Methodological strategy for the design of incremental housing

Abstract

The current crisis lies in shifting the concept of “house” to its most elemental roots. The house is no longer a “disposable” item; it needs to develop according to the needs of the family, growing and shrinking in size based on its requirements. This is what has been called incremental housing, where the project defines the standards for evolution and the dweller builds according to the growth rules defined in the project.
This paper arranges a strategy that supports the architectural conception as from the first line. In reviewing the research promoters for this typology, a particular one emerges: Design criteria are explained and the project’s principles are established. As from the Elemental works in Chile, the efficiency of this option is validated.