A systems approach to rural housing

Abstract

An attempt is made in this paper to arrive at a methodology for generating building technologies appropriate to rural housing. An evaluation of traditional/ ‘ modern ’ technologies currently in use reveals the need for alternatives. The lacunae in the presently available technologies also lead to a definition of rural housing needs. It is emphasised that contending technologies must establish a ‘ goodness of fit ’ between the house form and the pattern of needs. A systems viewpoint which looks at thedynamic process of building construction and thestatic structure of the building is then suggested as a means to match the technologies to the needs. The process viewpoint emphasises the role of building materials production and transportation in achieving desired building performances. A couple of examples of technological alternatives like the compacted soil block and the polythene-stabilised soil roof covering are then discussed. The static structural system viewpoint is then studied to arrive at methodologies of cost reduction. An illustrative analysis is carried out using the dynamic programming technique, to arrive at combinations of alternatives for the building components which lead to cost reduction. Some of the technological options are then evaluated against the need patterns. Finally, a guideline for developments in building technology is suggested.