A Decision Support System for Affordable and Sustainable Housing Design and Delivery in Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Fid-Bau Portal

A Decision Support System for Affordable and Sustainable Housing Design and Delivery in Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Bruen, John / Spillane, John P. / Taylor, Su

Abstract

Housing shortages in least developed countries (LDCs) continue to escalate beyond previous records and based on current projections this trend is set to increase. The resulting homelessness and poverty affect large populations in many LDCs. The main contributing factors are recognised as global population growth and natural disasters, which disproportionally affect LDCs when compared with developed countries. The challenge of how best to address these shortages in a sustainable manner while simultaneously building resilience against future disasters into the communities has been a central debate in many LDCs. Many different actors, such as governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and communities undertake housing provision projects in these contexts. However, the outcomes are often of poor quality, which can be attributed to a lack of a coherent and holistic design and delivery process with the community served and lack of a sustainable design ethos.

The aim of this research is to explore the complex area of the design and delivery of sustainable and affordable housing in LDCs and post-disaster contexts. The research focuses on the design decision-making and delivery process for selected international housing organisations, which operate in the field of sustainable housing in LDCs. The research bridges the domains of architecture and project and design management and, in particular, the aspect of decision support. A multi case study approach with nine leading international housing organisations operating in LDCs is undertaken. The study identifies key barriers and challenges faced in the design and delivery of sustainable housing in LDCs as well as key drivers for improvement. Key themes and considerations in the designer’s decision-making and delivery process are identified. A decision support system (DSS) tool for the design and delivery of sustainable housing in LDC contexts is developed directly from these results, which can then be applied in practice.