The future of Canadian housing requires new approaches to planning and development.
We need to re-imagine how housing is provided as we adjust to ongoing transitions in energy standards, emissions and building performance. The development industry is not prepared for this new landscape, especially as we face down a generational housing crisis.
Current planning and development approaches are linear and rigid, meaning change comes at a high cost. In a world increasingly defined by change, it is clear that rigid buildings will carry increased risk and be especially ineffective in a shifting market.
Under the old paradigm, redevelopment often necessitates demolition or substantial renovation of building stock. When we consider that renovation and demolition account for over 80% of construction waste, it is clear that buildings need to change more efficiently, and remain useful longer.
Calling for A RENEWED APPROACH TO PLANNING
Rigid housing emerges from rigid planning approaches that require buildings to be frozen in time in order to be regulated effectively.
What if we imagine a building designed to adapt with ease across its life-cycle? A building that can change its unit mix simply quickly and cost-effectively, and accommodate variable densities while remaining code compliant.
This implies a building system that can shift, grow, and dis-assemble, but more importantly, a planning approach designed to address ongoing transformation.
A new paradigm defined by adaptive, circular design produces buildings with greater utility and longevity, and ultimately smarter housing that is more responsive to community needs.
Adaptability is a key element of a circular, zero waste housing future, and demands a re-imagining of our development and planning paradigms.
Proof Housing is working to pilot adaptive housing in municipalities across Ontario through the concept of a living lab.
Three key lines of inquiry guide the research, and inform the pilot:
- How do we design and build for adaptability?
- How do we regulate an adaptive building?
- How do we effectively monitor performance?
The Living Lab will explore circular development models and the viability of adaptive housing over an extended 25 year period. Critical topics of exploration will include impacts on energy use, emissions, material waste, building operations, affordability and social capital, imagining a district composed of buildings at a variety of scales and tenures, including both rental and new ownership models.
But, re-imagining the planning and development paradigm is not work that can be done alone. It requires a shared vision, and collaboration between a broad range of industry experts in the fields of technology, planning and development.
Please visit Proof Housing to get involved with our ongoing pilot.
Future-proof Urbanism: Circularity & Adaptability in the Built Environment
