ABSTRACT
Today there is no effective way of ensuring architectural quality in the processes involved in housing construction. The hypothesis outlined in this chapter is that we can remedy this by developing a clear and simple list of criteria formulating housing project quality requirements which are then referenced and applied in the planning stage, during the construction phase and when reviewing the finished product.
The criteria list consists of, among several other aspects, the following items in our focus here for an in-depth exploration: spaciousness of the home as a general theme and the three main sub-themes of axiality, movement and space and geometry.
Through evidence-based research, a broader understanding of the relationship between architecture and health has emerged in recent years. Researchers have discovered that the shape of the hospital room, materials, color, daylight and not least a beautiful view, affect patients’ health. Good architecture promotes positive effects such as faster recovery and less medication. This is the background to and also the ambition of the criteria list. Housing with high quality architecture affects its residents in many positive health promoting ways.
