HomeJoy // Affordable & Zero-Carbon City
Manchester is currently facing a housing crisis, characterized by a rising percentage of individuals unable to afford housing each year. Regrettably, the City Council has resorted to exploiting the shortage of affordable housing as a marketing strategy to endorse substantial residential projects. However, it is disheartening to observe that these projects typically incorporate an absurdly low number of truly affordable units, failing to meet the mandated 20% threshold.
This unfortunate situation arises due to the compromised economic feasibility of incorporating affordable rentals or sales within the schemes. It is at this point that our involvement becomes significant. My name is Rodica Earmacov, a final year M.Arch student in the CPUai atelier. Our primary focus in this thesis is to examine cost-reduction strategies within the construction industry, with the overarching goal of enhancing accessibility to the built environment for all individuals. Throughout our research, we have shed light on the profoundly political nature of this issue to a limited extent. The tool we have developed has a great potential as a valuable resource during the various stages outlined by the RIBA. Additionally, with further refinement, the tool could effectively target specific buildings or blocks within a masterplan to develop at different rates.
Developing this tool and proposing a solution to Manchester's housing problem has been a rewarding experience, and I am thankful for working in such a fast-paced and high-achieving environment.
