High-Rise Housing: In Search for a Solution to the Urban Housing Crisis in the Developing Countries

This paper argues that high-rise housing cannot solve the urban housing crisis in the developing countries if their economy, technological state, afford ability and life-style of majority of the urban population are considered; instead the low-rise high density housing would meet the demand of the masses. It will discuss the suitability of such buildings considering the aspects of density, cost, technique and services. The paper is based on the findings of a study titled ‘Feasibility of High-Rise Housing as a Solution to the present urban Housing Crisis in Bangladesh’ undertaken in 1993-98 at the Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology. Therefore, it will often draw examples from Bangladesh among other developing countries.