A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science School of Engineering and Technology

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1980

The urgency of the urban housing shortage in Peking, particularly with the onset of the modernization effort, requires evaluation and readjustment of existing policies and programmes. In order to provide the basis for future housing development, some clear understanding of the existing housing arrangement s is necessary. The present exploratory research is intended t o contribute to such an understanding. The housing delivery system in Peking was studied in terms of its various organizational, financial and environmental arrangements. A field survey was conducted to trace the actual conditions in different housing delivery sub-systems and the people's views of their own housing arrangements. Three housing delivery sub-systems were identified: the Traditional Housing Sub-system, The Contemporary Sub-system. and The Temporary Housing Sub-system. The main problems with the present delivery system were found to be congestion and insufficient domestic and urban service facilities. Informal housing arrangements were found to fill the vacuum in official housing delivery sub-systems. Policies associated with housing delivery were al so analyzed, for the purpose of understanding Government responses t o the housing needs of the people. Lack of financial resources and weak development co-ordination and legislation were the two main difficulties identified. Based on the exploration and analyses of the existing housing arrangement system, the key remedies suggested are better use of people's resources; more extensive use of land; a cost-recovery oriented financial policy; gradual improvement approaches; the establishment of sites-and services schemes; and self-help housing programmes emphasizing the direct participation of the people in housing themselves.