Thesis (BS Architecture) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2009

Housing is a problem since the birth of the first civilization. Due to urbanization, affordable decent housing becomes more unattainable for the low-income groups in urban areas. In this current phenomenon, the urban poor resort to illegal settlements or slum areas endangering both heir lives and natural environment. The researcher had conducted a study which aims to determine if the existing housing strategies correspond to the needs of the low-income-group. Upon investigating this matter, some important findings are realized and have enlightened the researcher to the real issues. With the present housing programs and strategies, more problems are created and this is supported by the gathered data. Based from the gathered data, the researcher wishes to propose that the planned unit developments (PUD) can be the best alternative in housing the urban poor. Larger houses for less money, more choice of houses types, and avoid overcrowding are some of the advantages of this strategy. Sustainability is one of the major issue when housing low-income groups, with this regard the researcher wants to integrate some low cost technologies in designing housing developments for the urban poor. These low cost technologies would help the urban poor households in cutting their energy expenses such as water and electricity.