Principles for Designing New Types of Housing for a Strong and Resilient Local Economy in the Republic of Congo

Abstract

The Congolese population is organised into households, which are thus headed by a chief who ensures the social well-being, development and integration into working life of the individuals in his charge. This study examines the functional principles of new housing design as an instrument for transforming the (current) failing economy into a strong and resilient one. Accordingly, a literature review of the practice of designing and building housing in human settlements in the Congo revealed the state of the art on this subject. An analysis of the existing housing stock from a demographic, social and economic point of view made it possible to identify the most common household sizes and numbers, as well as the lifestyle processes that determine the need for developed space. To this end, the experimental method was used to propose configuration plans for various new types of dwelling. To this end, the study highlighted the link between people’s standard of living and the effectiveness of their involvement in the local economy. To achieve the aims of the National Development Plan (NDP), particular attention must be paid to solving the housing problem. The existing housing stock actively contributes to the problems associated with unemployment and insecurity. Functional principles for the design of new types of housing have been developed. Four model types are proposed in line with the demographic structure of the population, their socio-economic characteristics and their lifestyle.