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The Relationship Between Housing Quality and Physical Wellbeing

Abstract

Housing quality is an important determinant of physical wellbeing because residential environments influence occupants' exposure to environmental conditions that can affect comfort and health. Factors such as ventilation, thermal conditions, daylight, indoor air quality, moisture, sanitation, spatial adequacy, and building maintenance contribute to the quality of residential environments. Poor housing conditions can expose occupants to excessive heat, dampness, pollutants, inadequate lighting, overcrowding, and other environmental stressors. Examining the relationship between housing quality and physical wellbeing is therefore important for promoting healthier and more comfortable residential environments. This study examines the relationship between housing quality and physical wellbeing by assessing how selected housing characteristics influence occupants' physical experiences and living conditions. The assessment considers building condition, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, natural ventilation, daylighting, humidity, sanitation, water supply, spatial adequacy, and maintenance. The study also considers the influence of housing density, occupancy levels, building materials, and the organization of residential spaces on occupants' everyday wellbeing. Particular attention is given to indoor environmental quality as a major component of housing quality. Adequate natural ventilation can support air movement and reduce the accumulation of pollutants and moisture, while appropriate daylighting can improve visibility and reduce dependence on artificial lighting. Thermal conditions and humidity are also examined because excessive heat, dampness, or poor air movement can reduce physical comfort. The study considers how architectural design and building performance interact to influence residential environmental conditions. Housing infrastructure and sanitation are further examined in relation to physical wellbeing. Reliable water supply, functional sanitation facilities, effective drainage, appropriate waste storage, and hygienic living spaces can contribute to healthier residential conditions. The study also considers the effects of overcrowding, poor maintenance, deteriorating building components, and inadequate spatial organization. These factors are examined as interconnected aspects of housing quality rather than isolated building deficiencies. Housing quality can vary according to building age, construction standards, location, household characteristics, income levels, and access to urban infrastructure. Poor-quality housing may increase exposure to environmental hazards and create conditions that affect occupants' comfort and daily activities. The surrounding neighbourhood environment, including drainage, waste management, traffic-related pollution, accessibility, and outdoor environmental quality, is therefore considered alongside individual dwelling characteristics. This broader perspective provides a more comprehensive understanding of how housing environments influence physical wellbeing. The study aims to establish the key relationships between housing quality and physical wellbeing and identify housing characteristics that can contribute to healthier residential environments. The findings are expected to support architects, housing professionals, planners, and policymakers in improving residential design, construction, maintenance, and environmental performance. The research can contribute to housing strategies that promote adequate ventilation, thermal comfort, sanitation, daylighting, spatial quality, and safe living conditions, thereby supporting improved physical wellbeing among residents.

Keywords: Housing quality, Physical wellbeing, Residential buildings, Healthy housing, Indoor environmental quality, Thermal comfort, Natural ventilation, Daylighting, Indoor air quality, Sanitation, Housing conditions, Building maintenance, Residential health, Healthy housing design.