Affordable and Sustainable Housing Solutions for Iran's Low Income Citizens

Abstract

This paper studies the architectural implications of the economic and social needs and challenges of Low-Income and Iranian families in Tehran. The attempt is to answer the following question: what strategies can be used to address the problem of low income families, while providing sustainable mixed-use affordable housing. The housing topology that becomes building that generates energy, and can provide jobs. The argument is based on a case study in London that reveals architectural attempts to help low-income families while also relying on sustainability. Although this case study might not be successful in all aspects, it starts a new trend to help families struggling with poverty. This paper also discusses the problems and opportunities that sustainability provides in terms of creating a higher level of life quality for low-income residents with respect to life in Iran. I will also investigate “Mehr housing” in Iran, project which ultimately shows the negative side of government solutions to low income housing. Although case study had its own governments’ support, it has failed to fulfill the needs of its residents. After studying the sustainable and architectural solutions promoted in different projects in question, and considering the problems that each case study had in terms of approaching the quality of living and energy saving, I believe, in the long term, sustainable design projects have the potential to decrease the poverty. That is one of the effective ways architecture can provide living opportunities for poor families and benefits both the government and poor population of Iran.