The housing as one of the components of the quality of the urban environment. The case of the Porto and its surroundings

Abstract

In this paper we analyse the significance of housing quality in the context of urban environment quality. The research theme of housing quality results, mainly, from the housing deficit. This deficit is essencially due to the aggravation of cohabitation situations, following the increase number of shanties and other low income housing, without the Ieast conditions of life, Iike water supply and drain and also from the significant number of old houses.

However, housing quality is not only dependent on the quality of the house, we must also take into account the existence of green spaces and other spaces of Ieisure and sports.

This paper also shows the strong correlation between inadequate housing, health problems (asthma, rheumatism, and so on), poverty and social disorder (alcohol and drugs, violence, crime). In the Iast years the Local Authorities and the Government have increased their concern over these problems and developed some iniciatives: new green spaces, new leisure and sport spaces, .family income supplements, social work, including young children, adolescents and elderly assistence and care, housing rehabilitation and new social housing.