Earlier this year, our colleagues Robert Fiorino and Ross Carter-Wingrove were in Calgary for d.talks’ inaugural 50chairs workshop: A new dialogue series developed to build a stronger community of experts to explore the current issues and opportunities facing the city of Calgary through design.
Following a presentation by 5468796 Architecture’s Johanna Hurme, Robert, Ross and 48 other participants engaged in deep discussions focused on the barriers and opportunities that zoning, perception, and cost create for the housing crisis in Calgary.
Varied and multifaceted, key findings from the session were synthesized and disseminated through a report by d.talks:
- Change the Narrative: Explore the root causes of housing-related fears; shift perceptions about residents within various housing models; and positively re-evaluate multifamily housing and homeownership.
- Challenge the Role of Zoning: Evaluate zoning’s role in addressing or hindering social and cultural progression, and probe into its impact on innovation.
- Redefine Zoning as a Tool and Process: Redefine zoning policies for evolution and resilience; explore new methods to improve quality of life; rethink the process; unlock new avenues for urban development and flexibility; and harness technological advancements.
- Focus on Quality over Cost: Unearth the hidden costs that come with development, and implement quality standards and parameters that can shift perceptions and elevate housing acceptance.
- Political Will: Acknowledge the impact of political agendas on solution implementation emphasizes the need for objective decision-making.
“New and sometimes unexpected connections were created during the workshop by grouping together participants from the design and construction industries, policymakers, and community advocates to discuss these critical issues,” wrote Mark Cooper, who also doubles as a d.talks volunteer.
“It is our hope that this workshop allows these new connections to grow into fruitful partnerships that deliver projects… and discover new ways to do their part in addressing the housing crisis in Calgary.”
We’re grateful to our incredible team and the values-aligned organizations who make our participation with d.talks possible.
We’re already looking forward to the next d.talks event.
