Title: A study on impact of micro housing on Indians

B. Infancy Reena1 & Pavan pabbisetty , Reshab Rao Magar , NM Ritik , Muskan Choudhary , Nishant
Dubey , Parth Agarwal
Assistant Professor
JAIN(Deemed-to-be University) Centre for Management Studies
Infancy_reena@cms.ac.in
BBA Students
JAIN(Deemed-to-be University) Centre for Management Studies

ABSTRACT:

With the rapid urbanization and population growth, cities around the world are facing a significant
challenge in providing affordable and sustainable housing. This paper investigates the concept of
micro housing as a potential solution to this problem. Micro housing, characterized by its
minimalistic design and efficient use of space, offers an innovative approach to urban living. We
examine the benefits of micro housing, including affordability, sustainability, and adaptability, and
discuss the potential challenges and limitations. Furthermore, we scrutinize successful case studies
of micro housing projects across diverse cities, offering invaluable insights into their design,
implementation, and community impact. Through these real-world examples, we glean practical
lessons on how micro housing can be effectively integrated into urban landscapes, fostering
sustainable development and social inclusivity. Our findings suggest that micro housing, when
thoughtfully designed and effectively implemented, can contribute to creating more sustainable
and inclusive cities. However, further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and
to develop policies and regulations that support the growth of micro housing. This paper
contributes to the ongoing discourse on urban housing solutions and offers a new perspective on
sustainable living in the urban context.
INTRODUTION

The rapid urbanization and population growth in India have created an urgent need for
affordable housing solutions. In response to this demand, the concept of micro housing has
emerged as a promising approach to alleviate the country's housing crisis. Micro housing is
characterized by its compact size and efficient use of space, making it a viable option for
individuals and families living in densely populated urban areas where land availability is limited
and property prices are high.

This research paper endeavors to delve into the concept of micro housing within the specific
context of India. It commences by tracing the origins of micro housing, exploring its evolution
over time to adapt to the changing needs and constraints of urban living in the Indian context.
By understanding the historical trajectory of micro housing, we can gain insights into how it has
been shaped by local factors such as population density, cultural preferences, and economic
conditions.

Moreover, the paper examines the design principles that underpin micro housing, emphasizing
the importance of creating spaces that are not only compact but also comfortable and functional.
This entails innovative architectural and interior design solutions that maximize the use of
limited space while ensuring livability and usability for residents. By elucidating these design
principles, the paper aims to provide guidance for architects, urban planners, and policymakers
seeking to develop micro housing projects in India.

The benefits of micro housing extend beyond mere affordability. Economically, micro housing
presents a more accessible housing option for a larger segment of the population, including low-
income individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to afford conventional housing.
Additionally, from an environmental standpoint, micro housing promotes sustainability by
minimizing resource consumption and reducing carbon footprint, thereby contributing to India's
efforts towards mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.

However, the implementation of micro housing in India is not without its challenges. Regulatory
hurdles, social acceptance, and the need for supportive infrastructure and services are among the
key obstacles that must be addressed. Through in-depth analysis and examination of successful
case studies, the paper seeks to identify strategies for overcoming these challenges and fostering
the widespread adoption of micro housing as a viable housing solution in India.

Furthermore, the paper explores the potential of micro housing in catering to the diverse
housing needs of various demographic groups in India, including students, single professionals,
and low-income families. By understanding the specific requirements and preferences of these
groups, stakeholders can tailor micro housing projects to better meet their needs and aspirations,
thereby promoting social inclusion and equity in urban housing.

In conclusion, this research paper provides a comprehensive exploration of micro housing in the
Indian context, offering valuable insights into its potential as an affordable and sustainable
housing solution. By addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with micro housing,
the paper aims to inform and inspire innovative approaches to urban planning and design,
ultimately contributing to the creation of more inclusive and sustainable cities in India.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

1. “Microeconomics for Microhousing in India - Formal Housing Solutions for the

Urban Poor” by Ananya Agarwal:
o This paper explores the microeconomics of affordable micro housing in India. It
discusses government schemes and financing options for microhousing1.

2. “Literature Review on Effect of Microfinance Institutions on Poverty in South

Asian Nations”
O While not directly focused on microhousing, this review discusses the trade-off
between sustainability and outreach for microfinance institutions (MFIs) in South Asia.

3. “Micro Study on Housing in India”:

o Examines urban housing dependent on low-cost land availability, credit, finance,
and legal issues. Complex regulations and controls hinder efficient functioning of
land markets, affecting housing construction.
4. “Socio-Economic Impact of Housing Microfinance: Findings of a Field-based
Study in Kerala, India”:
o Investigates the potential of Housing Micro Finance (HMF) to address India’s
housing problem. HMF can mitigate housing challenges faced by the urban poor.

5. “Challenges and Opportunities in Micro Housing Development in India”:

o Discusses challenges related to land availability, financing, and policy frameworks
for micro housing. Highlights opportunities for sustainable solutions.

6. “Micro Housing and Urban Development: A Comparative Study”:

o Compares micro housing initiatives across different Indian cities.
o Analyzes their impact on urban development and the well-being of residents.

7. “Innovations in Micro Housing Design: Lessons from Indian Cities”:

o Explores innovative design approaches for maximizing space and amenities in
micro housing units. Considers cultural context and affordability.

8. “Community Participation in Micro Housing Projects: Case Studies from

Mumbai”:
o Investigates community involvement in planning, construction, and management
of micro housing projects. Examines success factors and challenges.
9. Title: Micro-flats in Hong Kong: an analysis of size, market dynamics,
and residents' perceptions
This study investigates the recent growth of micro-flats, defined as less than 40 square
meters in size, in Hong Kong. Using statistical data and survey interviews with residents,
the paper examines potential factors contributing to the rise of micro-flats, such as
demographic trends, affordability issues, and government land sale policies. The findings
suggest that while micro-flats may have smaller per capita living spaces, they offer more
affordable options for residents. Additionally, half of the suburban micro-flat residents are
homeowners, indicating a strong preference for homeownership over renting. The study
proposes that facilitating the supply of suburban micro-flats through land sale conditions
could provide more affordable housing options for those not inclined towards long-term
renting.

10. Title: Unconventional Urban Compact Living: A Case Study of

Families in Contemporary Denmark
This study explores the housing choice processes of urban compact living among middle-
class families with children in Copenhagen, Denmark. Contrary to the prevailing norms in
a welfare society like Denmark, these families deliberately choose to live in less space than
conventional standards. The paper aims to understand the themes and narratives behind
this housing decision. Through case studies of three families, the research identifies living
in the city as a crucial part of their imaginaries of home, where dwellings are deprioritized.
Urban compact living is attributed with features like progressivity, social awareness,
unruliness, and anti-materialism. The study introduces a cultural and social understanding
of spaciousness, arguing that the city and compact living are perceived as physically
compact yet socially spacious. This research contributes to the limited existing knowledge
on this unconventional housing choice.
 11. Does compact urban forms relate to good quality of life in high density
cities of India? Case of Kolkata:
There is a significant body of research that supports the idea that compact urban forms
can lead to improved quality of urban life. However, the relationship between compactness
and quality of life is complex and context-specific. In this paper, the authors investigate
the relationship between compact urban forms and quality of urban life in the high-density
city of Kolkata, India. They use a methodological framework that enables an analysis of
the co-occurrence of quality of life with compactness. The authors find that there is a
significant association between compactness and quality of urban life in Kolkata,
suggesting that adopting a compact city strategy could lead to improved quality of life for
residents. However, they also acknowledge that the relationship between compactness and
quality of life is complex and context-specific, and that further research is needed to fully
understand the factors that contribute to this relationship in different cities and contexts.

METHODS

1. Literature Review:
o Conduct an extensive review of existing research papers, articles, and studies related to micro
housing in India. Analyze the findings, identify gaps, and understand the context and challenges
faced by residents in densely populated cities.

2. Case Studies:
o Select specific micro housing projects or settlements in Indian cities. Study their design,
implementation, and impact on residents. Compare different models (government-led, private
initiatives, etc.) and assess their effectiveness.

3. Comparative Studies:
o Compare micro housing initiatives in India with similar programs in other countries. Identify
best practices, lessons learned, and potential adaptations for the Indian context.
FINDINGS

1. Affordability and Accessibility:

Micro housing addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing for low-income
individuals and families. By offering smaller living spaces, it reduces construction costs
and allows for more units to be built within a given area, thus making them more
affordable.
Their central locations in densely populated urban areas provide residents with better
access to essential services like healthcare, education, and public transportation. This
proximity can significantly reduce transportation costs and time spent commuting,
further enhancing affordability.

2. Quality of Life:
Despite their affordability, micro housing units can pose challenges to residents' quality
of life. Limited space can lead to issues with privacy, ventilation, and storage.
Overcrowding within these compact spaces can exacerbate stress and contribute to
health problems.
Addressing these challenges requires innovative design solutions that prioritize comfort
and well-being while maximizing space utilization.

3. Social Cohesion and Community:

Micro housing communities often foster a strong sense of belonging and social cohesion.
Residents living in close proximity tend to form tight-knit communities, supporting each
other in daily life.
Shared facilities and common spaces encourage interaction and collaboration, creating a
supportive environment for residents.

4. Design and Innovation:

Architects and designers are continuously exploring innovative solutions to overcome
the limitations of micro housing. This includes incorporating foldable furniture, modular
designs, and multifunctional layouts to maximize space efficiency.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on using sustainable building materials and
implementing energy-efficient designs to reduce environmental impact and operating
costs.
5. Government Policies and Initiatives:
Government policies related to land use, zoning, and building regulations play a crucial
role in promoting micro housing projects. Favorable policies can streamline the
development process and make these projects more feasible.
Subsidies, grants, and incentives offered by governments encourage private developers
and NGOs to invest in micro housing, further driving affordability and accessibility.

6. Challenges:
Infrastructure limitations, inadequate sanitation facilities, and lack of proper waste
management are significant challenges faced by micro housing residents. Addressing
these issues requires coordinated efforts from government agencies and community
stakeholders.
Balancing affordability with safety and comfort remains a delicate task, highlighting the
need for comprehensive planning and design considerations.

7. Health and Well-Being:

Cramped living conditions in micro housing can impact residents' physical and mental
health. Stress, anxiety, and depression may arise due to the lack of space and privacy.
Access to green spaces and recreational areas is crucial for promoting overall well-being
and mitigating the negative effects of living in compact urban environments.

8. Employment Opportunities:
Proximity to job centers is a significant advantage of micro housing, allowing residents to
save commuting time and expenses. However, limited space for home-based work or
small businesses can pose challenges for residents seeking entrepreneurial opportunities.

9. Gender and Vulnerable Populations:

Micro housing affects vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly
differently. Safety and privacy concerns may be more pronounced for these groups,
emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive design and policies.
Ensuring adequate support and resources for vulnerable populations is essential for
creating inclusive and equitable micro housing communities.
 10. Sustainability and Resilience:
Micro housing contributes to sustainable urban development by efficiently utilizing
limited land resources. However, building resilience against natural disasters and climate
change is essential for the long-term viability of these communities.
Incorporating resilient design principles and implementing measures to mitigate
environmental risks can enhance the sustainability and resilience of micro housing
projects.
In summary, while micro housing offers a promising solution to affordable housing
shortages in urban areas, addressing its challenges and ensuring the well-being of
residents require a holistic approach that encompasses innovative design, supportive
policies, and community engagement.

DISCUSSIONS

1. Urbanization and Housing Shortages:

o India’s rapid urbanization has led to a surge in housing demand. The concentration of industry
clusters around urban zones exacerbates housing shortages, especially for informal sector
workers and economically weaker households.
o As of 2016, there was a shortage of 18 million homes across the country, with 15
million needed for low-income families earning less than 16,000 Indian Rupees ($250) per
month.

2. Challenges Faced by Urban Poor:

o Low-income families often live in overcrowded, inadequate, and unsafe dwellings made from
cheap and fragile materials. These dwellings lack proper sanitation and infrastructure.
o Socially homogenous encampments make it harder for residents to access mainstream economic
opportunities.
o
3. Micro housing as a Solution:
o Micro housing has emerged as an affordable and formal housing solution in metropolitan areas.
It aims to address housing scarcity and provide accessible options for the urban poor.
o However, challenges persist due to structural issues in government policies and private sector
participation.

4. Market Failures and Access to Finance:

o Informal employment, limited savings, uncertain collateral, and incomplete housing finance
markets contribute to market failures.
o Lack of access to finance remains a barrier for low-income families seeking formal housing.

5. Policy Framework Beyond Market Solutions:

o Meaningful reform requires a policy framework that goes beyond market-driven solutions.
o Recommendations should address both demand-side and supply-side issues in the micro housing
market.

6. Successful Schemes and Initiatives:

o Explore existing microhousing schemes and initiatives. Learn from successful models that
balance affordability, safety, and comfort.
o Consider policy adaptations based on best practices from other countries.

7. Impact on Well-Being and Resilience:

o Assess the impact of micro housing on residents’ physical and mental health.
o Explore sustainability measures to enhance resilience against natural disasters and climate
change.

In conclusion, micro housing holds promise as a solution to India’s housing challenges, but a
holistic approach involving policy reforms, financial inclusion, and community well-being is
essential.
CONCLUSIONS

This research has systematically explored the multifaceted impact of micro housing on the Indian
populace, unveiling a complex interplay between socio-economic factors, cultural adaptability,
and urban sustainability. Micro housing, an innovative approach to addressing the acute urban
housing shortage, has emerged as a pivotal solution in densely populated cities across India. Our
findings suggest that while micro housing presents a viable solution to space and affordability
constraints in urban areas, its impact extends far beyond the mere provision of shelter.

Firstly, the economic implications of micro housing have been profound, offering lower-income
groups access to affordable living spaces in urban centers. This has not only enhanced their
quality of life but also reduced commute times to work, thereby indirectly contributing to
increased productivity and economic activity. However, the affordability of micro housing is
intricately linked to policy frameworks and subsidy schemes, which require further strengthening
to maximize reach and impact.

Culturally, the adaptation to smaller living spaces has been met with mixed responses. While
younger demographics and single individuals have shown a higher propensity to embrace micro
living, traditional Indian families, often characterized by multi-generational living arrangements,
have faced challenges in adapting to confined spaces. This highlights the need for innovative
design solutions that cater to the cultural nuances of Indian society, promoting communal areas
and flexible living spaces within micro housing complexes.

In conclusion, micro housing emerges as a double-edged sword in the context of Indian

urbanization, offering a promising solution to housing shortages while presenting new challenges
in design, policy, and societal acceptance. As India continues to urbanize at an unprecedented
rate, the evolution of micro housing will be instrumental in shaping the country's urban
landscape. It is imperative for policymakers, developers, and communities to collaborate closely,
ensuring that micro housing not only addresses the immediate need for affordable housing but
also contributes to the sustainable and inclusive growth of urban India.
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