Affordable housing and resilient design: Preparing low-income housing for climate change impacts

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for integrating resilient design principles into affordable housing to prepare low-income housing to withstand the impacts of climate change. The framework emphasizes the need for architectural strategies that enhance flood resistance, energy efficiency, and disaster preparedness, specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by low-income communities. Through a detailed analysis of resilient design principles and practical examples from successful projects, the paper highlights the significance of resilient housing in promoting sustainability and protecting vulnerable populations. The paper also addresses the challenges in implementing resilient design, including financial, regulatory, and technical barriers. It explores opportunities for advancing these practices through innovative solutions, emerging technologies, and supportive policies. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, architects, and developers, focusing on fostering collaboration and community engagement. Additionally, the paper identifies key areas for future research to further refine and expand the application of resilient design in affordable housing. Ultimately, this work contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable housing by proposing actionable strategies to enhance the resilience of affordable housing in the face of climate change. Keywords: Resilient Design, Affordable Housing, Climate Change Adaptation, Flood Resistance, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Architecture