In previous blog posts, we have discussed the ongoing housing crisis, which, in my opinion, lacks a clear resolution within our current context. We believe that the solution lies in the proactive approach every individual must adopt to contribute to meaningful change.

What we advocate presents a formidable challenge—one that many might consider insurmountable. However, I firmly believe that with genuine conviction and unwavering determination, we can make this vision viable. It begins with small, independent actions that, when repeated consistently, can set a powerful example for even the most skeptical among us.

It’s worth noting that our blog content extends beyond architecture, often delving into related social issues. This broader focus reflects our commitment to driving social change as a means of general improvement. We recognize that our sphere of influence is intrinsically tied to the built environment and, by extension, to architecture as a whole.

Our approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of social issues and the built environment. By addressing these topics holistically, we aim to foster a more comprehensive understanding of how architectural solutions can contribute to resolving broader societal challenges. This multifaceted perspective allows us to explore different ways to tackle the housing crisis and other related issues, always with the goal of creating positive, lasting change in our communities.

Giving Value to What Has Little or None

By now, you’ve likely noticed our tendency to emphasize the importance of working with existing buildings to give them a new, more enduring, and useful life. We see ourselves not only as leaders who tackle unconventional problems and transform them into solutions but also as individuals whose thoughts and actions set the stage for tangible answers to real, pressing issues affecting people in need.

Wealth is not universally distributed. When we examine global statistics or, more poignantly, when we set aside our distractions and truly observe our surroundings, it becomes evident that most people lead challenging lives where even their basic needs often go unmet.

In this blog post, I’ll focus on how we can address this reality from an architectural perspective. Dear reader, I ask for your patience as we explore this complex topic.

I’ve previously expressed my skepticism regarding government actions, grants, or similar programs offering real and lasting solutions. In my view, social consciousness remains the most promising avenue for inspiring individual action

This blog is about taking action ourselves and leading by example.

Architecture is Not Always Glamorous

The practice of architecture, especially when focused on revitalizing existing buildings and addressing real-world problems affecting communities and individuals, can be far from glamorous. This work is often messy and gritty, a far cry from the polished projects featured in international magazines or architectural design competitions.

I’ve observed numerous aspiring architects enter the field with dreams of designing the next world-renowned building, only to find themselves grappling with budget constraints, building codes, bylaw restrictions, and myriad other limitations. These realities can quickly stifle the idealistic spirit of an architectural designer.

Moreover, I’ve frequently encountered debates about beauty and aesthetics that highlight how two individuals can have vastly different perspectives on what constitutes good design. What one person finds beautiful, another may find appalling, and vice versa.

Faced with such contradictions and discrepancies, life has taught me to seek out the various shades of gray in our profession and in life, attempting to nudge them towards either the white or black end of the spectrum. While this may seem impossible, I find that this perspective leads to less frustration and allows me to be more useful to society.

With this mindset, I’ve chosen to apply my knowledge and that of my team to solve real-world problems. It does not mean that we don’t look for “El Dorado” of design excellence, but rather that we focus our attention on addressing issues and providing value to those who inhabit the spaces we work on. Our goal is to help alleviate at least one worry for the residents as they go to bed at night.

Often, when we visit sites to begin our analysis and improvement process, we encounter conditions that could serve as the perfect setting for a horror movie. We frequently see:

• Building elements completely damaged or showing significant distress, creating unhealthy or unsafe environments for the residents
• Terrible odors and conditions that provide ideal breeding grounds for insects, rodents and other pests
• Occupants who, in many cases show behaviours and appearances of those who have been defeated and who have given up on life, due to the conditions in which they wake up and go to bed every single day

These challenging situations underscore the importance of our work and the potential for architecture to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Understanding the Needs of Individuals and Families

The individuals mentioned in the previous paragraph may have shelter, but to call their situation “living” would be a stretch. In my view, their existence is more akin to “surviving,” or perhaps even more accurately, they are like “dead men walking”.

I believe the most fundamental need of any individual is self-respect and self-value. These characteristics are what distinguish us from other species and are the essential ingredients that enable us to use our mental, physical, and spiritual capabilities to develop better versions of ourselves and, consequently, of society.

However, when most elements, events, and conditions in both public and private spheres fail to support an individual’s ability to recognize, develop, and maintain self-respect and self-value, hope inevitably begins to diminish and may eventually disappear entirely.

This outcome is a natural and sequential result of a process that often begins with parenting and governing methods that inadvertently remove responsibility from individuals or citizens. This approach weakens people in relation to themselves, their families, and their fellow citizens.

Removing responsibility is a grave mistake. I believe it’s being systematically done under the guise of love at a micro level and equality at a macro level. In both cases, decision-makers or those in power, whether intentionally or not, create an atmosphere of despair where the basic unit of society—the individual—becomes dependent on external factors. People grow up expecting everything from their parents, only to become citizens who expect everything from their governments. They contribute little to nothing to the system and lead disorganized lives characterized by chaos and distractions, developing unhealthy environments and perpetuating this cycle with the next generation.

I strive daily to instill responsibility in my children, employees, tenants, and anyone I can influence directly or indirectly. This is the first step towards individual empowerment. As individuals develop a sense of power, duty, and influence, they can lead more promising lives and educate others by example. I firmly believe that empowering individuals in this way allows them to fully experience and embody the essential qualities of self-respect and self-value.

By fostering these qualities, we can create a society where people are more resilient, self-reliant, and capable of addressing their own needs and contributing positively to their communities. This approach can lead to more sustainable solutions to social issues, including those related to housing and urban development, as empowered individuals are more likely to take an active role in improving their living conditions and surroundings.

Architecture, Renovation of Rental Units and Empowerment

I use architecture as a tool for social change, empowering myself and others to improve lives. I embody the change I want to see in the world.

I don’t expect handouts from the government or anyone else. My strong conviction is that if change is needed, I must make it happen. I can do it, and so can you.

Having seen the terrible conditions in which many people live and being aware of the housing crisis and the difficulties in creating solutions, I’ve taken on the task of purchasing distressed buildings. These buildings often reflect the nature of their tenants, landlords, and the communities they’re in.

People often refer to these buildings as “in need of love.” I can’t help but think it’s society itself that’s in need of that love.

When I acquire such a building, I start by establishing and enforcing basic rules. It’s challenging and often becomes a battle with everyone involved, as people generally seem to have lived without a good set of rules. There’s a lot of emotion in this process, and I’m continuously learning.

At the same time, As an architect, I conduct thorough assessments of the building’s conditions, from occupant and public safety and health concerns to structural elements, building envelope, interior spaces (both private and common), exterior spaces, and other service areas and amenities.

I plan necessary investments and seek funding to execute them in the required order and timing. Examples of corrections or renovations include:

• Improving insulation and replacing roof systems
• Renovation of apartments and common areas
• Modifying interior layouts to accommodate larger families
• Adapting spaces for tenants with physical disabilities
• Conducting various repairs

These investments inevitably impact rent. When negotiating rent increases to reflect improvements, I often face significant resistance. It becomes evident that many tenants prefer to be taken care of rather than being part of the evolution.

In some cases, low incomes are the root of the problem. To counteract this, I offer opportunities for people to take on paid responsibilities in maintaining the building. Surprisingly, a vast majority refuse these opportunities for better living conditions. This reality suggests we’re accustomed to living and acting in a paternalistic way, to the detriment of our own liberties and capabilities.

It’s important to note that building owners are unlikely to recoup funds invested in repairs, renovations, and improvements solely through rent increases. Any expectations of growth are placed years into the future, dependent on market trends and negotiations with financial entities, provided we can demonstrate that we have managed to create value with the building.

As an architect acting in this direction, value creation comes from various intentions:

• Modifying spaces to accommodate families instead of single occupants
• Providing accessible apartments for those with mobility needs
• Subdividing existing spaces to offer new living units (when by-laws permit it)
• Creating spaces for home-based work in the era of remote employment
• Correcting problems to mitigate risks and ensure longer building lifespan
• Improving conditions for occupant comfort and quality of life.
• From a design perspective, modifying rooms to increase sunlight, natural ventilation and opens spaces where occupants will feel freer and more comfortable
• Using environmentally friendly durable materials, that are easy to wash and maintain
• Use color and texture compositions that are versatile to align with the decoration of different types of tastes and that make people proud of their home

As urban populations grow and housing demand increases, architects and other societal actors must face the challenge of fixing, revamping and creating more functional and comfortable living spaces.

We must also prioritize empowering individuals, from an early age, as the only way of finding solutions to ongoing problems. As an architect and more importantly, as a person I strive to improve and create spaces where children can grow up seeing that their lives have value and where they can be the architects of their own destinies.

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