Private Outside Space as a Factor in Housing Acceptability

AbstractThe private outside space (POS) that surrounds the traditional single-family detached house is often ignored by designers and builders. Yet, recent research shows that individuals and households in all segments of the population hold a high value for having this space as part of their home environment. This paper reviews evidence that the desire for having POS underlies major residential trends of this century. It is an essay on the importance of understanding why the availability of private outside space is an important attribute of housing in American society.