Azizah Salim - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Azizah Salim

Abstract The Purpose of this study to identify the factors influences housing cost in low cos... more Abstract

The Purpose of this study to identify the factors influences housing cost in low cost housing projects in Sana’a the capital of Yemen. A questionnaire survey has been used as the tools to carry out this study. The questionnaire survey consisted of 32 factors which were grouped into five major categories named; land factors, materials used factors, construction methods used factors, finishing works factors and external factors. The level of importance of the categories was measured and ranked the relative importance weights. This study found that land cost factor, cement cost factor and steel cost factor are the most important factors influencing housing cost in Sana’a. Based on the analysis of the ranking and intensity of a housing cost factors, this paper suggests possible improvements that could be made in order to decrease the housing cost.

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the ways that could enhance residents’ social interactio... more Purpose
– This paper aims to investigate the ways that could enhance residents’ social interaction in low-rise residential building neighbourhoods of Basra city in Iraq. The lack of social interaction among residents of Basra city prompted the authors to frame a strategy for this case study.

Design/methodology/approach
– The spatial design characteristics of low-rise residential building neighbourhoods implicated to support the residents in terms of social interactions in comparison to those exhibited by a single home and traditional neighbourhoods. The statistical data demonstrated that by using this strategy, several unique features of secured, collective, responsive and supportive spaces could enhance the residents’ social interaction.

Findings
– This study found that all collective space factors have a significant influence on social interaction. “Fostering proper proximity and accessibility” factor was ranked first and the most significant factor with an influence on social interaction. Secured spaces (hierarchical spatial structure, physical security supports and construct) have a significant influence on social interaction. The most interesting finding in this study is that all factors of the supportive spaces construct have a significant influence on social interaction. Finally, this study showed that two factors of the responsive spaces construct, increasing variety and increasing legibility, have an insignificant influence on social interaction.

Originality/value
– The design of low-rise residential building neighbourhoods in Basra city may be used to develop social interaction as the contributing factor for maintaining values of traditional neighbourhood communities. This study highlights certain recommendations for architects, especially urban designers, to reinforce residents’ social interaction in low-rise residential building neighbourhoods in Basra city.

Keywords:
Social interaction, Iraq, Basra city, Low-rise residential, Neighbourhood, Spatial design

Abstract Purpose – Housing costs are very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, w... more Abstract
Purpose –
Housing costs are very high in Yemen compared with Middle East countries, which caused a shortage of housing supply especially for low-income groups. This paper aims to develop affordable housing design for people with low income and to examine their ability to afford houses in Sana’a, Yemen.

Design/methodology/approach –
Two different questionnaires were used to achieve the study objectives. The first one was to examine the requirements and needs of low-income groups, while the second was to analyze the feedback of professionals in relevant housing authorities in Sana’a. An affordable house design methodology was used to design alternatives of low-income housing in order to minimize cost and environmental impact while maximizing the social acceptability in housing projects.

Findings –
The results show that the low-income group can afford new houses in Sana’a in consideration of the following: constructing multi-storey housing units such as apartment system through using the concrete frame structure and building the internal and external walls with concrete blocks with limited areas (65-120) square meters.

Originality/value –
The findings could be used to improve housing affordability through housing policies in Yemen in order to decrease the housing shortage particularly for the low-income group.

Keywords: Housing, Prices, Low pay, Yemen
Paper type: Research paper

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 2007

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, 2009