Activation of vulnerable housing estates in four sustainable habitat principles: exteriority, diversity, sociability, comfort

Abstract

The four principles of sustainable habitat which are introduced in this work -exteriority, diversity, sociability, and comfort- arise from a thorough observation of the reality of “vulnerable” housing estates by means of the application of a multi-scale/multi-themed analysis method (MAM). This analysis gives raise to interpretations fostering the promotion of actions which lead to favorably transform inhabitants' daily universe within the estates since they enable living outdoors, living differently, living with others, and living comfortably. These conditions are as elementary-human- as essential.
Activation of vulnerable estates is a way of understanding the urban-building sustainability that enhances the built residential heritage; it is supported by a perspective which encompasses project continuity, community preservation, and city construction as a constant and cumulative process.
Micro-projects -which we call activators- are actions capable of generating immediate and direct activations at different scales of the estate, from the intimacy of the room to the neighborhood. In this way, the micro-project places the user at the center, it makes him a participant, and it provides him with the conditions of sustainable habitat.