An approach to a sustainability –based habitability. Theoretical bases and challenges ahead

Authors

  • Marina Casals-Tres Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña
  • Joaquim Arcas-Abella Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña
  • Albert Cuchí Burgos Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña

Abstract

The need to adapt all productive activities to sustainable conditioning factors implies deep changes within the construction sector. The progress towards a scenario of low greenhouse gas emissions should be addressed from the redefinition of the social utility sector: habitability.
Confronted with the principles that define this regulatory concept, which may hinder the achievement of a sustainable construction, this paper proposes an approach to a new definition by means of the deployment of the links included in the process of satisfaction of needs inherent to human societies, namely, needs, utilities, satisfiers and entropy flow.
In order to define habitability in a way that is consistent with the conditions imposed by the sustainability paradigm, this paper raises some key questions. To this end, this research provides a broader vision so as to determine the needs and satisfiers that should be related to habitability. Then, there are questions raised about the driving role of the availability of resources in historic moments within the formation of these conditions. Finally, this paper suggests research lines to address the necessary redefinition of habitability.

Author Biographies

Marina Casals-Tres, Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña

Founding partner of Cíclica [Urban Interventions towards a Re-organic Society]. Academic, researcher, Department of Architectural Technology I, Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

Joaquim Arcas-Abella, Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña

Founding partner Cíclica [Urban Interventions towards a Re-organic society]. Academic, researcher, Department of Architectural Technology I, Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

Albert Cuchí Burgos, Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña

Ph.D., Architect. Professor, Department of Architectural Technology I, Polytechnic University of Catalonia.