The International Association for Housing Science (IAHS) has a long history of promoting international dialogue, research exchange, and professional cooperation in the field of housing science. Since its establishment in 1972, IAHS has provided an academic and professional platform for researchers, architects, engineers, planners, construction specialists, housing experts, institutions, and policy-oriented professionals concerned with housing as a fundamental human habitat.
Through its conferences, congresses, publications, and academic activities, IAHS has contributed to discussions on housing technology, affordable housing, sustainable construction, urban development, resilient communities, building performance, housing policy, and the future of human settlements.
Latest News
IAHS Continues Its International Mission in Housing Science
As IAHS moves forward in 2026, the Association continues its mission to support research, professional cooperation, and knowledge exchange in housing science and related disciplines. The Association remains committed to advancing housing as a central issue of human development, environmental responsibility, social well-being, and sustainable urban growth.
Membership Applications Are Open
Researchers, academics, professionals, institutions, and individuals interested in housing science, housing technology, sustainable construction, human settlements, and related fields are welcome to apply for membership.
For membership information, applicants may contact:
IAHS Academic Publications
The International Association for Housing Science currently publishes two peer-reviewed academic journals. These journals support the Association’s mission by providing a platform for research, scholarly discussion, and the dissemination of knowledge in housing science and related fields.
Historical Background
The roots of IAHS are closely connected with the early international symposia on low-cost housing problems. These meetings brought together experts concerned with housing technology, production, planning, construction, social needs, affordability, and the broader human environment.
IAHS was established in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, on April 24, 1972, during the Second International Symposium on Lower-Cost Housing Problems. Since then, the Association has developed an international record of conferences, congresses, publications, and professional activities dedicated to the advancement of housing science.
In 1979, IAHS was listed in the Roster of non-governmental organizations associated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. This recognition reflects the Association’s international character and its contribution to the global discussion on housing, development, and human settlements.
Historical Events and Congresses
The IAHS conference tradition has included symposia, congresses, and world congresses hosted in different countries. These events have created opportunities for scholars and professionals to present research, exchange ideas, and discuss new approaches to housing problems.
Selected Historical IAHS Events
| Year | Event | Location / Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | International Symposium on Low-Cost Housing Problems Related to Urban Renewal and Development | Rolla, Missouri, USA |
| 1972 | Second International Symposium on Lower-Cost Housing Problems | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| 1972 | Establishment of the International Association for Housing Science | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| 1979 | IAHS listed in the ECOSOC Roster | United Nations Economic and Social Council |
| 1989 | IAHS World Congress on Housing | University of Porto, Portugal — Better Housing Through Innovative Technologies and Financing |
| 2002 | 30th IAHS World Congress on Housing | Coimbra, Portugal — Housing Construction: An Interdisciplinary Task |
| 2003 | 31st IAHS World Congress on Housing | Montreal, Canada — Housing Process and Product |
| 2004 | 32nd IAHS World Congress | Trento, Italy — Sustainability of the Housing Project |
| 2005 | 33rd IAHS World Congress on Housing | Pretoria, South Africa — Transforming Housing Environments through Design |
| 2006 | 34th IAHS World Congress on Housing | Naples, Italy — Sustainable Housing Design: Emphasizing Urban Housing |
| 2007 | 35th IAHS World Congress on Housing Science | Melbourne, Australia |
| 2008 | 36th IAHS World Congress on Housing Science | Kolkata, India — National Housing Programmes: New Visions |
| 2010 | 37th IAHS World Congress on Housing Science | Santander, Spain |
| 2012 | 38th IAHS World Congress | Istanbul, Turkey — Visions for the Future of Housing: Mega Cities |
| 2013 | 39th IAHS World Congress on Housing | Milan, Italy — Changing Needs, Adaptive Buildings, Smart Cities |
| 2014 | 40th IAHS World Congress on Housing | Funchal, Madeira, Portugal — Sustainable Housing Construction |
| 2016 | 41st IAHS World Congress on Housing | Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal — Sustainability and Innovation for the Future |
| 2018 | 42nd IAHS World Congress on Housing | Naples, Italy — The Housing for the Dignity of Mankind |
| 2019–2020 | 43rd IAHS World Congress on Housing | Cochabamba, Bolivia — Housing in the Third Millennium between Tradition and Innovation |
IAHS World Congress Series
The IAHS World Congress series has been one of the most important activities of the Association. Over the years, these congresses have addressed a wide range of topics, including affordable housing, construction technology, building materials, housing finance, sustainability, rehabilitation, urban planning, housing management, energy efficiency, resilient settlements, and the social dimensions of housing.
The international nature of these congresses reflects the founding purpose of IAHS: to encourage cooperation among experts from different countries and disciplines and to promote scientific and practical solutions to housing challenges.
Continuing Role of IAHS
Housing remains one of the most urgent global issues. Population growth, urbanization, climate change, affordability challenges, aging infrastructure, environmental pressures, and social inequality continue to create new demands for housing research and innovation.
IAHS remains committed to supporting international cooperation in housing science and to encouraging research that contributes to safe, affordable, sustainable, resilient, and dignified housing for all.
Future IAHS news, conferences, workshops, calls for papers, journal updates, membership announcements, and institutional activities will be published on this page.