Role of Minimalist Design in Housing Affordability Case Example: Chandigarh

Abstract

The paper postulates upon the constitutional (physical) features of minimalistic style of architecture in two diversified typologies of affordable housing in Chandigarh- modern and contemporary. Furthermore, it assesses the efficiency of the physical manifestation of minimalism in tandem with its operational efficiency based on a set rubric of parameters. The survey of the specified typologies reveals that the modern government housing excels in delivering aesthetic appeal, functional capacity, thermal control and affordability within the set principles of minimalism, whereas the contemporary CHB affordable housing, though functionally efficient, lacks in aesthetic appeal and tasteful application of minimalism. Therefore, the research establishes minimalism as a plausible approach to planning and design of cheap dwellings, thus, providing a new perspective to the typical sense of affordable housing. The attempt to connect the two worlds- affordable housing and minimalistic architecture- in a pragmatic manner shall open new avenues of research on diversified sites and scales.