Affordable housing in the 1910s–1930s: new narratives on unbeaten tracks

This special issue explores overlooked interwar urban policies and housing projects across Northern, Eastern, and Southern Europe, challenging dominant historiographical narratives and highlighting transnational exchanges. Moving beyond widely recognized case studies, it uncovers nuanced planning solutions in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Soviet Union, and Italy. The interwar period was a transformative era marked by intense debates, facilitated through exhibitions, competitions, and conferences, where housing was increasingly recognized as a social utility. Governments, cooperatives, and associations played a pivotal role in addressing shortages, implementing strategic planning, and promoting affordable housing policies. The ten papers collectively examine how different countries contributed to an interconnected network of urban theories and architectural models that migrated across Europe, influencing local debates. A shared classical architectural language emerges as a unifying yet adaptable tool, balancing tradition and modernity across diverse political and cultural contexts. These developments significantly shaped social housing and urban planning approaches, demonstrating the flexibility of classical forms in various environments. As many interwar housing projects remain relevant today, questions of preservation, urban identity, and sustainability continue to shape contemporary discourse. By revisiting these historical cases, the special issue offers valuable insights for future urban development and housing policies.