Flexible social housing as an alternative to mass-produced housing in the walled city of Famagusta

Abstract

Social housing can provide sturdy and sustainable, shelter but its standardised design lacks individuality and compromises the experience of "dwelling". This study analyses a social housing complex in North Cyprus and provides evidence that the original design of mass-produced housing can be adapted to individual and emerging needs. This is an answer to the standardization and loss of individuality. The results of this analysis are used to provide an alternative solution to the demolition of dilapidated social housing in the historic walled city of Famagusta. Built on the findings from the test case, it proposes that the social housing units in the walled city can also be rehabilitated to meet individual needs and that these alterations would contribute to the revitalisation of the area's social fabric. In conclusion, it suggests that the adaptation of social housing should be integrated into the revitalisation of historic environments. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.