Editor's note: Information contained in this article has been adapted from information in the book Environmental Psychology for Designers written by DAK Kopec, Ph.D, CHES to be published in fall 2005 by Fairchild Books, a division of Fairchild Publications, Inc., New York, NY.

The accessory dwelling has long been a source of controversy. Originally designed to provide housing for family members and private quarters for guests or staff, the carriage/guest house is a significant part of the history of residential design.

However, the purpose of the accessory dwelling has grown well beyond its original function to become a source of income.

Unfortunately we are starting to see accessory dwellings emerging with little regard to the community or the residential design of their neighborhood. This change in how accessory dwellings are viewed by the public has led to many poorly built structures with little regard to issues of parking, crowding or privacy. Some are small units placed above garages, others are smaller structures squeezed onto small parcels of land, and still others are created through the sectioning off of existing structures. The result is often many more automobiles on the streets and properties lacking curb appeal. As such, many communities decided to forego accessory dwellings and passed city ordinances limiting the number of residences per parcel of land.

While it is true that many in the past went too far in the development of accessory dwellings, leaving many neighborhoods appearing disorganized and in some cases unsightly, properties designed with the specific intention of hosting accessory dwellings often have only one additional dwelling which blends into the overall design of the property. These dwellings also serve a vital community role in providing housing for elderly family members or people with limited income. In essence, these accessory dwellings provide low-income housing with a degree of privacy and autonomy.

Accessory dwellings also contribute to many cities' agendas of promoting community and developing urban villages. As many of us know, the cost of housing far exceeds salaries for a great segment of the population, ergo having an accessory dwelling can help relieve some of the burdens associated with high mortgage payments and fees associated with real estate ownership. Also, when there is only one additional living unit on a property, the tenant-landlord relationship becomes closer as both parties share common space. This situation inevitably helps to promote better neighbors and better neighborhood surveillance.

Another purpose for the accessory dwelling can be to house the growing ranks of those who work from their homes. In these cases, the accessory home serves as a de facto office, a place other than the home for the person to go and work. These situations are ideal because they serve as a "behavior setting" which, simply stated, is an environment that evokes particular behaviors. When one arrives in a workplace environment one is expected to work. For many who work from home, this lack of a behavior setting facilitates procrastination and lack of direction, whereas an accessory dwelling used only for work can provide that setting, thus enabling the home-based worker to be more productive.

Accessory dwellings seem to be enjoying a resurgence in popularity. This past December I sat on a jury panel for a design competition for well thought-out and community-enhancing accessory dwellings, which was sponsored in part by the San Diego Association of Realtors. I recently also encountered a high-density townhome development that incorporated accessory dwellings called "casitas". Upon further research, I find that many townhomes and row houses are being planned with these casitas which are serving a vital purpose for the modern-day homeowner.

Life in the new millennium poses several challenges that must be dealt with effectively and efficiently. Increasing elderly populations, lower wages and social security payments, a high cost of living and more people working from home have caused a host of social ailments ranging from malnourished elderly, homelessness and poor worker performance. If not proactive, we will most likely be reactive. The accessory dwelling may be the answer we have all been looking for - not just another rental property but a home for grandma or a teacher, or a place for mom or dad to work from.

Published: January 25, 2005

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