SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN HOUSING DESIGN: TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURAL AND STRUCTURAL INNOVATION

Abstract

This article examines recent advancements in architectural and structural housing design, which have significantly influenced the spatial-planning and compositional features of residential buildings over the past decades. The study highlights shifts in housing typology driven by evolving societal demands, particularly the rise of the middle class and its growing emphasis on sustainable living environments—encompassing ecological material choices, energy efficiency, and adaptable housing structures. A key driver of these changes has been the increasing frequency of natural disasters, necessitating rapid, cost-effective reconstruction of housing while minimizing environmental impact. In response, the authors present an overview of innovative design approaches, including low-rise sustainable housing solutions and prefabricated modular multi-story buildings with longitudinal load-bearing walls on a pylon base. The study also explores structural floor systems that enhance spatial flexibility in both low-and high-rise construction. Developed by the authors at MGSU and implemented in practice, these solutions enable adaptive reuse and reconfiguration of residential spaces without altering the building’s load-bearing framework—a critical advancement given society’s rapidly changing needs (typically every 20–30 years). The inability to modify outdated layouts accelerates functional obsolescence, reducing property value. By addressing these challenges, the proposed designs align with contemporary societal expectations and promote sustainable urban development.