The Atlas of Affordable Housing

The Atlas of Affordable Housing is a comprehensive platform aimed at addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability. This initiative has garnered attention from over 7,500 professionals across 120 countries, highlighting the global relevance of the topic. It is supported by various esteemed organizations, including the International Union of Architects (UIA), the World Bank, and UN-Habitat, among others. The collaborative effort seeks to share knowledge, tools, and data that can lead to effective solutions in the housing sector.

The platform utilizes a vast array of more than 4,000 indicators from reputable sources such as the World Bank, the World Health Organization, and the International Monetary Fund. This rich dataset facilitates a nuanced understanding of the factors affecting housing affordability worldwide.

The UIA 2022 International Affordable Housing Activation Forum, held in Madrid, marked a significant milestone in the dialogue around housing access. The forum attracted over 4,000 participants, including experts from diverse fields such as architecture, urban planning, sociology, and economics. The discussions focused on identifying barriers to decent, adequate, and affordable housing, culminating in a collective call to action for enhanced global collaboration and responsibility.

The forum highlighted six critical barriers to housing access, emphasizing the need for a shared action plan. Participants agreed on the importance of establishing alliances to support governments and organizations in realizing the right to housing. Additionally, the forum proposed the promotion of quality in affordable housing production and design processes, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration among various stakeholders.

The initiative has received backing from key governmental and institutional bodies, including the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda of Spain and the Madrid City Council. This collaboration underscores the significance of a united front in tackling housing challenges.

The affordablehousingactivation.org platform, which succeeded the ahamadrid.com site, aims to foster ongoing contributions and reflections on housing issues. It will serve as a dynamic repository for knowledge, events, and resources that can empower stakeholders to devise effective strategies against housing affordability challenges.

As the conversation around sustainable housing gains momentum, the forum’s outcomes stress the integration of sustainability in housing solutions. This approach encompasses enhancing urban regeneration and ensuring dignified living conditions in marginalized communities.

The Atlas of Affordable Housing stands as a vital resource for professionals and stakeholders committed to creating inclusive, sustainable, and resilient housing solutions, thereby promoting a collaborative and informed response to one of the most pressing issues of our time.