Third Spaces Design Framework that Helps to Reduce Psychological Stress and Support Community Well-Being in Low-Cost Public Housing

The basic human need for a home that provides more than simply shelter underpins the need to understand the relationships between housing, health, and well-being. There is more emphasis on the quality of the home, with an agreement that the home is the foundation for resilience and well-being. There is a complex relationship between home and mental illness, as the environment in which a person lives can significantly impact their mental health. Some ways in which home can influence mental health include stressful living conditions. Therefore, having a safe and supportive home environment can help to protect people from mental illness. This research applied phenomenology in qualitative research methodology. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and triangulated with observations. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis method assisted with ATLAS.ti version 8 software. The results show that residents in Malaysia’s low-cost public housing have unique needs and preferences, benefit from the supportive and inclusive environment, enjoy activities contributing to social and skill development, are involved in activities for spiritual growth and spiritual healing and creative for innovation and flexibility in the third space design. Future research applies to economic activities in the low-cost public housing.