Architecture of Necessity: Redefining Spatial Quality in Low-Cost Housing

Low-cost housing, as a critical issue in contemporary architecture and urban studies, is often developed with a primary focus on minimizing economic costs, frequently neglecting spatial quality. This study applies the concept of the 'Architecture of Necessity' to reevaluate spatial quality in low-cost housing. It demonstrates that addressing essential needs can foster human-centered and acceptable living environments. The research follows a descriptive methodology, utilizing both library-based studies and a field survey. The theoretical section compiles concepts related to the Architecture of Necessity, spatial quality, and low-cost housing to establish a comprehensive conceptual framework. The empirical phase involves a questionnaire distributed among residents of a selected National Housing neighborhood in Parand, Tehran, assessing their perceptions of spatial quality. Spatial quality is examined across four primary dimensions: Perceptual-Spatial, Functional-Physical, Social-Interactional, and Contextual aspects. Among these, Perceptual-Spatial components -including natural light, ventilation, spatial legibility, and human-scale dimensions- emerged as the most critical factors influencing residents’ comfort and well-being. Findings indicate that necessity-driven design can effectively enhance spatial quality, social interaction, and overall quality of life, highlighting the particular importance of Perceptual-Spatial elements. This demonstrates that even minimal or low-cost housing can provide environments that are human-centered, adaptable, and responsive to residents’ real needs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Architecture of necessity ، Low-cost housing ، Spatial quality ، Living spaces