La vivienda que queremos después de la pandemia

Abstract

The article discusses the central role that housing is playing during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in the context of Spain.
First, it argues that, during the lockdown, housing has changed from being regarded a right to almost a duty. It questions the implications of such renewed consideration in terms of housing conditions, policy, and design. Secondly, the article compares the role of housing in the COVID-19 crisis with the one it played in the financial crises of 2008. It argues that a significant difference is that in 2020, citizens are not blamed for the housing situation. Finally, the article concludes that there is a window of opportunity so that housing can become part of the solution rather than the problem. It defends that the debate on housing should focus on how we want housing to be instead of speculating on how it will be.