Matrix of Affordable Housing Assessment: A Development Process

摘要

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a multiracial society with diverse housing and apotential real estate market. This study focused on users’ perceptions of the designs of availableand affordable private housing stock in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, which are the most populatedstates (emirates) of the UAE. A literature review and case studies of low- to medium-rise residentialbuildings were used to determine the parameters defining affordable housing design, and a modelwas developed of 7 design segments (independent variables) with 39 dependent variables. The modelconsists of a matrix of 39 design variables, in which each variable is set in a survey tool with a Likertscale to evaluate user satisfaction levels with the designs of their respective buildings. Questionnaireswere distributed among the inhabitants of several buildings at different locations in the emirates.This study found that 16 anomalous design factors failed to satisfy users. It is likely that the results ofthis study will provide a blueprint for dialogue between regional building designers and end users toimprove the designs of new buildings. The resulting design assessment matrix can be used for theanalysis of residential buildings in other parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council region.