Fostering social sustainability through housing sustainability for Bangladeshi people in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City

Munmun, Jenifer

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125649 Copy

Description

Title

Fostering social sustainability through housing sustainability for Bangladeshi people in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City

Author(s)

Munmun, Jenifer

Issue Date

2024-07-19

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Greenlee, Andrew J.

Committee Member(s)

Novoa, Magdalena

Department of Study

Urban & Regional Planning

Discipline

Urban Planning

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.U.P.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Social Cohesion
• Sustainability
• Housing, Immigrant
• Bangladeshi Diaspora
• Affordable Housing
• Housing Policy
• Social Sustainability
• Housing Sustainability

Abstract

This master's research investigates the critical role of housing sustainability in fostering social sustainability, particularly focusing on the Bangladeshi community in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City. With an emphasis on social cohesion, cultural identity, equity, and integration for social sustainability the research delves into how housing sustainability can be a catalyst for the well-being of diversified low-income marginalized immigrant communities in urban settings. Jackson Heights, which is a melting pot of diverse ethnic backgrounds, provides a unique case study for examining these dynamics within the Bangladeshi diaspora. The study first identifies the housing challenges faced by the Bangladeshi population in Jackson Heights, exploring the relationship between these difficulties and the broader concept of social well-being. After that, it assesses the perspective of local Bengali people of Jackson heights, observing the site, market trend via different sources and with previous literature connection, aiming to understand their effectiveness in promoting social sustainability. The findings after the mixed method approach of this research with the interviewing people and taking their perspectives and consideration housing market overview are examined to draw parallels and by observing their perspective overall this thesis generate insights that could be applicable to Jackson Heights. The thesis presents principles of sustainable planning that honor cultural preferences with local people while encouraging integration within the multicultural environment of Jackson Heights. It addresses how the surrounding environment of housing and also some outdoor and internal place making plan of housing could facilitate cultural integration, focusing on the significance of communal spaces that promote intercultural dialogue and cohesion. Further, the research proposes strategies to increase and improve affordable housing alternatives, considering the diverse socioeconomic strata within the Bangladeshi community. It evaluates the potential for neighborhood empowerment and community involvement in housing decisions as tools for enhancing social sustainability. Additionally, the role of green and open spaces in housing and some sustainable solution to make places affordable through planning and architecture is scrutinized for their ability to unite residents of varying cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit. In the end, the thesis concludes by synthesizing lessons from local people’s perspective, market trend analysis by ACS, literature and by studying relevant document, offering recommendations for housing sustainability with social sustainability in Jackson Heights that not only meet environmental standards but also advance social sustainability for the Bangladeshi community and beyond.

Graduation Semester

2024-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125649

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Jenifer Munmun

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