Life cycle of dwellings; analysis and assessment of demolition by Dutch housing associations

CL van der Flier, AF Thomsen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    What is the average lifespan of dwellings? Unlike the life span of human beings, the life span of dwellings can technically be endless; prolongation is subject to decisions of the owner. The knowledge about this decision process and the underlying considerations is meager. Recent research shows that, from a sustainable viewpoint, life cycle extension of existing dwellings is a better choice than replacement by new construction (de Jonge, 2005; Klunder, 2005). However, when we look at recent schemes proposed by Dutch housing associations we can see a sharp increase in numbers of less than 50 years old dwellings to be demolished (Thomsen c.s. 2004). What is happening and how can we assess this increase. Following our previous research, our paper gives an overview of contemporary knowledge about the life cycle of dwellings and a conceptual framework to analyse the decision process about (the prolongation of) the life span of dwellings. We will use this scheme to assess the schemes proposed by Dutch housing associations and end with some questions for further research.
    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Title of host publicationPhysical Aspects of Design and Regeneration
    EditorsB Cernic Mati, et.al.
    Place of PublicationLjubljana Slovenie
    PublisherUrban Planning Institute
    Pages1-17
    Number of pages17
    ISBN (Print)geen
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    EventENHR Conference "Housing in an expanding Europe: theory, policy, partiacipation and implementation" - Ljubljana Slovenie
    Duration: 2 Jul 20065 Jul 2006

    Publication series

    Name
    PublisherUrban Planning Institute

    Conference

    ConferenceENHR Conference "Housing in an expanding Europe: theory, policy, partiacipation and implementation"
    Period2/07/065/07/06

    Keywords

    • Conf.proc. > 3 pag

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