Jabatan Perumahan Negara Visit

The Jabatan Perumahan Negara Visit will be at 9 am, Friday, 29th December 2006.
We will meet with Puan Zan Fatimah Binti Maon, Pengarah, Bahagian Senibina, and there will be a briefing on JPN's role in providing low-cost housing. Please visit the website and read on JPN's background before the visit and be ready with your questions.

The address and other details are:
JABATAN PERUMAHAN NEGARA
KEMENTERIAN PERUMAHAN DAN KERAJAAN TEMPATAN
Paras 6- 7, Blok K, Pusat Bandar Damansara,
Peti Surat 12579, 50782KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.
Tel : 603 - 2094 7033
Faks : 603 - 2093 0709

I hope we could swop one slot during studio time in exchange for the visit. Based on the latest time-table, the Friday morning slot was given to the 'Architectural Theory and Philosophy' class. So we need to do that as soon as possible, once the lecturer for that subject is confirmed.

4th Year Housing Project On-going Discussion

The latest update on the 4th year housing design project is that our trip to JPN (Jabatan Perumahan Negara) will be on Friday, 29th December 2006. The time will be confirmed later.
JPN is the government agency that deals with low-cost housing.

One issue that emerged when I discussed with an advisor just now is "IBS" or Industrialized Building Systems. The idea (or belief) that this system would cut down on the cost and possibly allow a bit more square feet of accommodation.

Another issue is on the maximum number of units allowed, e.g. 400 units per housing area (community) as more than that could create social problems. (400 x 5 people = 2000 people)

We have got to check on these two points.

Articles and links on resources for IBS (so far...)

RM9 on providing quality housing and urban services (EPU)

Industrialized Building Systems Construction in Malaysia
J. Arch. Engrg., Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 19-23 (March 2002)

Cutting time and costs with IBS (NST Property Article)

Shot in the arm for construction sector (NST Property Article)

Challenges Facing Delivering Affordable Housing (REHDA)

Industrialised Building Systems(IBS) (CIDB)

On ways to address the over-dependence on foreign labour, Ng urged the Government to give incentives to those that adopt industrialised building systems (IBS) in their projects. "Double-tax deductions should be given to developers on the enhanced additional cost if IBS is used for construction of reinforced concrete works and walls and also to reduce wet trades. Accelerated capital allowance for plant and machinery such as steel moulds for reinforced concrete works should also be given," he said.

Why High Density Housing?

320 persons per acre?

What is the model, theory or philosophy that is behind high density housing?

We need to study HDB flats in Singapore to find out whether high density living works for them and how they could maintain these low cost high rise buildings. There is no other way around the issue if one decided to pursue the high density agenda. Like anything else we do in life, find the pros and cons. But more importantly find out the theory behind it and how government policies adopt the particular theory or model is the root of understanding the issue.
(HDB website)

Low cost housing is almost always being undertaken by the government. In the U.K. they call it council housing. There were many high-rise flats being built in the 1960s and 70s but they are not fashionable now.

Thinking about the UK situation and the problems of crime in council housing estates which will eventually focus on the local context and cultural aspects of community living could present as the more important aspect in approaching the subject.

I am just thinking aloud at this moment, browsing through some websites.

(Building and social housing foundation)