Role of Minimalist Design in Housing Affordability

Abstract

The need for urban housing is a worldwide issue which is more dominant in developing nations [1]. It is an indicator of the existing deficiency in liveable conditions, highlighting the number of households that do not have access to adequate housing infrastructure [2]. The primary causes of this imbalance are sudden influx of migrated population in the urban areas, the resultant land crunch and rapidly increased cost of land and construction. The scope of the study comprises of the exploration of concept of ‘minimalism’ as means of efficient designing and cost reduction in the manufacturing of affordable housing in dilapidated areas.

Minimalism, colloquially, refers to anything that is stripped to its essential quality. It expresses a way to escape the excess around us through the reassessment of priorities [3]. The application of this theory helps in creating alternate solutions for affordability by incorporating sustainable features that reduce the cost of construction, maintenance while improving the standard of living, addressing the urgent multifaceted requirements for housing.

There is a consensus that the continuous increase in the influx of people into cities, to seek services and opportunities, causes an increase in the city's populations. That in effect causes a direct increase in the cost of living, leaving low-income residents with fewer choices for affordable housing [4]. The concept of minimalism can facilitate in reduction of the overall cost of affordable housing. It approves a reasonable approach to achievement of certain goals and offers just what is requisite, a style in which the most elementary members are used to create maximum efficiency [5]. Adnan Kazmaoğlu defines minimalism in design and architecture as utmost simplicity with minimum use of material, to achieve highest economy and functional outcome. This approach to housing can lead to market-oriented solutions such as lowering the cost of land, constructions, operations and maintenance, and financing [6].

Minimalisms in housing focuses on simple geometry of spaces. Their layouts are functional and purposefully arranged to create simple, clean spaces that evoke a sense of order and tranquillity regardless of their size [7]. Basic forms, open and flexible spaces, minimal interior walls, modest storage areas, and an emphasis natural lighting and ventilation describe minimalist housing designs [8]. In minimalist spaces, versatility and multifunctional spaces are considered [7]. The resilience of multipurpose spaces, allow users to carry out several activities simultaneously or staggered at different times of the day.  Additionally, minimalist buildings project structural modesty with sophisticated and minimal structural elements balancing the solid-void relationship [7].

The research is an amalgamation of two aspects: minimalism and affordable housing. The scope of work explores the impact of minimalism design principles on the affordability of a dwelling in an urban context. Certain parameters of minimalistic architecture (spatial and material) have been shortlisted to evaluate their impact on affordable housing. The research adopts method of surveying and questionnaire in the chosen geographical area. Resultantly, the research is shaped by analytical framework derived from quantitative and qualitative methods of surveying.

The conception of Minimalism is hinged around functionalism as its most emphasized feature. It refers to removal of excessive elements of ornamentation and embellishment, which are used for visual ornamentation and aesthetics. The research proves that there are design-based options like multifunctionality of space that need to be explored at a larger scale. In placing minimalism in the context of housing, it has created a new design approach and outlook to the conventional sense of affordability. Indoor space organization of minimalist spaces comes out as simple geometric forms, with spaces driven by function and dominated with natural and exposed textures. Hence, this design approach adds value to the space allocated for housing and as a result, make the spaces affordable and diverse in their uses.