A Methodology for Application of Principles of Universal Design and Lifelong Housing in Housing Construction, by Jan Tomandl, Irena Šestáková, Michal Kohout & David Tichý
This article presents a methodology that originated within an applied research project named Quest for Supportive Methods of Implementation of the Principle of Universal Design in Housing Investments. This project was assigned to a research team at the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University by the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic on behalf of the Ministry for Regional Development.
The methodology follows, reviews and develops current requirements for barrier-free use of blocks of flats and individual flats. The key idea behind the methodology is a three-fold categorization of accessibility with a summary of specific requirements for housing of visually impaired persons. This categorization was inspired by legislation in Sweden and Germany, where such standards form part of the national requirements for housing.
The basic universal standard is defined as S120. Its main requirement is to guarantee leeway in the form of a circle of 1200 mm in diameter in all rooms. This category should meet the needs of the elderly and those using a walker, crutches or a small wheelchair. Another category is the barrier-free standard S150, which corresponds to most requirements for flats for special use as defined by Czech legislation, providing leeway in the form of a circle of 1500 mm in diameter. Finally, the S180 specific standard corresponds to requirements for leeway in the form of a circle of 1800 mm in diameter; it applies for some rooms only, such as bathroom or bedroom. This category takes into account persons diagnosed with myopathy, muscular dystrophy and serious forms illness requiring assistance in most situations. Our methodology for application of principles of universal design and lifelong housing in housing construction contains a list of specific requirements corresponding with all these standards.
Social Housing in Chomutov, by Mária Šťastná
The municipal authority of Chomutov has addressed the issue of housing for persons in danger of or afflicted by social exclusion through their social housing. The waiver of the fee/deposit pertaining to the residential lease contract and intensive social work provide support for housing and progressive inclusion. The most endangered groups consist of families and single parents with small children. This concept of social housing and active cooperation with other actors guarantees a high success rate for clients who fail in the open housing market. There is evident improvement in terms of livelihood security and socialization in Chomutov’s endangered population.
A Strategy for Housing Development in Prague, by Michal Němec
Unaffordable housing is one of the city of Prague’s biggest current problems. Due to high market rentals and increasing prices of residential property, which is now especially apparent, the financial accessibility of housing is now lower in Prague than in most other European capitals. Ever more inhabitants of Prague struggle to afford adequate high-quality housing. In this unfavourable situation, municipal politicians, who are keen to react to current problems and so contribute
to improved quality of life, have approved the Strategy of Housing Development in Prague, the first new city-wide housing strategy for more than 15 years. The aim of this article is to summarize the main principles, conclusions and recommendations emerging from this strategy.
Flats and the Zoning Plan for Brno, by Michal Sedláček
As the supply of flats in the city of Brno is insufficient, demand is met beyond administrative boundaries. A strong tool in terms of stipulating the spatial conditions for housing construction, the zoning plan can affect future scenarios for the city’s population development. The areas designated for development vary in size; they include brownfield zones as well as smaller plots intended to complement built-up locations. However, previous balance analyses of documents of spatial
analysis show that many of these areas are not rebuildable in practice. Complex proprietary rights, economic impacts, deficient infrastructure and poor transport accessibility are the most frequent reasons for this. The meeting of a demand for housing for 100,000 inhabitants is realistic in the longer term: for a city with a current population of 400,000, the zoning plan counts with 500,000 residents.
A New Zoning Plan, More Flats, Ongoing Renovation: Brno’s Housing Strategy Indicates Targets for 2030, by Radka Loukotová
The current strategic document for housing in the city of Brno covers the period 2018–2030. The city’s main aim for these years is to support affordable housing for various groups in the population. Specific steps are determined in detail by particular action plans.
Housing First: Testing of a Concept in Jihlava, by Michaela Jelínková
Based on a resolution made by the municipality, the statutory city of Jihlava has decided to carry out a project pursuant to Call 108 of the Operational Programme Employment. A concept known as Housing First has been tested within this project since 1 October 2019.
