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2022 | Book

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Housing and Technology

Special Focus on Zimbabwe

Authors: Abraham R. Matamanda, Innocent Chirisa, Siphokazi Rammile, Mario Marais

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Book Series : SpringerBriefs in Environment, Security, Development and Peace

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

The housing and human settlement sector is fast changing, and technology is making it more complex than ever before. With reference to Zimbabwe, a developing country in Southern Africa, the essence of this book is to bring out housing as an issue within the technology debate and practice. The following themes emerge from the 6 chapters in the book:

• The characterisation and conceptualisation of housing and technology and the nexus of both

• The complexity of housing challenges and the problems governments face in providing adequate housing, especially for the poor

• Diverse practices in housing construction through the application of different typologies of technology

• Assessment of the feasibility of technologies in housing development in Zimbabwe by mirroring them against global experiences.

• Discussion of alternative policy approaches that may guide technology integration in housing development.

This book will excite scholars and practitioners in urban and development studies, construction project management, urban sociology, geography, real estate together with policymakers and government officials.

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Table of Contents

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. The Housing and Technology Nexus: An Overview

Abstract

Housing is a critical resource that has been on the top of government agendas worldwide. The increasing focus on housing results from multiple factors, including globalization and urbanization, which have increased the need for adequate housing among global citizens. Meeting this growing housing demand is not always easy, as several factors stifle the housing supply. Technology is thus identified as the panacea to housing supply. This chapter provides the introduction to the book by conceptualizing housing and then technology. The different conceptions and perspectives on housing are articulated, together with technology. These are the two pillars of this book, which uses the case of Zimbabwe to understand how housing and technology issues are at play. Beyond the conceptualization of housing and technology, the chapter also provides an overview of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic and political landscape, which is crucial to orient readers to the case study context.

Abraham R. Matamanda, Innocent Chirisa, Siphokazi Rammile, Mario Marais

Chapter 2. The Context of Housing and Technology in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter examines the context in which housing is viewed in Zimbabwe. This is vital in providing a localised understanding of Zimbabwe’s housing, which thus enables the establishment of localised solutions. The initial focus is on Zimbabwe’s housing timeline, exploring what housing looked like in pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial times. An exploration of the growth in housing technologies reveals that the evolution of housing technology in Zimbabwe is evident as housing materials develop from local raw materials to the importation of manufactured bricks. With the growth in product inputs, the “gates of the city” are flung open, which brings about rapid rural-urban migration. Urbanisation has had a significant impact on the country. This chapter analyses this impact, revealing that the effects are tangible in the housing sector, with growth opportunities and constraints. The discussion is further expanded to peri-urban and rural spheres so as to ascertain a holistic view of Zimbabwe's housing context.

Abraham R. Matamanda, Innocent Chirisa, Siphokazi Rammile, Mario Marais

Chapter 3. Housing Technology Differentiation and Typologies

Abstract

The world we live in is ever-changing, and if housing is to remain relevant in providing for the needs of consumers, it is essential that the housing sector remains adaptable. Adequately adapting to and adopting technological advancements is the best way to ensure that housing remains relevant. New technologies need to be explored in every spectrum of the housing sector to ensure constant renewal. Numerous technologies can be applied to housing; as such, it is crucial that they are explored in isolation? To decrease redundancy while increasing the efficiency of the technologies and the sustainability of the housing sector. As we explore the different typologies of housing technology, it is essential to recognise the golden thread of alignment within the various technologies, as they ought to function seamlessly within the same sector.

Abraham R. Matamanda, Innocent Chirisa, Siphokazi Rammile, Mario Marais

Chapter 4. Housing Delivery, Management and Technology

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the housing delivery and management process in light of different typologies of technology that can be applied at various stages of the housing development process. The key issue for the chapter is the conceptualization of housing as a process. Five stages in the housing delivery process guide the chapter, viz. preparation, production, interaction, maintenance and disposal. It is shown that the use of technology in the respective stages enhances the efficient use of resources while also speeding up housing delivery. This is especially important in the African context where project management is critical, mainly for government projects where resource use can be monitored while also cutting costs when technology is used. Provision of basic services is critical. The chapter discusses how technology is employed to facilitate the provision of services, which include water, sanitation, waste management, and energy, to enhance the liveability of the housing units. Beyond the preparation and production of the housing, the chapter acknowledges the inherent need to ensure that the dwellings are sustained. This is through the use of particular technologies that help preserve the housing quality so that its lifespan is prolonged. Therefore, maintenance becomes key in the housing delivery process.

Abraham R. Matamanda, Innocent Chirisa, Siphokazi Rammile, Mario Marais

Chapter 5. Socio-cultural, Ecological and Economic Issues in Housing and Technology, and the Politics

Abstract

Housing looks and functions differently in different households, societies, locations, and economies; these factors greatly influence the technologies applied to housing. One cannot expect a millionaire's house to have the same function as a low-income citizen’s house, yet both need to benefit from the innovations and developments of technology. However, this is often not the case, as technology is usually reserved as a luxury for the social or financial elite. An analysis is conducted in this section to establish the socio-cultural and economic factors influencing technology innovation and distribution. This chapter further explores how technology affects each facet, weighing the pros and cons in the housing sector. Understanding these relationships builds a basis for implementing innovative housing projects and policies.

Abraham R. Matamanda, Innocent Chirisa, Siphokazi Rammile, Mario Marais

Chapter 6. Towards Sustainable Policies for Housing and Technology in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter concludes the debates and discussions in this book, A Housing and Technology Nexus for Zimbabwe. The discussion in the chapter focuses on the way forward regarding policy formulation and implementation to guide housing development, and the introduction of technology in such. Case studies are provided, showing the best practices that have been adopted in different contexts, including the funding mechanism applied in Mexico to spur housing delivery and support low-income households. Next, the case of Ethiopia is presented, outlining the need for housing development and technological innovations to integrate cultural dimensions with the view to ensuring sustainable housing development. The chapter also discusses how traditional knowledge systems have been central in Tajikistan’s housing development, and the role of innovative technologies.

Abraham R. Matamanda, Innocent Chirisa, Siphokazi Rammile, Mario Marais

Backmatter

Title: Housing and Technology
Authors: Abraham R. Matamanda
Innocent Chirisa
Siphokazi Rammile
Mario Marais
Copyright Year: 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-09098-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-09097-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-09098-1