...it’s just four walls...

1. Designs – Single units, row Housing, multi-story, developed communities, dispersed housing …so many thoughts and questions on the success, issues, and elements related to design.  This area of the discussion is to allow people to share thoughts and ideas on what may work, what could work, what does not work and so on.    Feel free to join in and share your experiences, your questions and visions.

2. Construction materials – Construction materials vary in access and use across the world.   This discussion web is intended to discuss the types of materials, the benefits and issues and the alternatives.   Please feel free to ask questions, provide answers or just add thoughts as you see fit.

3. Eco-Efficiency – While some simply think the four walls is the issue, many are thinking beyond.  Utilities and services such as electric power, water supply, etc are core elements to an overall solution.   In addition, we must consider the eco-friendliness of the products used in construction not just for their direct effect on the environment but also for the people who will be living in the home.   We certainly do not want to solve one issue only to create another.  This discussion is intended to discuss any eco issues or thoughts around housing solutions. Build into it, comment, or start discussions as you wish.

4. Best Practices – There are many great not-for-profits, charitable organizations, and individuals involved across the world trying to make a difference.  This section of the discussion is intended to allow all to discuss what they believe are the best practices and elements of success for creation of such solutions.  Please feel free to participate and get the discussions rolling.

5. Costs – Money is often the issue.  As such, we must continue to understand the cost drivers the way to lower costs, the innovative use of our dollars.   To develop solutions we must also understand the “total costs” which includes not only materials and equipment, but the labor costs and logistics costs.  This section of the discussion is devoted to sharing information and asking questions relative to what should be, what is, and what could be.

6. Root Cause – While we certainly have the knowledge, techniques and materials to address the housing issue, and we may be able to find the funds, we must not forget to address the “root causes”.  This discussion thread is to allow us to share thoughts, debate, provide suggestions, share data etc on what is the root cause and how do we ensure that in creating one solution, we do not generate additional issues.   Please feel free to share in our discussions.