Bringing Quality of Life to Residents of Ica

Abstract

“Low-quality housing has long plagued the low-income communities in Ica, Peru. However, there may be solutions to this housing crisis in the local vernacular architecture” (Maiztegui, 2021). This case study focuses on the housing needs of citizens of Ica to improve their quality of life. It does so by explaining cross-ventilation and comparing it to other ventilation sources to address the problems Ica faces. As a result, I created a prototype house for the lower-income residents in Ica, utilizing cross-ventilation designs from traditional homes in the area, which is the most effective way to provide comfort to the user inside the house. Cross-ventilation expel the hot air inside the house, bringing fresh air from the outside. It costs $0 and wastes 0% of energy. This prototype house provides most of their basic needs without removing the vernacular architecture. Adopting these design standards could help remedy the housing crisis in Ica, Peru.