An Architectural Response to Local Chronic Homelessness: Creation and Utilization of a Architectural Design Criteria

Abstract

With the increase of homelessness, especially in Los Angeles County, there is a critical need for affordable housing. An Architectural Design Criteria was created to streamline the design of affordable developments. Taking inspiration from a design guideline already created, current successful affordable housing developments, and in-depth research, the criteria will allow architects to evaluate and adjust their designs to increase the likelihood that a project will contribute to decreasing homelessnes. The criteria contains seven different elements that are shown to be  crucial in  a successful affordable housing development, and the criteria are tested against three existing developments and four model communities.