| Title |
A Study of the Types and Spatial Structure of 'Habitat intermediaire' (Semi-collective Housing) - Focus on French Housing Cases- |
| Keywords |
Low-story Housing ; Housing Typology ; Unit Combination ; Spatial Composition ; Independent Access |
| Abstract |
The aim of this study is to investigate the architectural types of 'Habitat intermediaire' (Semi-collective housing or independent low-story housing) and to analyze the spatial structure of this type of housing in 27 exemplary French cases (different plans of residential architecture). The term 'Habitat intermediaire' in French is a new residential category that has been in use since the 1970's. These semi-collective housings are designed to combine the merits and trends of single-family houses with the advantages of urban living and density in conventional housing. The spatial structures of these housings are analyzed with a focus on the contrasting relations between collectivity and individuality?and between unity and autonomy?of their housing units. An analysis of housing was carried out considering the following four factors: 1) the spatial composition of housing, 2) access from public to private spaces, 3) the characteristics of external private spaces, and 4) the organization of the interior space. In addition to this analytic method, a survey of diverse political support programs related to this type of housing in terms of how it improves the social mix and typological mix was also realized. To control urban sprawl in suburbs and to improve the quality of residential environments, diverse housing policies can actively support not only the financial dimension but also experimentation with different types of architecture. |