Developing a systematic housing design quality assessment model for Libya

The quality of design in housing has a great impact on the quality of life of the building occupants or end users and the socio-economy of the society as a whole. Therefore, the effective assessment of design quality before approving construction is a critical aspect for ensuring quality of life for the occupiers. In Libya, many families live in housing provided by the Government. Inadequate assessment, lack of expertise and lack of management has led to poor design quality which does not respond to the needs of the population in tenns of quality and quantity. This research aims to develop a method for assessing housing design quality as embedded in the 'neighbourhood'. A new systematic housing quality assessment model has been developed based on a thorough literature review and analyses of existing design quality models. This model will minimise assessment errors resulting f om ill-informed human judgment and subjectivity. The model also addresses shortcomings of existing design quality models. The implementation of the new model for assessing design quality in housing will clarify and represent the knowledge of experts to practising assessors. Moreover, it wi II facilitate and reflect the Libyan cultural context.