A Tool, A Room, A House, A Village: Urban Cottages for Domestic Crafting

Abstract

When we craft objects, we become absorbed in work, intimately involved with the physical piece. These things populate our homes, carrying our imprint. Whether making or using our handiwork, our crafts bring us joy. However, most of us no longer make things. At all scales of our world, everything is a commodity, from clothing and tableware to furniture and homes. Although we know we cannot buy happiness, we do not present ourselves with any alternatives.

There are over 2400 lanes in Toronto, many of which have space for development. With the signing of Bill 826, where laneway suites can be built as of right, laneways offer a considerable opportunity for the establishment of small communities within the downtown. Imagine cottages organized close to each other on a laneway, supporting a community focused on living more enriching lives. The typology of the cottage carries connotations of craft and self-sustainability. In urban Toronto, residents gain access to valuable resources — materials, artists, and patrons. In such a village, people can escape the cycle of consumption and create objects they enjoy. People form stronger relationships with themselves, their families, and their neighbours in crafting them. I have designed each of these cottages from the smallest scale of architecture to the largest. The design grows from the craft outwards.