Quality Affordable Housing Concept: Case Studies in Mehr, Iran, Dharavi, India, Al-Sharq, Jordan and Bashayer Al-Khair, Egypt

The document titled “Quality Affordable Housing Concept: Case Studies in Mehr, Iran, Dharavi, India, Al-Sharq, Jordan, and Bashayer Al-Khair, Egypt” explores the pressing issue of affordable housing in developing countries. It highlights the challenges these nations face in providing adequate housing for their growing populations and evaluates various projects through the lens of quality affordable housing criteria.

Introduction

The aim of the paper is to assess affordable housing projects using defined quality criteria. The authors, Adel El-Menshawy and Amr Sharaby, employ qualitative and quantitative methodologies to analyze four case studies: Mehr in Iran, Dharavi in India, Al-Sharq in Jordan, and Bashayer Al-Khair in Egypt. Each case study is chosen based on similarities in project scale, number of households, and affordability types.

Criteria for Quality Affordable Housing

The authors outline specific criteria that define quality affordable housing. These include:

• Comfort: Ensuring family interaction and activities.
• Safety and Security: Providing secure living environments.
• Economic Needs: Addressing income levels and expenditure patterns.
• Social Status: Considering amenities and social facilities available.
• Physical Environment: Evaluating neighborhood characteristics and infrastructure.

These criteria serve as benchmarks for assessing the effectiveness of each housing project.

Case Study Analysis

1. Mehr Housing Project, Iran

The Mehr Housing Project was initiated to address Iran’s housing shortage. It aimed to provide affordable homes to low-income families while ensuring quality living conditions. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to services were noted. The project faced criticism for not fully meeting the quality standards set forth in the study.

2. Dharavi, India

Dharavi is one of the largest slums in Asia, with a high population density. The Indian government has focused on improving livability through enhanced community services such as education and healthcare. The study highlights that while accessibility to services is good, many facilities are of low quality and require significant improvement. Safety concerns also persist due to overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.

3. Al-Sharq Project, Jordan

This project represents a large-scale initiative aimed at transforming military camp sites into residential areas. The Al-Sharq project seeks to create an integrated urban community with modern amenities. The authors note that it has made progress in terms of residential satisfaction but still faces challenges regarding social integration and environmental conditions.

4. Bashayer Al-Khair, Egypt

Bashayer Al-Khair aims to provide affordable housing while fostering community development. The project includes various amenities designed to enhance social interaction among residents. However, like the other case studies, it also grapples with issues related to service quality and infrastructure development.

Comparative Analysis

The paper includes a comparative analysis of the four projects based on the established criteria for quality affordable housing concept. Key findings indicate that:

• Accessibility: All projects vary significantly in terms of accessibility to essential services.
• Quality of Services: There is a general trend of low-quality services across all case studies.
• Safety: Safety remains a critical concern, particularly in densely populated areas like Dharavi.

Conclusion

The study concludes that while efforts have been made towards providing affordable housing concept in these regions, significant gaps remain in meeting quality standards. The increasing population demands innovative solutions that not only focus on affordability but also prioritize quality living conditions. The authors advocate for a more integrated approach that considers the social, economic, and environmental aspects of housing development.In summary, addressing the challenge of quality affordable housing requires collaboration among governments, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that future projects meet both affordability and quality standards effectively.

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