Design

Myth: Affordable housing design stands out in the community.
Fact: Affordable housing, when developed well, looks no different than any other housing.

• Designers of affordable housing study local architecture to ensure that new developments are contextual.
• Architects often collaborate with local residents in design charrettes.

Myth: Affordable housing means tall buildings and high density.
Fact: Affordable housing on the Mississippi Coast largely consists of single-family detached homes.

• Affordable housing on the Mississippi Coast includes both single-family and small multi-family developments.
• High density does not equal tall buildings. Local zoning protects against tall buildings and density in residential areas.
• High-rise multi-family rental housing buildings are typically found in large urban areas, such as New York City and Los Angeles.

Myth: Affordable housing is unattractive and cheaply built.
Fact: Affordable housing is well designed by experienced architects.

• Professional, skilled architects design affordable housing developments.
• Affordable housing developments have received numerous architectural awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects National Honor Award.
• Affordable housing does not mean rows of concrete gray blocks.