A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
The commodification of temporary housing
Abstract Since the 1970s, temporary uses of vacant spaces have become a preferred urban development strategy to revitalise centrally-located neighbourhoods. In the housing sector, however, temporary uses are barely registered as they provide only short-term shelter in buildings shortly before demolition. Therefore, they do not secure a stable right to housing. In Switzerland, nevertheless, temporary uses are increasingly gaining momentum in the housing segment. Since the 2010s, besides institutionalised but non-profit temporary housing, a for-profit model has emerged. This commodified model is managed on the owners' behalf and is based on loaning law contracts that require payment for operating costs, but not rent. Consequently, the legal protection of the temporary users' rights, namely low-income families, single parents, people with social aid, and students remains weak. This article detects the mechanisms at play explaining the reasons for the shift towards profit-seeking in temporary housing by using an institutionalist and actor-centred analysis approach. Through a qualitative single case study analysis of Zurich, Switzerland, the phenomenon will be analysed in a city confronted with increasing affordable housing shortage and densification pressure.
Highlights Temporary housing is gaining momentum to cope with affordable housing shortages. Housing is a matter for tenancy law, not loaning law to protect the tenants' rights. Commodification is a driving force for the emergence of for-profit temporary housing. The protection of tenants' rights becomes crucial for preserving urban social mix. The city of Zurich has the responsibility to provide housing for the lowest income.
The commodification of temporary housing
Abstract Since the 1970s, temporary uses of vacant spaces have become a preferred urban development strategy to revitalise centrally-located neighbourhoods. In the housing sector, however, temporary uses are barely registered as they provide only short-term shelter in buildings shortly before demolition. Therefore, they do not secure a stable right to housing. In Switzerland, nevertheless, temporary uses are increasingly gaining momentum in the housing segment. Since the 2010s, besides institutionalised but non-profit temporary housing, a for-profit model has emerged. This commodified model is managed on the owners' behalf and is based on loaning law contracts that require payment for operating costs, but not rent. Consequently, the legal protection of the temporary users' rights, namely low-income families, single parents, people with social aid, and students remains weak. This article detects the mechanisms at play explaining the reasons for the shift towards profit-seeking in temporary housing by using an institutionalist and actor-centred analysis approach. Through a qualitative single case study analysis of Zurich, Switzerland, the phenomenon will be analysed in a city confronted with increasing affordable housing shortage and densification pressure.
Highlights Temporary housing is gaining momentum to cope with affordable housing shortages. Housing is a matter for tenancy law, not loaning law to protect the tenants' rights. Commodification is a driving force for the emergence of for-profit temporary housing. The protection of tenants' rights becomes crucial for preserving urban social mix. The city of Zurich has the responsibility to provide housing for the lowest income.
The commodification of temporary housing
Debrunner, Gabriela (author) / Gerber, Jean-David (author)
Cities ; 108
2020-10-10
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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