PARADOX OF SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECTS: HOUSING AFFORDABILITY VERSUS HOUSINGQUALITY

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between housing quality and 
affordability and examine the possibility of reconciling these seemingly contradicting two 
concepts in social housing design. In this respect, The paper attempts to rethink the role of 
architectural design principles and housing policies in the sustainable transformation of social 
housing. This contribution is based on multidimensional research that combines both quality and 
affordability aspects to analyze the conditions for transforming social housing. The literature 
review indicates that in recent years the attitude toward the concept of housing affordability is 
changing; It is not only assessed in terms of economic viability, but it extended to border issues 
related to housing quality, neighborhood quality, and quality of life. While focusing on the 
dynamic between these two contradicting concepts, the research tries to analyze the renovation 
of La tour Bois-le-Prêtre in Paris as a case study. The research applies a framework on this case 
study to analyze aspects that enhance the design quality and their later effects on housing 
affordability. This framework includes accessibility, identity, diversity, adaptability, density, 
safety, social interactions, energy efficiency, and cost-efficiency aspects. As a result, this project 
illustrates the successes of social housing renovation in terms of design principles. Inthe design 
of successful social housing, there should always be an appropriate balance between affordability 
and quality, with consideration of residents‘ needs. Lack of this balance will be economically 
and socially costly throughout the life-cycle of housing and directly impact on dwellers ‗life
quality.