Changing Outsiders’ Attitudes about Low-Income Housing through Architectural Design

Design is one of the reasons for low-income housing (LIH) stigma. The study aims to investigate the effect of facade details and physical size on stigma. This is quasi-experimental scenario-based research that examines the attitudes of 101 participants in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions. Participants are nonresidents of LIH. The study area includes small and medium-sized cities in Mazandaran Province, Iran. LIH with detailed facade improves outsiders’ appraisal. People also have a more positive attitude toward lower building heights. With the increase in the number of units of LIH projects, people express a more negative attitude. In large-scale projects with more floors, the facade details should be paid more attention to avoid stigma.