Indore city.
• Client: Indore Developl11ent Authority, Indore, India
• Architects: Vastu-Shilpa Foundation. B. V. Doshi, architect/planner;
• Land area: 220 acres (total)
• Phase I: 100 hectares
• Number of plots: 6500
• Population (projected):40,000 (initial) persons 65,000 (final)
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the scheme is to provide housing, community and commercial facilities,
primarily for the economically weaker sections (EWS) but within a socially balanced matrix of
middle- and higher-income groups. Bearing in mind the low level of affordability of the EWS
Families, the project assumes challenging dimensions in terms of providing an adequate
environment at nominal cost.

LAND USE
The road area of about 21 % together with pedestrian walkways and square amounting to a
further 1.5% of the net planning area compares very favorably with the target set by the World
Bank. Considering that in the EWS areas, high road areas are consumed because of the small
plot sizes, the overall efficiency of the road patterns adopted is clearly demonstrated.
The open spaces add up to about 8% of the planning area which falls within the planning norms
in India of between8% to 10%. By linking the open spaces together, the feeling of spaciousness
will be greater than that suggested by the assured percentages.
In Indian towns, commercial areas of between 2% to 4% can be sustained, against which the
Indore scheme measures well with an area of about 3.5% distributed along a wide spectrum of
economic activity.
The overall marketable area is over 68%. It is normally difficult to increase the marketable land
beyond 60%. In the VSF scheme this efficiency has been achieved by optimizing the road
networks and encouraging multiple uses often open spaces.
POPULATION DENSITY
The gross township area of about 100 hectares, inclusive of the open spaces and the peripheral
roads, is designed for an initial population of about 40,000 people which is anticipated to rise to
65,000eventually.
The gross density is, therefore, 400 persons per hectare rising with time to 650 persons per
hectare.
This compares favorably with densities in the inner cities of India of over 1,000 persons per
hectare which are obviously too congested.
Studies have shown that housing and infrastructure costs optimize at densities of between 300
to 600 persons per hectare.
he desire to reduce further there into the Indore project is tempered by the scarcity of urban
land combined with the acute shortage of housing.
AFFORDABILITY OF THE PEOPLE
The costs of the EWS plots are pitched so as to achieve monthly loan repayments of Rs. 25 for
the families earning Rs. 200 per month rising to Rs. 87 for the family incomes of Rs. 400 per
month. (13 rupees= 1 US dollar).

VSF research at the grass-roots suggests that the monthly incomes of the EWS groups are
underestimated in the National statistics as they do not take into a count the incomes from the
informal Sector.
The practice of subletting dwellings again augments the incomes. These factors all combine to
generate the surplus finance which can expedite the growth of the dwellings from the basic
cores to the final built form.
CONCLUSION
An attempt has been made to come close to the social, physical and aesthetical goals as laid
down by VSF within the framework of severe financial constraints of low-cost housing.
It is not the intention of the Foundation to produce a rigid scheme which is incapable of
evolving with changing circumstances of the future.
The stress laid on flexibility and elasticity at all levels of planning should ensure that the
proposals put forward can respond dynamically to any feed-back received during the remaining
detailing stages, during construction and even after the eventual occupation.
It is hoped that the township, when completed and occupied, will be well received by the
people of Indore.
We feel that this township, a model experiment by the Indore Development Authority, will set a
replicable pattern of balanced and harmonious which can be emulated and Subsequently
improved upon by other organisations engaged in the field low-cost housing.
ROW HOUSES
A row house is considered a cross between an apartment and a bungalow, thus giving you the
sense of independence and benefits of community living.
In the pre-industrial period, row houses were also known as town houses or city residences of
nobles or wealthy families in Europe and North America. This concept dates back to the pre-
automobile era (16th Century), when landlords and their support staff who lived in large
country estates for most part of the year, moved to the town house during the social season.
These homes were found within the city limits. Town houses typically had small foot prints, but
were spread across multiple floors and were therefore spacious, often consisting of staff
quarters.

Whereas in India, Le Corbusier included row houses as part of industrial housing in the planned
city of Chandigarh. However, with increasing population and land values, high density
apartment developments have become the norm in most Indian metros.
Today, row houses are making their way into the residential landscape as a 'new luxury'
product that is within the financial reach of a much larger buyer segment than just Ultra High
Net worth Individuals (UHNWI).
At the moment a row house has emerged as the 'new luxury' product that provides the highest
value for money, providing a balance of affordability and privacy with an opportunity to enjoy a
private garden along with the convenience of a community.
WHAT IS A ROW HOUSE?
A row house can be defined as a single family dwelling unit arranged in a row with a minimum
of three dwelling units attached to each other by a common wall with only front, rear and
interior open spaces. The first and the last of these houses are usually larger than the middle
ones.
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS
 No two row houses share the same stairway
 Row house development has minimum of three dwellings in a row
 They have uniform plan, fenestration and architectural treatment
 Rainwater harvesting
 Solar power for lighting homes
While row houses give you the sense of a separate and secure home, they also have the
benefits of community living. You need not share any of your facilities such as water, electricity,
parking and gardens.
At the same time, row-houses are constructed in a group layout and, hence, have common
parks, playgrounds, club houses, etc.In addition to this, row houses provide home buyers a
higher share of Undivided Share of Land (UDS). Today, buyers are more informed and they do
not blindly invest in a project. Higher UDS means better future prospects and return value.
ROW HOUSE AMENITIES:
Club house , Gym, indoor games,
Children’s play area Multipurpose halls Jogging track,
Library , Swimming pool

ROW HOUSING/SOCIAL HOUSING
CASE STUDY: TARA HOUSING GROUP BY AR. CHARLES CORREA
Location: New Delhi, India
Date: 1975-1978
Site: 1.48 ha
Program: Social housing with 160 units of two and three-bedroom flats
Client: Tara Housing Society
Architect: Charles Correa
Tara Apartment is one kind of social projects that is intended for the middle-class of Nehru
center. This building is designed by one of the most famous Indian architects at this time,
Charles Correa, and completed in 1978. Tara housing group has more than 125 units and
375 persons per hectare. The Tara pays deeply attention to the inner activities which are almost
happen in the central garden and leave the interaction of traffic behind a wall which is
parallel to Guru Ravidas Marg Street( the South-East).
SITE
Description: The project is located along Guru Ravidas Marg Street which leads to two big
residential areas in the North and the South. It is in the suburb of middle-class. Therefore, it
creates a harmonious and balance volume with the existing fabric due to limited height and the
form of the building. More than that, the project also plays an important part in linking these
other buildings with the adjacent park.
EVALUATION:
The building turns its back on the street to prevent noise, dust from the high flow vehicles.
Being staked as a row, central garden, big overhangs and sharp edges, all give these buildings a
sense of Indian characteristic under hot sun, full of light without suffering from high
temperature.
BUILDING
Description: The duplex units are accessed either at ground floor or second floor levels by
outdoor stair cases. There are two kinds of flat: the two- bedroom flats with 84 square metres
(3 metres wide, 6 metres high with two floors and 15 metres long), the three-bedroom flats
with 130 square metres and have the shape of L, there are just only 16 three-bedroom flats
were built. Each unit is provided an open terrace which is protected by a per- gola and big
overhangs. Two sides of the project are connected by staircases.
Evaluation: The concept of building allows people to access directly to the interior
garden. More than that, everyone also has their own open-to-sky terraces with full filled
shadow. By taking advantages of sun, wind directions and open spaces, hence lighting access
and ventilation to each dwelling are maximized.

DWELLING
Description: The dwellings are grouped into some small and medium blocks. Some
blocks are assembled only by two-bedroom flat, some are combined between two
bedroom type and three-bedroom type. It creates the diversity of form but still
maintains the logic of dwellings‟
Functions: However, there are just 16 three-bedroom flats so that it is not sufficient for
families which have more than 4 members.

TWO BEDROOM TYPE
The complex is formed due to the combination between pairs of accommodation units.
The second floor which is larger than the ground one with a big overhang that rises further
approximately 6 metres gives the mixture between shadow and light. More than that, the
duplex above is also push back hence front of the below one is protected too. In that way, the
whole central garden is full filled with shadow.
THREE BEDROOM TYPE:

CONCEPT
 The main concept in Tara housing group project is a creative vernacular typology in
term of arranging and piling the singular flat into united blocks.
 By separating with the outside world and providing an interior garden, the building
preserves well the private life of families within.
 More than that, just pedestrians are allowed go inside the housing group and the
parking lot is in the back of the building.
 In term of a social housing group, the project takes big advantages from natural
resources like lighting and ventilation and all families are equally shared these features.
 Indian sense is illustrated in the use of concrete bands, panels of exposed bricks,
portals, overhangs and shape edges.

HIGHRISE HOUSING
CASE STUDY: KANCHANJUNGA APARTMENTS, MUMBAI
INTRODUCTION
Correa’s penchant for sectional displacement accompanied where appropriate by changes in the
floor surface, is at its most elaborate in the 28-story, Kanchanjunga apartments completed in
Bombay.
Here Correa pushed his capacity for ingenious cellular planning to the limit, as is evident from
the interlock of the one and a half story, split-level, 3 and 4 bedroom units with the two and half
story 5 and 6 bedroom units.
Smaller displacements of level were critical in this work in that they differentiated between the
external earth filled terraces and the internal elevated living volumes.
These subtle shifts enabled Correa to effectively shield these high rise units from the effect of
the both the sun and monsoon rains.
This was largely achieved by providing the tower with relatively deep, garden verandahs,
suspended in the air.
Clearly such an arrangement had its precedent in the cross-over units of Le Corbusier’s Unit
habitation built at Marseilles in 1952, although here in Bombay the sectional provision was
achieved without resorting to the extreme of differentiating between up and down-going units.
Whole structure is made of reinforced concrete.
The building is a 32-storeyed reinforced concrete structure with 6.3m cantilevered open
terraces.
The central core houses lifts and other services also provides the main structural element for
resisting lateral loads.
The central core was constructed ahead of the main structure by slip method of construction.
This technique was used for the first time in India for a multi-storeyed building.
With its concrete construction and large areas of white panels, bears a strong resemblance to
modern apartment buildings in the West.
However, the garden terraces of Kanchanjunga Apartments are actually a modern interpretation
of a feature of the traditional Indian bungalow: the verandah.
In a bungalow, the verandah wraps the main living area.

TYPE A

TYPE B

TYPE C

TYPE D

UNIT V HOUSING PROCESS
CONTENT:
5.1. Various stages and tasks in project development
5.2. Community participation and housing management
5.3. Environmental aspects and national calamities and disaster mitigation.
ASPECTS:
5.1. Various stages and tasks in project development IN HOUSING
1. Concept: In this stage the housing developer determines the basic parameters of the
proposed housing development. The details of the concept will change over time as the details
and realities of the project come together.
The key activities during this phase are:
• Defining the project, including the purpose of the housing, the type of housing (single family,
apartments, high rise, etc), potential locations, approximate scale of the project and target
population (families, elderly, special needs)
• Selecting the members of the development team, which typically includes: architect, lawyer,
engineer, development consultant, builder, construction manager and service provider if the
project is serving a special needs population
• Selecting and evaluating the site
• Developing an understanding of the housing market and the community
• Identifying and procuring predevelopment funds
2. Predevelopment: During this stage, the developer undertakes the specific tasks necessary to
be ready to begin the actual housing construction including:
• Conducting a market study or analysis of the housing needs in the community of choice
• Obtaining site control (in the form of an “Option to Buy” or “Agreement of Sale”) in order to
secure the site while its appropriateness and feasibility are being evaluated
• Conducting environmental studies on the site

• Identifying financing sources
• Preparing preliminary architectural designs/cost analysis
• Determining feasibility including environmental considerations, zoning, and cost
• Identifying and obtaining financing sources, whether they be grants, loans, philanthropic
donations, or in-kind services or materials (which could include the site)
• Finalizing architectural plans and bid documents
• Closing/settling on financing
• Acquiring the site
• Developing a management plan, including the identification of a management entity, making
certain that there will be adequate income to operate the project and assuring that it will
maintain its value over time
• Obtaining governmental approvals to proceed with construction of the project
• Soliciting and reviewing construction bid
3. Construction: The housing is built and all financial and operational planning are completed
during this phase. Specifics include:
• Awarding construction contracts. Generally, the housing developer will hire a general
contractor who will, in turn, hire subcontractors in each trade
• Obtaining building and other permits to obtain permission to proceed with construction.
• Preparing the site and actually building the housing. Non-profit sponsors often have a special
“ground-breaking” ceremony to celebrate the completion of the planning stages and thank
their funders
• Managing the construction. Oversight of the contractor may be conducted by the architect, a
separate construction manager, or a member of the sponsoring agency who has this expertise
• Initiating marketing and lease-up to assure that there will be occupants and a source of
operating income as soon as possible after the completion of construction.
• Identifying management and support staff so that they can begin work just prior to
occupancy.

• Completing construction and obtaining a certificate of occupancy
• Holding a “ribbon cutting” ceremony to celebrate the actualization of what had been a
concept and a dream.
4. Operations: Once the housing is in place and the occupants have moved in, the sponsor
begins the long-term management and operations of their housing. If it is targeted to a special
need’s population, the coordination or provision of supportive services also begins. Specific
steps include:
• Closing on permanent financing. If the construction costs were covered in full or in part
through short-term financing, the long-term mortgage needs to be put in place
• Occupying the units
• Maintaining and managing the housing, including making repairs, providing seasonal
maintenance like snow removal and lawn care, janitorial services, rent collection, and enforcing
lease compliance
• Providing services as appropriate to the population.
5.2.1. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
• The voluntary involvement of people in a community in projects to solve their own
problems.
• Can take place during any of the following stages
• Needs assessment
Opinions on desirable improvements, negotiate with agencies, prioritise
community goals
• Planning
formulate goals, objectives, critique plans
• Mobilising
raising awareness, community structuring
• Training
formal/informal- communication, construction, maintenance
• Implementing
Positives- feeling of community & belonging, mutual help towards people around, opportunity
to better their lives, receiving remuneration as cash or kind
Negatives- unfair distribution of work and benefits, individualistic society, feeling that
govt./agency should provide facilities, treated as helpless by agency

EXAMPLE: - ARANYA TOWNSHIP, DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT BV DOSHI
• Project Location : Indore, 6kms from City Centre
• Project Extent : 86 Hectares
• Project Details: 7000 Housing Units, 40000- 63000 People (9/Unit)
• Project Audience: 65% Low Income (EWS) & 35% High Income
• Project Completion: 1988
• Initiated by the Indore Development Authority
• Aimed as an integrated approach- for a sustainable society with a mix of different
economic levels
• Designed as a Sites and Services Scheme
BACKGROUND:
- 51000 people without homes in Indore.
- Tackle this issue and at the same time be affordable to the government and urban poor.
- Previous efforts by the government to provide low-cost urban housing in India were
aimed at supplying ready-built units. However, it took too long to construct a complete
house and it became expensive for the low income group and also ate up too many
resources.
VIABILITY & FINANCE
• World Bank- Initial Capital
• High income houses to be sold at profit
• Profit to cross subsidize Low Income houses
-And to assist in loan repayment capacity of the EWS
• The objective of the scheme is to provide housing, for the economically weaker sections
(EWS) but within a socially balanced matrix of middle and higher income groups.

MASTER PLANNING- FACILITIES
- Localised CBD provision
- Acts as a focus for sectors
- Institutional and Commercial- Central Town Centre ( 4 clusters of shopping, residential,
office)
- Social functions housed at end of spine
MASTER PLANNING- NETWORK
- Street hierarchy to allow for strict pedestrian, semi-pedestrian and vehicular roads
- Transition zone of 0.5 meters between every house and the street- platforms, balconies,
open stairs.

MASTER PLANNING- COMMUNITY MIXING
- The upper income plots and commercial facilities have been housed in areas which
would fetch maximum sale prices.
- Initial investment- 57.2 million
- Additional surplus by sale- 11.7 million
- EWS prices are subsidised to 35%on average
MASTER PLANNING- CIRCULATION & OPEN SPACE
- Road areas of 21% of total land, and pedestrian walkways (additional 1.5%) of the net
area, is in the target set by the world bank
- The open spaces add to 8% of net planning area
- Open spaces have been linked to provided to accommodate a spectrum of multiple
uses.
- The small pockets in between houses, link to larger public squares in the middle of the
housing clusters and finally link to the central community amenities.

SITES AND SERVICES
- The 'site and service' approach is adopted in the design of houses for the EWS category
in the proposed township.
- A fully serviced plot is allocated to each EWS household together with the basic building
core (i.e. kitchen, wash and one room) which can be extended by the occupants at their
own pace and with their own resources.
- The concept of 'site and service’ helps to stretch the scarce resources of developing
nations to a maximum as well as stimulates the 'self-help' element within the
community.
INCREMENTALITY

- The service core was provided to the people- kitchen and toilets (plumbing for water,
sewage, electrical lines, etc.)
- The cores form the nuclei around which development happens, and community evolves
- The core constitutes the largest cost components of such developments
- Once the core has been provisioned, it has been left to the choice of the resident to
design and build their houses in comfortable affordability and time spans.
- Loan repayment for EWS: Rs 25/month for families earning Rs 200, and a maximum of
Rs 87/month for families earning Rs 400 (Rs 13 = USD 1)
DID IT WORK? – POST OCCUPANCY STUDY
• NEGATIVES
• Initial Core- Based on initial money put in by people. This meant that some had a
house wit ha latrine and kitchen, or just pipelines with a plinth area built
• Larger open spaces unmanned, often piled with rubbish (heavily unused)
• Play of lower levels of bureaucracy- brokering
• Illegal rent transfer to people who have managed to obtain houses on land
belonging to others
• Resale price 10 times the original prices
• No tenancy clause
• POSITIVES
• Houses built gradually, and no pressure on people. People build as homeowners-
sense of ownership adds to the sense of belonging.
• Initial use of inexpensive materials- now developed to solid permanent
structures
• Small open spaces used well- small temples, festival gathering, resting, trees,
drying clothes
• Created a 12% profit by cross subsidy
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