The Graduate Studio Exhibition by ARCH5505 Craft and Tech Design Studio plays a pivotal role in highlighting the transformative power of technology in tackling housing supply challenges. This exhibition delves into automated construction techniques, prefabricated assemblies, and bio-based materials, all within the context of a circular, low-carbon construction framework. Through innovative research and exploration, it underscores the pivotal role of technological advancements in shaping a more sustainable future for the construction industry.
The housing crisis across North America has led to increased challenges in finding safe and affordable living spaces, impacting communities with issues such asovercrowding and homelessness. Efforts by the Canadian Federal Government through the Budget 2022 proposed measures to double housing construction over the next decade, including a significant investment in the Housing Accelerator Fund to create 100,000 new housing units within five years. Additionally, Ontario's Bill 23 aims to streamline laws to construct 1.5 million homes in the next decade.
However, the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry faces challenges due to labor shortages in skilled trades, and short building seasons in northern regions. To address these issues, this studio focuses on leveraging digital technologies to innovate design and fabrication processes, aiming to enhance housing affordability with emphasis placed on decarbonizing our built environment.
The studio adopts a design/build approach, allowing students to develop full-scale prototypes, testing and demonstrating their research through exhibitions for community stakeholders. Emphasizing participatory design and community engagement, the goal is to showcase technological innovation for an economically viable, environmentally sustainable, culturally relevant, and locally produced affordable housing model.
The incorporation of traditional principles into modern design-fabrication processes underscores the need for technological advancements to address the outdated methods and high construction costs prevalent in architecture. These innovations are crucial in providing affordable and adequate housing, essential for ensuring individuals' health, dignity, and safety.
