A Home for Urban Families: An Alternative Approach to Housing in Downtown Toronto
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Date
2017-01-23
Authors
Tranze-Drabinia, Dina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
As prices of single family homes rapidly increase in Toronto, many families are faced with a challenging dilemma: move beyond the city’s peripheries to where house prices are lower, or remain within the city and attempt to find suitable housing in multi-unit buildings. Recently, more families have been choosing the latter, yet discovering that the city offers very few affordable housing options suitable for families with children. This thesis is an exploration into why this is the case and a proposition for a possible solution.
The exploration is broken down into two components: the political and economic framework of housing affordability and an urban and architectural analysis of design compatibility of housing for families with children. The findings suggest that a more comprehensive economic model is required, with consideration given to community land trusts and co-operative housing. Furthermore, a design approach which considers the amenities and diversity required by family life is seen to create a more inclusive built environment.
The research culminates in a design synthesis - a proposal of a co-operative building on an existing parking lot in Bloor West Village. The proposed design of the Home for Urban Families is exemplary in nature, in that it displays a possible solution within the established framework of the thesis.
Description
Keywords
toronto, housing, affordability, families, children, mid-rise, downtown, urban, co-operative