Jawaid Haider, Thesis Supervisor Scott W Wing, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Architecture Recycling Housing Baltimore
Abstract:
Rising housing costs, low-quality housing, property crime and neglect stress
neighborhoods and take away the pride, ownership, and independence of everyday people. The
government has provided housing assistance for over eight decades, but conditions haven’t
improved. Today, homeownership is on the decline in America and so are the social, cultural,
economic and personal benefits that accompany it. A new breed of modern living, in tune with
the resident, site and community, provides a chance for stability in the housing market and
economic independence for resident-builders. This solution is the self-built house, which brings
people together in place and pursuit. Unfortunately, self-built housing has all but disappeared in
the Western World due to a lack of knowledge and growth in restrictions and codes. A Modern
Hearth that equips residents with today’s necessities also provides a solution for restrictive
building codes; mortgages; and problematic sites. It allows freedom of design, freedom of
expense and most importantly, freedom to live independently.
