Rural–Urban Adaptation in Dwelling Patterns in an Informal Settlement in the Dominican Republic
- A Case Study of Azul in San Francisco de Macorís -

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to consider a core-housing model that suits the local culture and customs of the Dominican Republic. The study is based on a survey that was conducted in an informal settlement called Azul, in the municipality of San Francisco de Macorís. The goal of the survey was to study rural–urban adaptation patterns in the dwellings, and to identify the minimal core that could be used as a basis for the proposal. The survey was divided into two stages: 1) questionnaires were administered to the local residents to identify the residents′ profiles, and 2) direct observation and mapping was used to identify the dwelling patterns. Sixteen residents were interviewed and 15 dwellings were mapped for the analysis. The results showed that the dwellers built their homes initially based on the traditional rural dwelling pattern, and then adapted and improved their dwellings according to their capabilities and life cycle stage. Based on the survey results, a basis for a core-housing model that takes into account the Dominican lifestyle is proposed.