How can we build better housing and more of it?
Sam Naylor is the co-author of “The State of Housing Design 2023” (Harvard University Press) and the research report “Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts”. He is a licensed architect and researcher and joins MoPo to discuss the critical importance of housing design in addressing the current housing crisis. He emphasizes the need for innovative and quality housing solutions and the challenges posed by zoning laws and community resistance. Naylor advocates for design thinking as a means to unlock production and density while also highlighting the significance of community engagement and leadership in shaping housing policy. The discussion also touches on the potential of policy changes such as single-stair reform and the future of housing design, reflecting on personal ideals and the broader implications for urban development.
Links
[Sam Naylor](https://naylorsam.com/)
[Sam on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-naylor/)
[Sam on IG](https://www.instagram.com/sam__naylor/)
[The State of Housing Design 2023](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf)
[Legalizing Mid-rise Single-stair Housing in Massachusetts](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/media-files/2024-07/harvard_jchs_state_of_housing_design_2023.pdf)
[The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University](https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/)
Keywords
housing design, architecture, housing crisis, Joint Center for Housing Studies, innovative design, community engagement, zoning laws, single stair reform, affordable housing, urban development
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Housing Design and Its Importance
02:59 The Role of the Joint Center for Housing Studies
05:50 Innovative Housing Design: Themes and Insights
09:08 The Importance of Quality Design in Housing
11:57 Challenges in Housing Development and Funding
14:53 Zoning Laws and Their Impact on Housing
18:17 Community Resistance to New Developments
21:11 The Need for Clear Zoning Regulations
24:08 Building Codes and Their Influence on Housing
26:55 Single Stair Reform and Its Potential Benefits
37:19 Revisiting Building Codes and Safety Innovations
40:43 The Case for Scissor Stairs and Efficient Design
43:09 Navigating Building Regulations and Renovations
46:58 The Need for Proactive Code Revisions
49:12 Designing for Functionality and Community Engagement
52:55 The Role of Political Engagement in Housing Architecture
56:16 Community Involvement in Housing Development
01:00:08 The Future of Housing: Leadership and Public Perception
01:04:54 Imagining Ideal Living Spaces
01:08:36 Reflecting on Modernism and Future Projections
