How can housing design and transformation promote resilience to different crises?

Abstract

Since the 90s, an increasing number of unexpected crises and disruptions have emerged (e.g., wars, pandemic, extreme heatwaves, heavy flooding, and forest fires around the world) (Wheeler 2022). At present, the probability of these and new, different crises and disruptions happening simultaneously is on the increase (Schrecker 2012). The way all housing is designed, and transformed, plays an important role in both mitigating and adapting to the singular and simultaneous impact of these different crises and disruptions, and in safeguarding citizens. This chapter aims to synthesise and illustrate 1) knowledge about the role housing design and transformation plays as part of a resilient society and 2) the key principles of greenery, diverse and adaptable, social, and inclusive and equitable infrastructures to maximise their benefits at different scales (i.e., macro, meso, and micro level), while avoiding unintended consequences, such as gentrification, loss of community, unaffordable housing. In summary, living environments need to be adaptable, diverse, inclusive, and co-produced with inhabitants, where green and social infrastructures are prioritised in order to promote resilience and wellbeing (Castaño-Rosa et al. 2022).