Affordable Housing in Latin America: Improved Role of the Academic Sector in the Case of Colombia

Abstract

Housing deficit, which can be defined as the shortage of housing units, is a major problem in developing nations. In Latin American countries it affects a large proportion of the population. A number of factors hinder the ability of Colombia and other countries to overcome the challenge of providing housing units. These factors include the lack of adequate resources, a shortage of urban land, and financing risks. In Latin America the “academic sector” must go beyond its traditional role and become a facilitator for improvements in the housing production chain. It must be an innovator proposing better construction alternatives. The utilization of recycled polymers offers a housing solution with expected impact on waste reduction and on competitive housing materials.