In recent years, “housing affordability” has become a prevalent term highlighting the complex housing challenges faced by many nations, though its precise definition remains elusive. This paper critically examines the concept of “affordability” as a framework for understanding housing problems and defining housing needs, focusing on North American perspectives. It identifies six distinct applications of the housing expenditure-to-income ratio commonly used to measure affordability: characterizing household expenditures, analyzing temporal trends, administering public housing through eligibility criteria and subsidy determination, establishing housing needs for policy formulation, predicting household ability to meet rent or mortgage payments, and informing decision-making processes regarding renting or mortgage provision. Each application is evaluated for its validity and reliability in capturing the intended aspects of affordability, aiming to clarify the strengths and limitations of this metric in addressing housing issues.
This paper explores the intersection of architectural science knowledge and the powerful tools of metaphors, models, and light. By examining the conceptual frameworks that underpin architectural design and the built environment, we reveal the ways in which metaphors and models shape our understanding of space and form. Furthermore, we investigate the role of light in mediating our experience of architecture, from its physical properties to its emotional and psychological impacts. Through a multidisciplinary approach that draws on architecture, philosophy, and physics, we uncover new insights into the complex relationships between these elements and their implications for the creation of meaningful and sustainable built environments.
Ensuring quality in construction projects is crucial to meet client expectations, ensure safety, and reduce costs. Quality assurance (QA) is a critical component of construction project management, yet its implementation remains inconsistent. This study investigates effective QA strategies for construction projects, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice. A mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, case studies, and interviews, was employed to gather data from construction professionals and projects. The findings highlight the importance of proactive QA measures, including regular site inspections, effective communication, and continuous training. The study identifies key challenges, such as inadequate resources and lack of commitment, and proposes a QA framework for construction projects. The framework emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, clear quality objectives, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The study’s outcomes contribute to the development of best practices in QA, ultimately enhancing the quality of construction projects and improving industry performance.