Housing Project: Amsterdam - Research Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages By early 2000s, the city of Amsterdam was already facing the big problem of inadequate student housing. Specifically, there was a need to avail thousands of homes within a few months to cater for the increasing demand for student housing (Pilloton, P. 1). In 2005, the city of Amsterdam sought the services of an innovative company to build the needed houses in a few months as possible. Hence, the city embraced TempoHousing’s creative container housing idea. The innovative idea by TempoHousing was the recycling of used cargo containers. In just a few weeks, the Keetwonen City University managed to avail five floors of container houses for its students. The container houses are not only ecological but are also beautiful, practical and an economical method of solving the housing problem at the university (Pilloton, P. 1). The houses are also spacious and measure 25 square meters. They are safe and well equipped, each with a kitchen, bathroom, and balcony. The recycled containers used are also affordable, selling to students at 250 to 350 Euros per month (Pilloton, P. 1).
This project addresses several social issues and themes, mainly the housing problem that is prevalent across cities, especially around educational institutions. It not only solves the housing problem but does so in quite a dynamic, recreational and creative approach. Besides being easy to assemble, the containers can be either temporary or permanent (Broeze, P. 339). They are also quick to construct, are portable and reusable. Container houses also have greater and easier access. The containers can also be adjusted or customized, depending on the user’s needs.
Normally, the construction of student houses often takes months or years. However, the construction must be hastened when thousands of students need to be housed immediately.  ...Download file to see next pagesRead More