The nature of desired value in social housing

Abstract

Improving quality and adding value to the built environment depends on a continuous improvement process that effectively provides benefits to the users. This paper describes a study on the nature of desired values of families living in social housing projects. It considers the subjective and multidimensional nature of desired value as perceived by users. The study aimed to investigate the use of the concept of desired value for improving social housing. In the research method, the stated preference technique with illustrated cards, and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection instruments. The sample consisted of 195 people from 4 projects in the region of Campinas, SP. Statistical inferences were obtained based on bootstrap confidence values and cluster analysis to assess added value and specific associations between separate items of value. Results indicated that the item safety was a priority in terms of value adding, followed by closeness to nature, low housing maintenance costs, and less noise disturbances.