Social Environment in the City of Palmira (Colombia): Analysis of the Current Housing Habitat Produced by the National Public Policies

Abstract

This research applies basic parameters of sustainable architecture to study the social housing neighborhoods in the city of Palmira (Colombia) in order to identify their main problems related to environment, urban development, and comfort. Consequently, a set of feasible solutions through sustainable interventions was determined; however, given the quantity and quality of the flaws featured in the houses’ original designs, an additional design proposal was developed, presenting a housing unit prototype and a preliminary urban configuration, based on efficiency, comfort, and sustainability, while maintaining the low cost and availability of regular social housing projects.