Human Scale

Towards Supportive Housing in Ottawa’s Byward Market

Byward Market | Ottawa, Canada

The historical connection of Ottawa’s Byward Market to diverse, dense urban living and social amenities lends itself well to fostering a strong sense of community. Building on the notion that presence prompts awareness, this thesis argues that an architecture that promotes social interaction between community members and those experiencing homelessness benefits all. Through on-site documentation and interviews with both shelter clients and staff, the thesis first demonstrates the importance of design knowledge being acquired through designer presence. A design proposal then examines the opportunities for a multibuilding inclusive site—one providing residential, social support, and community spaces while being conscious of its historical, environmental, psychological, and economic impacts. Overall, the work aims to raise awareness on homelessness in Ottawa and to provide innovative design strategies that invite discussion on the importance of architecture in providing spaces better acknowledging housing as a basic human right.

Homelessness is not the reflection of an individual’s inadequacies, but rather an indicator of the health of our cities. It occurs because of embedded inequities, unjust resource management, flawed or absent legislations, poor social awareness, chronic mental health issues, and uninformed design. It is an issue in the discourse of architecture not only because of our profession’s connections to the economy but also because built spaces hold a psychological and sociological influence.

Through my research, the evidence indicates that Canada’s shelter-based approach to homelessness serves only as a temporary solution. It ignores the issues facing our population and, rather than eradicating the demand for shelters, risks leading to its growth. Ottawa, and Canada more broadly, need to move toward more affordable housing solutions that give residents a sense of independence, privacy, safety, and self-reflection. The social obstacles facing many in society for being unhoused, such as marginalization and stigmatized prejudice, need to be made aware to the public in order to bring a better understanding of society’s devastating effect on homelessness. The minimum quality of living conditions for all residents needs to be understood as a human right.

Homelessness will continue to exist, changing forms as the people and urbanity of Ottawa exist and evolve. The goal is for architects to continually remain aware of the topic, offering solutions adapted to however the situation takes form in the present moment: conditions and solutions temporally balancing each other as a symbol of responsibility towards progress.

Refrigerator, range oven, sink, counter, pantry, food, spices, cooking utensils, pots and pans, baking sheet, dishcloth, cutlery, plates, bowls, glasses, trash can.

Cleaning supplies, broom, dustpan, bucket, toolbox, hammer, measuring tape, batteries, flashlight.

Outerwear, jacket, shoes, boots, umbrella, sports equipment, tennis racket, hooks.

Garments for different occasions, dresswear, lounging, sleeping, hangers, drawers, socks, underwear, laundry hamper, ironing board.

Accessible shower, toilet, vanity, mirror, extra storage, drying rack, handrails, towels, bathmat, soap, toothbrush, razor, comb, deodorant, toilet paper, first-aid supplies, plunger.

Television, vase and plants, wall art, clock, laptop, notebook, pens, sketchbook, radio, board games.

Bed, sheets, pillows, covers, extra storage, books, light for reading, blinds, table and chairs for eating, working or conversing.