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Certainly the density of new housing has been rising and space standards appear to be going down. But how much do we really know about the quality and quantity of space in new homes? How do people use their homes and what do they think about them? How much space do people need? How do our homes compare with those abroad? How, if at all, does housing affect our quality of life? If standards of private space are going down, does public open space compensate? What is the relationship between homes, housing, neighbourhoods and communities?

These are some of the issues that will be addressed in the RIBA Research Symposium. A range of presentations will describe current challenges in housing research, the questions being asked, and the state of the evidence base. The symposium will provide an opportunity to hear at first hand from those responsible for housing research, and will include studies of social, technical, economic and environmental issues. The symposium will address how housing research fits into the wider policy debate and impacts on health and well-being. In addition, leading designers will present case studies featuring recent projects.

Overall, the symposium will bring together designers, housing providers, clients, researchers and policy makers to discuss new housing developments and emerging quality standards. Between them, they will provide a state-of-the-art overview of what we know about space in the home.