Everyone agrees that there is a tremendous need for affordable housing. But what does "affordable" mean? Since federal subsidies for housing have dwindled to almost nothing, and state subsidies barely exist, the term affordable can only mean good housing that is delivered to the home buyer at the lowest possible cost. It seems clear that the housing industry's contribution will be to produce the most cost-efficient housing possible. Design plays an important role in providing such housing. Design: What's Best? The design for this market must be simple, but there are other considerations as well. First, the space will necessarily be small, but the product must maintain quality and competitiveness. Second, if financing subsidies are involved, there will be state and
