How we House : A Shared Tower to Challenge Normative Living

This thesis examines the relationships between property ownership and tenant empowerment by proposing a 15-storey housing development aimed to foster community connection located in False Creek Flats, Vancouver. This development works within the current Canadian ownership context to propose a combined housing co-operative and housing society which would provide an alternative way of living and owning. The tower counters the model of strata and freehold ownership, which isolates households. The design sets to accommodate a diverse range of households by providing various unit types with different kinds of access to shared communal spaces. The intention is to challenge normative living and owning practices by proposing a housing typology and design strategies which can facilitate community connection and equity.Applied Science, Faculty ofArchitecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School ofUnreviewedGraduat