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The International Association for Housing Science (IAHS) is an international, non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of housing science, housing technology, sustainable construction, and the study of housing as a fundamental human habitat.
Since the beginning of human civilization, housing has been one of the most essential concerns of society. In the twenty-first century, this concern has become even more important. Rapid urbanization, population growth, climate change, affordability challenges, environmental pressures, and the need for resilient communities have made housing one of the central issues facing both developed and developing nations.
IAHS was established in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, on April 24, 1972, during the Second International Symposium on Lower-Cost Housing Problems. The Association was created in response to the growing need for an independent international body that could bring together researchers, professionals, institutions, and policy-oriented experts working on housing problems from scientific, technical, social, environmental, and economic perspectives.
The central purpose of IAHS is to promote knowledge, research, innovation, and international cooperation in the field of housing science. IAHS recognizes housing not only as a physical structure, but also as a complex human environment connected to health, safety, sustainability, culture, technology, community development, and quality of life.
Legal Status and Organization
The International Association for Housing Science is a non-profit association registered in the State of Missouri, USA, as a General Not for Profit Corporation.
IAHS is an association of its active individual members. Its governance structure is based on participation, representation, and professional responsibility. The President and members of the Board of Directors are elected by the voting members of the Association and form the executive leadership of IAHS.
The Association may also work through advisory bodies, national representatives, committees, and professional working groups. These groups help strengthen communication between IAHS and the international housing science community, support academic and professional collaboration, and encourage participation from different regions of the world.
The Secretary and Treasurer carry out their responsibilities in coordination with the President and the Board of Directors. The Constitution and Bylaws of IAHS define the structure, responsibilities, and governance procedures of the Association.
Mission
The mission of IAHS is to advance the science, technology, policy, and practice of housing by promoting research, international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative approaches to housing problems.
IAHS seeks to support better housing outcomes for communities around the world by encouraging scientific inquiry, interdisciplinary dialogue, and practical solutions that respond to changing social, economic, environmental, and technological conditions.
Objectives
The main objectives of IAHS are:
- To generate, collect, and disseminate knowledge in the field of housing science.
- To encourage research on housing technology, housing production, sustainability, affordability, resilience, planning, construction, and human habitat.
- To promote interdisciplinary approaches to housing problems by connecting architecture, engineering, planning, environmental science, social science, economics, public policy, and related fields.
- To organize and support international conferences, congresses, workshops, seminars, and academic activities related to housing science.
- To provide a platform for researchers, professionals, institutions, and practitioners to exchange ideas, present research findings, and develop innovative methods.
- To support the publication and circulation of scientific and professional knowledge related to housing and human settlements.
- To encourage cooperation among universities, research centers, professional organizations, public institutions, and international bodies concerned with housing.
- To contribute to global discussion on decent, affordable, sustainable, and resilient housing for all.
Activities
IAHS carries out its mission through a range of academic, professional, and international activities. These include the organization of conferences and workshops, support for research and publication, promotion of housing science education, and the development of international networks among scholars and professionals.
The Association provides opportunities for members and partners to share research, present new ideas, discuss housing challenges, and explore practical solutions. Through its activities, IAHS aims to strengthen the relationship between scientific research and real-world housing needs.
IAHS also encourages the formation of committees and working groups composed of qualified experts from different fields and countries. These committees support the Association’s programs and help ensure that its activities reflect international experience, professional competence, and scientific quality.
Vision for 2026 and Beyond
As housing challenges continue to evolve, IAHS remains committed to promoting housing as a vital component of human development, environmental responsibility, and social well-being.
In 2026 and beyond, IAHS seeks to strengthen its role as an international platform for housing science by encouraging research on sustainable housing, affordable construction, climate-responsive design, resilient communities, housing policy, smart technologies, building performance, and the future of human settlements.
Through international cooperation and scientific exchange, IAHS aims to contribute to a world where housing is safe, sustainable, affordable, inclusive, and supportive of human dignity.