Windsor Village : a case study in the psychological impacts of low income neighborhood design

This project explores the potential for psychologically positive design in law income neighborhoods. The ultimate goal is to reverse the negative stereotype low income housing has borne throughout history. Analysis of basic human needs and perceptions as well as physical design characteristics that satisfy these needs provides a basis for the design of psychologically beneficial neighborhoods. Utilizing techniques that promote affordability while not disturbing this basis makes positive design a real possibility for low income housing. By evaluating the individual perceptions and values of the residents of such a community, the design can be catered to specific project sites. Finally, a case study of Windsor Village, a privately owned low income neighborhood in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, displays haw all these design techniques can be applied to revitalize and rehabilitate an existing community.