Thesis (BS Architecture) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2014

Housing is a fundamental component of quality of life. Without a focus on design quality, there is a risk new homes will compromise residents? living experience and not be adaptable for future needs. This study aims to contribute to the quality design standards in low-cost housing subdivisions in the key cities in Davao region. The Housing Quality Indicators, a system used as a measurement and assessment tool to evaluate housing schemes on the basis of physical quality, is used in the study. Eight indicators are used in measuring quality: (1) location, (2) visual impact, layout and landscaping of site, (3) open space of the site, (4) routes and movement of the site, (5) size of the unit, (6) layout of the unit, (7) noise control, light quality, and services of the unit and (8) the external. These indicators do not only look at the unit and its design in detail but also the context and surroundings. The study shows that the average score of the quality of the low-cost housing subdivisions is only 40 out of 100. The indicators accessibility and sustainability were not incorporated in the designs of the subdivisions and not taken into consideration in the study. The problems found affecting the qualities of the subdivisions were due to the low performance of visual impact, layout & landscaping, routes and movement, unit services, unit size and unit layout. In order for a subdivision to have a high quality, the indicators must be met at a suitable levels or a house may be uninhabitable that other factors cannot compensate. Most subdivisions located in the Davao City have higher scores than those in Digos, Panabo and Tagum City.