The Atlas of Affordable Housing

The Atlas of Affordable Housing serves as a comprehensive platform aimed at addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing across the globe. With contributions from over 7,500 professionals from 120 countries, it was created to facilitate dialogue and collaboration on housing affordability challenges. The platform is supported by key institutions including the International Union of Architects (UIA) and various governmental and intergovernmental organizations.

The platform integrates more than 4,000 indicators sourced from reputable organizations such as the World Bank, World Health Organization, and the International Monetary Fund, among others. It includes a diverse range of features such as a Knowledge Platform, collaborative opportunities, and a Media Center, making it a multifaceted resource for stakeholders in the housing sector.

The UIA 2022 International Affordable Housing Activation Forum was held in Madrid, attracting over 4,000 participants, including 80 leading experts from 30 countries. The event featured nine round tables and 40 side events organized globally, drawing attention to the barriers that hinder access to decent and affordable housing. Experts discussed solutions to these challenges, culminating in a collective call to action.

The Forum concluded with a call to action aimed at dismantling barriers to housing access. Participants emphasized the importance of shared responsibilities among architects, urban planners, sociologists, and economists to enhance the effective right to housing globally by 2050. The event highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to develop sustainable housing solutions.

During the discussions, six primary barriers to housing access were identified. Participants underscored the necessity of establishing a common action plan to implement concrete measures and foster alliances that support governments in realizing housing rights. The aim is to promote quality in housing production and design processes, ensuring sustainable and innovative solutions.

The affordablehousingactivation.org platform will continue the legacy of the forum by providing a permanent space for policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to share experiences and data. It aims to facilitate ongoing collaboration and reflection on housing issues, ensuring that the discussions initiated during the forum lead to actionable outcomes.

The Forum received backing from various institutions, including the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda in Spain, as well as international partners like the World Bank and UN-Habitat. Their collaboration confirms a strong commitment to addressing housing challenges on a global scale, reinforcing the need for a united front in tackling these critical issues.

The Atlas of Affordable Housing represents a significant effort to mobilize expertise and resources in the pursuit of affordable housing solutions. By fostering collaboration among diverse professionals and institutions, it seeks to address the complexities of housing access and promote sustainable practices that can lead to viable long-term solutions for communities worldwide.