Results of the International competition initiative by the IE University called “Houses for change”, hosted by IE School of Architecture and Design. The purpose of the competition is to consider housing as an urgent and basic component of improving urban environments for the poor and at risk and to propose viable housing alternatives for those often neglected or left out.
For the first time in history, more than half the world’s people live in cities. Over 90 percent of urban growth is occurring in the developing world, adding an estimated 70 million new residents to urban areas each year.
The purpose of the competition is to consider housing as an urgent and basic component of improving urban environments for the poor and at risk. Architecture students and recent graduates of architecture, along with peers from other fields forming multidisciplinary teams, have a unique role to play in suggesting solutions and approaches in response to the housing crisis facing many cities today.
Buildings and projects are place-specific and must take into account not only physical realities, but also cultural, economic, and the social context. Entries are invited for housing that is appropriate and affordable for a specific place (identified by the participating team). The housing must be for an urban area, and therefore address the needs of many. Schemes or units should be designed so the model can be reproduced/duplicated.
