More housing, less architecture

five paradoxes of the contemporary habitat as a frugal emancipation strategy

Abstract

The research begins with the case study of the Northern Zone of Granada through a review of the growth experienced and the development models that produced an unprecedented transformation of the city during the second half of the 20th century. These new neighbourhood projects, carried out by public and private initiatives, were aimed at solving the housing problem of the time. The study of the processes and needs for relocation has allowed us to analyse the responses given to migratory and demographic phenomena, as well as the impact they have had on the social reality of the neighbourhoods. In addition to delving into the typological and morphological aspects, the importance of the planning instruments available at the time has been studied. Once the case study has been dealt with, the current housing problem is raised, considering all the factors that intervene in its complexity. From the observation of the modes of use and appropriation of habitable spaces, it is possible to understand contemporary behaviours in relation to ways of living. All of these studies allow us to consider possibilities for action, specifically by adapting housing in run-down neighborhoods to solve the current problem of access to housing. In particular, they address the opportunity to target these areas for young people, achieving architectural restoration, urban regeneration, and social revitalization of these neighborhoods. In short, they appeal to the emancipatory nature of mass housing for society.