This thesis studies the use of a collaborative spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis tool in site evaluation with multiple participants. The approach is situated within the context of three concepts of space, choice and participation, and is informed by fields as diverse as Decision-Making, Participatory Planning, Geographical Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Voting, and Group Collaboration. A collaborative spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis software tool called MapChoice was designed for this thesis, built upon open source components and featuring easy-to-use decision support functionality in both single-user and collaborative modes. MapChoice was then evaluated in a real-world site selection situation with a case study on the location of much-needed affordable housing in the Town of Collingwood, Ontario. Based on previous discussions and workshops on the project, a workshop was held with a group of community housing advocates to compare a set of possible sites for an affordable housing project according to a set of spatial and aspatial criteria. The study indicates that a collaborative spatial MCA approach can be used in dealing with complex planning problems, and that it has the potential to contribute to improved consensus between participants.

The historic connection between homelessness and severe economic depression has disappeared as a shortage of affordable decent housing prevails even during periods of strong economic growth. New factors such as the reduction of low skill careers in manufacturing in favour of higher paid higher skilled positions are causing an increasing gap between the highest and lowest earning populations in Canada. Furthermore, shifting taxation rates have reduced the federal government’s ability to provide funding for affordable housing. As a result, current market based solutions are failing to meet the diverse housing needs of our communities, leaving some homeless and many others at imminent risk. Policy plays a large role in finding a solution to this crisis; however the means of applying any solution is intrinsically an architectural issue. This thesis examines the state of homelessness in the city of Toronto and proposes a new and inclusive urban housing typology to better meet the city’s housing needs. The thesis is structured by three forms of inquiry: Firstly, an analysis of homelessness in Canada is used to identify the historic causes of homelessness. As well, the principle obstacles faced by key demographics are highlighted. Secondly, the thesis investigates existing responses to homelessness to identify the difference between reactionary responses and a more effective integrated city making approach. Finally, the lessons learned from earlier research are applied through the design of an inclusive housing typology, which, through a city making strategy, blends together residential, cultural, and commercial programming. The goal of this design proposal is to foster a richer urban community, which better serves the needs of the entire city.

The following thesis addresses the need for low income housing in Jamaica with the purpose of evaluating the existing circumstances that influence the growth or decline of the low income housing industry. The focus is on identifying solutions that fuel growth. Research on the current state of low income housing in Jamaica and the programs that have been established to aid in the development of such housing, was carried out in the United States and in Jamaica. Questionnaires were developed and sent to individuals within the construction industry, targeting those who participate on low income housing projects. The results were collected, analyzed, described, and were used to extrapolate the research results. From this conclusions were drawn and recommendations made. Although Jamaica is considered a developing nation, in some advancement the island operates on a first world level. However, challenged by economic development, providing low income housing is limited by the resources available and the effectiveness of the programs implemented. This research attempts to create an overview of Jamaicas low income housing industry.

This report is intended to shed light on mobile home parks as valuable contributors to the affordable housing stock throughout the United States, as well as in Austin, Texas. In many areas of the country, mobile home park losses to redevelopment have already been proven as problematic. While Austin has not experienced excessive park loss as of yet, as planning initiatives and development trends continue to effect property values, some of Austin’s mobile home parks may be at risk of redevelopment, which leaves the already vulnerable, and typically low-income residents at risk of losing homes and social networks. This paper evaluates current planning pressures in Austin, most specifically the addition of new rail routes, as having the potential to the affect property values of certain mobile home parks; therefore putting them at risk of redevelopment. Recommendations for protection and support of these parks are offered at the local and state level. / text

This professional report examines the key contextual and organizational factors affecting community development corporations (CDCs) in the development of affordable housing. Using the findings of a systematic case study carried out by William Rohe and Rachel Bratt, I offer a detailed discussion of these factors in the context of a number of case studies, including an extensive discussion of the life cycle of Eastside Community Investments (ECI), a CDC that served the Near Eastside Neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana. Following this discussion, I explore a number of policy implications of this case study for the community development sector. The effective production of affordable housing involves a number of key players, including CDCs themselves, their intermediaries, the government, and the community; the active participation and commitment of all of these organizations is crucial to the long-term sustained success of the entire industry. / text

Berlin is one of the most dense cities for tenantable living, from nineteen century to the reunification decade in the late twentieth, the housing living cost always maintain an affordable level for multiple classes requirements. However, after step into twenty-one century, the urban gentrification sweeps out many affordable rental housing financed by city government, instead of higher cost for housing living in downtown Berlin. What I look for in this master design project is trying to broad a new view in how to develop the modern, affordable housing for diverse groups living in the inner city. / text

The development of affordable housing often involves a contentious siting process. Proposed housing developments frequently trigger concern among neighbors and community groups about potential negative impacts on neighborhood quality of life and property values. Advocates, developers, and researchers have long suspected that some of these concerns stem from racial or class prejudice, yet, to date, these assumptions lack empirical evidence. My research seeks to examine the roles that perceptions of race and class play in shaping opinions that underlie public opposition to affordable housing. Such opposition often earns the label "Not in my Backyard" (NIMBY). The application of a mixed-methods approach helps determine why the public opposes the development of affordable housing in their neighborhoods and towns. The focus group and survey results provide a rich understanding of the underlying attitudes that trigger opposition to affordable housing when proposed nearby. This study demonstrates that stereotypes and perceptions of the poor and minorities are particularly strong determinants of affordable housing opposition. This research improves our understanding of public attitudes toward affordable housing attitudes, leading to a more focused and effective policies and plans for the siting of affordable housing. The results provide advocates, planners, developers, and researchers with a more accurate portrayal of affordable housing opposition, thereby allowing the response to be shaped in a more appropriate manner. / text

In order to build community and provide additional amenities at their properties, several affordable housing developers in Austin, Texas have begun integrating on-site food production into their developments. This project explored the experiences of staff and tenants at two agencies that have connected food production and housing. Based on analysis of these narrative data, I identified current opportunities to further integrate and expand on-site food production into affordable housing. I proposed solutions to overcome challenges and recommended policies and incentives that could support the integration. / text

The historic connection between homelessness and severe economic depression has disappeared as a shortage of affordable decent housing prevails even during periods of strong economic growth. New factors such as the reduction of low skill careers in manufacturing in favour of higher paid higher skilled positions are causing an increasing gap between the highest and lowest earning populations in Canada. Furthermore, shifting taxation rates have reduced the federal government’s ability to provide funding for affordable housing. As a result, current market based solutions are failing to meet the diverse housing needs of our communities, leaving some homeless and many others at imminent risk. Policy plays a large role in finding a solution to this crisis; however the means of applying any solution is intrinsically an architectural issue. This thesis examines the state of homelessness in the city of Toronto and proposes a new and inclusive urban housing typology to better meet the city’s housing needs. The thesis is structured by three forms of inquiry: Firstly, an analysis of homelessness in Canada is used to identify the historic causes of homelessness. As well, the principle obstacles faced by key demographics are highlighted. Secondly, the thesis investigates existing responses to homelessness to identify the difference between reactionary responses and a more effective integrated city making approach. Finally, the lessons learned from earlier research are applied through the design of an inclusive housing typology, which, through a city making strategy, blends together residential, cultural, and commercial programming. The goal of this design proposal is to foster a richer urban community, which better serves the needs of the entire city.

abstract: The United States elderly population is becoming increasingly larger, there is a need for a more adequate housing type to accommodate this population. It is estimated that by 2020, there will be a need for approximately 1.6 to 2.9 million units of affordable Assisted Living (Blake, 2005). With limited income and higher health bills, adequate housing becomes a low priority. It is estimated that 7.1 million elderly households have serious housing problems. (Blake, 2005) The scope of this research will look at literature, case studies, and interviews to begin to create and understand the necessary design aspects of Assisted Living and Affordable Housing to better create a housing typology that includes both low income residents and Assisted Living needs. This research hopes to have an outcome of Design Recommendations that can be utilized by designers when designing for an Affordable Assisted Living typology. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S.D. Design 2014