Abstract:
Single low‐income women are a growing demographic in this country as demonstrated
in US Census numbers of 2014. They have overcome many barriers to become more equal with
their male counterparts in the past century such as the gaining the right to vote and earning
equal pay for equal work. Still, access to inclusive housing options remains a challenge for
single low‐income women. Safe, affordable and comfortable housing can provide the
opportunity for these women to thrive as members of society. Few options exist that offer
these essential features in the context of a healthy community that enables a woman to
improve her chances of living an independent, safe and comfortable life. Design has the power
to offer creative solutions by designing homes that can help this group of people live well on
their own or with others. Since the early 1900s, communal living solutions have shown a path
forward for women to live independently in a space that is safe, affordable and comfortable.
Through the distribution of an online survey to assess living and design preferences of this
demographic, this research aims to illustrate the hierarchy of needs and how those needs can
be achieved through a communal living apartment.
