Jörn Frenzel and Mari Suoheimo
The complexities of affordable housing transitions in Tallinn, Estonia, are explored in this study using an innovative approach that combines gigamapping with the multilevel perspective (MLP) framework for sustainable transitions. The research identifies crucial leverage points, or intervention opportunities, across micro, meso, and macro levels, highlighting the importance of a systemic view in addressing the multifaceted challenges of housing affordability. The goal of the paper is to trace the mapping of complexity as a procursor to identifying leverage and locating potential interventions across transition levels, and eventually to enable designers and communities to confront the plurality of housing worlds.
Findings indicate that leverage points span a wide range of dimensions, including policy adjustments, resource allocation, and community engagement, suggesting a need for a pluriversal design that integrates diverse worldviews for sustainable change. By employing ZIP-analysis in gigamapping, the study pinpoints areas for potential innovation and intervention, ultimately aiming to shift perceptions of housing from a commodified asset to a common good. The novel combination of gigamapping and Multilevel Perspective framework used in this research provides a valuable roadmap for future studies and practical applications in affordable housing contexts. This research not only contributes to the understanding of housing issues in Tallinn but also opens up discussions about the broader implications of design for social equity and sustainability in urban environments, encouraging collaborative dialogue among stakeholders with varying perspectives on housing. A call for further research in this area highlights the critical need for diverse approaches to tackle the complexities of housing transitions effectively.
Keywords: affordable housing, systems-oriented service design, gigamapping, zip-analysis, leverages, transition design