Architectural approaches to housing customization: introducing the Inhabitant-Driven Customization approach and the MyChanges tool

Purpose Customization is a paradox in architecture, providing necessary modernization for buildings but potentially damaging their architectural integrity. In this paper, the authors introduce Inhabitant-Driven approach avoiding paradox; lets inhabitants design customization from options created by architects that safeguard rules. As first implementation of approach, MyChanges tool presented. The assess whether avoids qualitative stakeholder evaluation and comparison with existing approaches to housing customization. Design/methodology/approach shape grammar-based developed enable Álvaro Siza Vieira Malagueira complex customize houses accordance language complex. study, qualitatively evaluated other professional stakeholders. used paper if initial reception produced diverging outcomes, suggesting also unable avoid paradox. For analyzing possibility further, describes main customization, including formulates nine conditions these approaches, provides comparative assessment approaches. Findings demonstrated outcomes interviews stakeholders on An argument given makes plausible creating co-design process which alternately Originality/value originality lies introduction discussion housing. identifies advanced architecture assessing Additionally, propose new large extent fulfills those