Adaptation of social housing for income generation using a resilience rule: assessment and propositions

Abstract A significant portion of the social housing provided by the Brazilian government program Minha Casa, Minha Vida (MCMV) has been adapted to accommodate income-generating activities. The program has delivered more than six million standardized housing units across Brazil. However, these homes do not include dedicated spaces for such activities. Consequently, residents—who often combine domestic responsibilities with income-generating endeavors—are left with inadequate and precarious living conditions that fail to meet their daily needs. Despite its relevance, the topic of income-generating activities in social housing remains underexplored in the literature. This research aims to present the findings from applying the Resilience Ruler tool to a case study of two MCMV housing projects in Uberlândia, Brazil. The study focuses on housing projects designed for families earning between zero and three times the minimum wage. The methodology involves evaluating indicators related to spatial flexibility and environmental comfort, using the Resilience Ruler as the primary instrument. The research follows the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to develop a resilience rule, focusing on strategies to create more adequate and resilient housing for income generation.