Handbook

A History of Housing explores the complex and diverse discussions around the design, innovation, planning, policies and economics of social housing. Social and affordable housing, whether considered as a reflection of social policy, a commodity, or a site of social struggle, plays a significant part in our everyday life. The debates concerning social housing are products of various ideologies that affect our society and shape our built environment. Through this course, you will gain an understanding of the long history of the ‘housing question’ and the key concepts that have underpinned such discussions. You will examine historic and contemporary architectural and urban responses that have emerged from debates. Through the exploration of relationships between design, regulatory frameworks and housing policy, you will develop tools for critical analysis and participation in the production of this significant and ever-evolving typology.