Dwelling

A dwelling is a human residence that provides shelter and a basis for daily life. It includes a wide range of structures intended for habitation, from single-room huts to multiunit houses and apartments, as well as temporary shelters and mobile living spaces.

Dwellings are classified by permanence, ownership, occupancy, and design. Permanent dwellings may be owned or rented; temporary or seasonal dwellings include tents, cabins, and caravans. Mobile homes and modular buildings are designed for relocation and rapid assembly.

Key features typically include space for living and sleeping, cooking and sanitation, protection from the weather, and access to utilities. Design aims for safety, privacy, comfort, and energy efficiency, while reflecting local climate, cultural preferences, and applicable building codes.

Historically, humans began with simple shelters and gradually developed more permanent dwellings. The shift to agriculture and urbanization fostered denser housing and new building materials. In modern times, housing policy, zoning, and construction standards influence the availability, quality, and distribution of dwellings.

Societal aspects include ownership models (ownership, tenancy, cooperative housing), affordability, and housing security. Issues such as homelessness and housing instability relate to access to suitable dwellings. Growing emphasis on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity shapes contemporary dwelling design and development.