Creating thriving, inclusive cities, requires affordable housing workforce housing. This can be complicated where zoning, funding, and pre-existing policies support gentrification over affordability. DCH works to provide mixed-income housing and also preserve community character where similar complications arise. Looking to other models around the world that have succeeded can be a tool for future policies and approaches to providing workforce housing. We believe that we can provide more than shelter through fostering community, promoting sustainability, and preserving culture. These case studies show exciting possibilities in creative programming, sustainability strategies, and maintenance and appreciation of cultural heritage.

The concept of affordable housing has evolved from sheer attempts to provide shelter to encompass impressive structures and ideologies aimed at creating holistic community developments. Recent initiatives have embraced the more multifaceted approach that prioritizes social interaction, environmental sustainability, and cultural sensitivity.

Wins and Lessons in Workforce Housing:

Quinta Monroy Housing, Chile: The Quinta Monroy Housing development was tasked with accommodating 100 families in a limited space and developers employed creative design strategies to optimize living areas and encourage expansion based on individual needs. Residents were involved in the building process which encouraged a sense of ownership as well as belonging. This is a great example of how community outreach is essential in forging connections before breaking ground to understand the needs of residents.

Savonnerie Heymans Public Housing, Brussels: The Savonnerie Heymans development reimagined a historic soap factory, and also stands as a fantastic example of adaptive reuse as well. The complex offers a variety of living spaces and communal facilities, including a game library, mini-forest garden, and 3D-landscaped park with sustainability and community at its forefront. By repurposing existing structures and implementing innovative environmental features, the development harmonizes past and present.

Quayside Village, Canada: Quayside Village has foundational principles of accessibility and community engagement. Designed to be wheelchair-accessible and environmentally sustainable, the complex offers residential units equipped with communal facilities including a common house and communal kitchen. These developers prioritized inclusivity and environmental stewardship, resulting in a supportive and conscious ecosystem for residents.

Tetris Apartments, Ljubljana, Slovenia: Tetris Apartments, which drew inspiration from the popular video game, showcases a novel approach to design, with a focus on flexibility and customization. Apartments offer open-plan layouts with modular elements that allow residents to adapt their living spaces according to their preferences, just like the video game. Residents are easily able to personalize their homes, which has resulted in a sense of autonomy and creativity throughout the development.

Ruca Dwellings, Huechuraba, Chile: The Ruca Dwellings development is very interesting in its honor and respect for indigenous culture and tradition. It was designed with the help of the indigenous Mapuche community and integrates traditional building techniques and materials yielding culturally sensitive housing. By honoring indigenous heritage and incorporating local wisdom, the project was built around community and traditions that made it more easily accepted and celebrated.

These examples may provide clues and cues for the future of workforce housing design. Respecting local traditions, offering residents a sense of autonomy and connection, and through community outreach, developers succeeded in not only providing shelter, but protection of populations. DCH believes that developers and architects can create affordable housing solutions that meet more than the basic needs of residents, but nurture communities to thrive. Join DCH and comment if you believe Dallas can use some of the global lessons to help alleviate housing pressures, here at home.

Case Studies in Workforce Housing Across the Globe