Mat-hybrid housing: Two case studies in Terni and London

Abstract

This study focuses on the spatial and mutable characteristics of the “mat-hybrid housing” (MHH), a specific type of public housing. Analyses were conducted specifically on the period between 1960 and 1980 and two particular case studies, namely, Nuovo Villaggio Matteotti in Terni, Italy, and Odhams Walk in London. The qualitative research design of this study is based on the methodology called AIFAD (an abbreviation for Archives, Interviews, Fieldwork, Analytic diagrams, and Drawings). The goal of this paper is to identify, define, and extract possible strategies for implementing MHH, which can improve urban growth through compact schemes. These objectives can be achieved by adopting the schemes in such manner as suburban sprawl is prevented, the densities of existing cities are intensified, the possibility of changing the concept of domestic space is tested, and the identity, history, and tenant participation in each city is strengthened. Through this approach, the MHH can be effected. Keywords: Experimental domestic space, Low-rise high-density, Cooperative housing, Mat-building, Hybrid housing, Participative architecture