In our pursuit of providing quality, dignified housing for all, we are at the intersection of economics, social responsibility, and forward-thinking design. As Architects, we play an essential role in addressing the housing crisis and, to make a real impact, we must continue to think outside the box when designing affordable housing. To make meaningful impact, we must transcend conventional design paradigms and embrace innovative, sustainable, and community-centric approaches.
The Affordable Housing Matters Forum, hosted recently by the Robin Boyd Foundation held at the Kensington Town Hall, Melbourne was a pivotal event in the ongoing challenge to address the housing crisis. With a mission to promote equitable and accessible housing solutions for all, the forum brought together key stakeholders, policy makers, experts in design and those interested in contributing to a purposeful and constructive dialogue as part of the process to create tangible solutions.
Across three sessions, each culminating with an in-depth panel discussion, we heard from a selection of guest presenters on the Economic, Social and Design initiatives being advocated for in response to the housing crisis and the fundamental need to deliver quality and dignified housing for everyone as an essential human right.
Economically, the panel explored the opportunities available to create supply and direct investment, both through leveraging all levels of government and through private enterprise. The discussions illustrated the economic benefits achieved through the provision of quality and readily accessible affordable housing – benefits ranging from the direct and intangible value to Government, Community, and most importantly, Individuals.
From a social perspective, it was agreed that the provision of affordable housing is not a “one size fits all” approach, acknowledging that affordable housing is required across all neighbourhoods, from the high-density inner-city context to the middle and outer ring of cities, regional towns, and remote communities. Addressing the housing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach which responds to the needs of each social and cultural context, including the most vulnerable within our community.
Through presenting a series of exemplar projects, the place makers (including, but not limited to, urban designers, architects, interior designers, landscape architects and town planners) were encouraged to “lead by design” in the quest to deliver socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable housing for the entire community….. to follow Robin Boyd’s lead and consider how we, in a contemporary context, can achieve affordable housing.
In summary, our role as place makers in alleviating the affordable housing crisis is pivotal. To truly effect change, we must transcend conventional design paradigms and adopt innovate, sustainable, and community-oriented approaches. Through unconventional thinking, we can contribute to the development of affordable housing that, not only fulfills the fundamental need for shelter, but also elevates residents’ overall quality of life, thereby promoting a fairer and more inclusive society.
It is imperative that we remain engaged in forums, such as the Affordable Housing Matters Forum, to foster informed discussions, enabling us to explore strategies and models capable of reshaping Australia’s housing crisis.
