Social Housing: Definitions and Design Exemplars

By Paul Karakusevic and Abigail Batchelor

Architects are at the forefront of a new generation of social housing projects that are playing a crucial role in the reinvention of cities.

Public housing is a growing sector undergoing a huge period of change. As local authorities and design practitioners take on the housing crisis, they must navigate contemporary issues of demographic change, climate adaptation and rising costs.

Social Housing provides a roadmap. This new edition of the landmark 2017 volume showcases the best affordable housing from across the UK and Europe. Through a range of essays and interviews from leading practitioners, it provides practical insights into the very different mechanisms behind delivery across European nations.

Examining 25 case studies from seven countries, the book breaks down boundaries between national cultures and addresses pressing issues such as climate resilience, zero carbon, ageing populations, urban equity and material innovation. Exploring quality neighbourhood and dwelling design, Social Housing inspires practitioners and housing pioneers to learn, adapt and propose solutions for the future.

Featuring:

Insights from leading architects, planners, clients and housing experts including: Paul Karakusevic, Abigail Batchelor, Javier Buron, Benjamin Cadranel, Mellis Howard, Kate Macintosh, Helene Schwoerer and Osama Shoush. Exemplary projects from: Karakusevic Carson Architects, Al-Jawad Pike, Archio, Bourbouze et Graindorge Architectes, Cierto Estudio, Collective Architecture, Dechelette Architecture, einszueins architektur, Jaccaud + Associes, Mae and Peris + Toral. Inspiration from countries across Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Rich visual material: full-colour photography, scaled architectural drawings, compelling graphics, typological precedents, diagrams and timelines.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1915722438
• ISBN13: 9781915722430
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Riba Publishing
• Length: 208 Pages