Spatial Adaptability in Low-Income Housing: Evidence from Informal and Government Housing in Dhaka

Informal settlements in Dhaka are expanding through unplanned extensions because existing low-income government housing remains static and is cost-intensive. These projects seldom reflect culturally rooted living patterns or adjust to changing family needs. In contrast, informal settlements grow through adaptability. Sattola is one of the oldest and most fire-prone informal settlements in central Dhaka. It reflects the spatial and social constraints and is a priority transit-oriented development zone under the Dhaka Structure Plan. The approach is a design research method for developing a culturally sensitive, incremental housing framework with a core unit, derived from spatial and behavioral studies of residents. The study employed mixed methods, including reconnaissance surveys, spatial documentation, time-space activity mapping, focus group discussions, and household surveys of 30 dwellings in Sattola and 15 in the Bauniabadh government housing. A comparative literature review of Bhashantek was also conducted. Based on the analysis, the study proposes an incremental housing unit-and-cluster framework with adaptable units, shared services, and resident-selected infill. The research supports planned socio-economic urban growth through context-sensitive, flexible housing design.