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” investigates the challenges and methodologies associated with providing quality affordable housing in various contexts. The authors, Adel El-Menshawy and Amr Sharaby, employ qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate four distinct housing projects based on established criteria for quality affordable housing.

Introduction

The increasing population and evolving needs in developing countries have exacerbated the gap in low-income housing. Governments are striving to enhance affordability ratios in the housing sector, yet many face significant challenges. The paper aims to assess affordable housing projects through a quality lens, focusing on four case studies: Mehr in Iran, Dharavi in India, Al-Sharq in Jordan, and Bashayer Al-Khair in Egypt.

Methodology

The researchers utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to analyze the selected case studies. This included field studies and comparative analyses to evaluate the projects against specific criteria for quality affordable housing.

Case Studies Overview

1. Mehr Housing Project, Iran

The Mehr Housing Project is designed to provide affordable housing but faces challenges related to location and accessibility. Projects located within urban areas benefit from better access to public transportation and essential services compared to those situated outside cities. Key points include:

• Location Features: Urban projects have access to educational and health facilities, while suburban projects often lack these amenities.
• Safety Concerns: Many units are not built to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes, raising safety issues.
• Quality of Construction: There are concerns regarding the use of low-quality materials by contractors aiming to cut costs.

2. Dharavi Housing Project, India

Dharavi’s Navrang project focuses on upgrading living conditions in a densely populated slum area. The Indian government’s initiative aims to improve quality of life through enhanced infrastructure and services:

• Accessibility: The project is centrally located with good transportation links.
• Community Services: While community services are provided, their quality often requires improvement.
• Safety Measures: Safety remains a concern due to the existing infrastructure’s inadequacy.

3. Al-Sharq Project, Jordan

Al-Sharq addresses the needs of low-income families by providing affordable housing with essential services:

• Integration with Urban Planning: The project aims for integration within existing urban frameworks.
• Community Engagement: Efforts are made to involve community members in planning processes.
• Sustainability Practices: Incorporation of sustainable practices is emphasized to enhance living conditions.

4. Bashayer Al-Khair Project, Egypt

Bashayer Al-Khair represents an innovative approach towards affordable housing in Egypt:

• Design Considerations: The project incorporates modern design principles aimed at enhancing livability.
• Infrastructure Development: Focus on developing necessary infrastructure alongside housing units.
• Social Cohesion: The design encourages social interaction among residents while maintaining privacy.

Conclusion

The paper highlights that while each case study presents unique challenges and solutions related to affordable housing, common themes emerge across all projects. Key factors influencing success include location, accessibility to services, safety measures, construction quality, and community involvement. The findings underscore the importance of integrating quality standards into affordable housing initiatives to ensure they meet the evolving needs of low-income populations effectively.Overall, this comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into the complexities of developing quality affordable housing in diverse socio-economic contexts and serves as a guide for future projects aiming to bridge the gap in low-income housing sectors globally.

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