This is a programme of studies based on practice, rather than academic theory, with particular attention to low-income housing. The three main areas for research are:

• housing strategies
• methods to implement organized self-help housing
• development and modernization of building techniques and materials.

The policy studies are mainly of past and current practice in Central America, in relation to the global strategies of the World Bank and the United Nations.

The modernization of building techniques and materials is studied in order
to promote “appropriate” production at a level somewhere between small scale unmechanised manufacture and automated industry. This would result in optimum production volumes with moderate investment costs, which are compatible with existing local techniques. The material and the technique are inseparable, for example a study in Nicaragua recommended both modifying the shape of the roofing tile and the firing techniques to reduce the total energy cost of roofs. Building insulation materials is another important area for studies, both in their production and use as building elements. There is close collaboration with the programme for climatic design. Studies were conducted in North Africa, Nicaragua, and Ethiopia.