Supporting housing as a human right for World Architecture Day
Learn more about the world’s housing situation and access resources in this rundown from the AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community.
In 2017, The American Institute of Architects declared access to housing a fundamental right. This statement aligns with the AIA Code of Ethics, which asserts the importance of upholding human rights in all professional endeavors, and it aligns with the theme of World Architecture Day 2026, which is “Housing is a Human Right. Build It.”
AIA is not alone: Adequate housing was recognized in the United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the U.S. signed. The U.N. defines the right to housing through seven elements: security of tenure, availability of services, affordability, habitability, accessibility, location, and cultural adequacy. Globally, over 80 constitutions recognize or guarantee the right to housing.
Resources from the Right-to-Housing Working Group
In addition to being an economic and legal issue, the right to housing is an architectural concern. That’s why, since 2021, the AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community (HCD) has convened the Right-to-Housing Working Group, which pursues the achievement of longstanding global humanitarian standards.
This group prepares members for AIA Hill Day and reviews federal policy one-pagers at the request of AIA staff. Group participants also research the housing policy positions of aligned organizations and have mapped AIA policy protocols so that member priorities reach the right decision-makers as AIA develops its policy structure.
To help members leverage these activities, the group has designated housing policy liaisons who connect members to AIA advocacy staff. To find a liaison, reach out to Brittany Meyer, who is AIA’s senior director of government affairs & public policy, at brittanymeyer@aia.org.
The working group also produces a free webinar series titled “Architecture and the Right to Housing.” Each episode asks: “What does the right to housing mean in practice?” and “How can architects contribute?”
Additionally, for podcast fans, the group publishes the “Opportunity Starts at Home” podcast series in collaboration with Opportunity Starts at Home and AIA. The podcast takes a deep look at opportunity in America, especially how housing shapes that opportunity.
Below is a list of webinar and podcast episodes, listed by topic.
Webinar episodes
These episodes will let you learn more about HCD’s work and about housing in general.
2026
“Cooperative Housing in the U.S.: Frolic Community”
“Middle Housing/Growing Neighborhoods”
“Housing Policy Advocacy: Seattle and Austin” (tune in on November 2)
2025
“ADU Revolution: Smarter, Smaller, More Connected”
“Learning with the World: Insights from the U.N. Habitat World Urban Forum in Cairo”
“Universal and Inclusive Design Standards for Housing”
“The Role of Architects in Housing Equity: A Multi-Sector Perspective”
“Trauma-Informed Housing: Dignified Design for Resilient Communities”
“Zurich’s Inspiring Cooperative Housing”
2024
“Cultural Expression Through Mass Timber: The Village SF Wellness Center”
“Legacy House: An Architectural Firm’s Solution to the Housing Crisis”
“How Architects can Make a Difference NOW in Housing and Climate”
“Community Land Trusts in South and Central Florida”
“The Role of ADUs in Addressing the Housing Crisis”
“Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge”
2023
“AIA Housing & Community Engagement in UN-Habitat”
“Building on the Reservation: Housing as a Form of Sovereignty”
“Toward Housing Justice: Expanded Architectural Practice and National Policy Alliances”
“Housing Insecurity in Mississippi”
“Architecture for the Future of Public Housing”
“Attainable Housing for All in Singapore: What Does it Look Like and How is it Accomplished?”
“Opportunity Starts at Home” episodes
These podcast episodes explain more about the criticality of housing and dive into case studies.
Episode 43: “Housing as a Human Right—The Role of Architects in Housing Equity,” featuring Karen Kubey, convener of the Right-to-Housing Working Group, and Casius Pealer, Assoc. AIA, of Tulane.
Episode 44: “Designing for Culturally Adequate Housing—Community Design Approaches in Housing.” Alex Salazar, Assoc. AIA, of Salazar Architect and Joseph Kunkel, Assoc. AIA, of MASS Design Group discuss housing designed around residents’ needs and aspirations.
Episode 45: “How Design Intersects with Health, Housing, and the Environment.” Katherine Williams, AIA, of Georgetown University and Illya Azaroff, FAIA, of CUNY/+LAB, discuss indoor air quality, green space, and healthier living environments.
Episode 46: “Preserving Affordability—The Role of Architects in Saving Existing Housing Stock." Emily Roush-Elliott, AIA, of Delta Design Build Workshop and Christian Solorio, AIA, of Architectural Resource Team discuss naturally occurring affordable housing and architects acting as scope and grant writers.
Episode 47: “Architects for Change—Public Housing and Social Transformation.” Roberta Feldman, Assoc. AIA, of UIC and Nathan Rich, AIA, of Peterson Rich Office discuss public housing, community engagement, and climate justice.
AIA Right-to-Housing Working Group Members
Adrianne Steichen, FAIA
Alexander Salazar, AIA
Alexis Gregory, AIA
Alix Ogilvie, RA
Casius Pealer, Assoc. AIA
Christian Solorio, AIA
Emily Roush-Elliott, AIA
Etty Padmodipoetro, FAIA
Hannah Geitner, Assoc. AIA
Ismar Enriquez, AIA
Julianna Valle Velez, AIA
Karen Kubey, Assoc. AIA (convener)
Kathleen A. Dorgan, FAIA
Matt Hutchins, AIA
Sabrina Herrell
Tara Bray, AIA
Thomas Burns, AIA
Thuy Shutt, AIA
Yanitza Brongers-Marrero, FAIA