Expanding Concepts of Inclusive Housing

Inclusive design, which focuses on diverse groups and their needs, has its US origins in the Civil Rights and Disability Rights movements. Inclusive design practices encourage a participatory approach to housing design that centers on self- and communityactualization for the residents. The framework for inclusive design practice contains seven tenets. People and their needs come first; recipients of design participate on the team; power relationships are equal; human diversity and life experience are valued; cultural contexts and situational factors determine the approach; evidence-based decision-making and evaluation ground the process; consideration of unintended consequences expands the scope of inquiry. As part of their responsibilities, inclusive designers should challenge current attitudes about home ownership, affordable housing, multi-family housing, alternate living arrangements, and the support systems in which housing exists. Pressing research needs in inclusive housing for studies on shifting demographics, remote working and learning, home health care, the increase in loneliness and isolation, and the effects of climate change.