September 14, 2024

BC’s Zoning Overhaul & Pre Approved Housing Designs - How Architects Are Reacting

53 minutes

In this episode, we dive into one of the most significant housing policy changes in British Columbia's history: the Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation and the province-wide densification of single-family home lots - but this time, with 3 different Architectural firms. This is likely the largest rezoning initiative we’ll witness in our lifetimes, and with such a massive shift comes a lot of uncertainty. What does this mean for housing affordability, development timelines, and the future of our cities?

To help unpack these complex topics, we are joined by leading voices from three prominent architectural firms in BC, all members of the FIELD COLLECTIVE, a collaborative group of small architecture practices. Together, they will share their insights on the SSMUH initiative, its implications for housing design, and how their industry is responding to these new policies.

Our guests today include Tony from TOAD Design, Jenny and David from 2 by 2, and Daichi from Bobo Arch. We’ll hear about their personal journeys in architecture, as well as how their firms are navigating this new legislative landscape.

One of the central issues of this conversation revolves around the province’s recent introduction of pre-approved housing designs. These designs are intended to streamline the development process, cutting down on costly and lengthy permitting times. But will this initiative actually drive down housing costs? Or could it result in more uniform, less site-specific designs that lack creativity and adaptability? Tony, Jenny, David, and Daichi will explore whether these pre-approved models offer real solutions or if they’re just another example of top-down policy lacking industry consultation.

Finally, we’ll get a preview of PLEX APPEAL, an open-air exhibition organized by the FIELD COLLECTIVE as part of the upcoming Design Vancouver Festival. This event will showcase innovative designs enabled by the new multiplex zoning rules, offering the public a firsthand look at what the future of housing in BC could look like.

Tune in to this episode for an insightful conversation on one of the most pressing topics in housing today. Learn how the SSMUH legislation and pre-approved designs could reshape the real estate landscape, and gain valuable insights from some of the brightest minds in BC’s architecture community. Plus, get all the details on PLEX APPEAL, and find out how you can attend this exciting event later this month!

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Plex Appeal Exhibition
September 28 - 29, 2024
Main & 21st Public Plaza
www.plexappeal.ca

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Tony Osborn, Architect AIBC, MRAIC, LEED APTony Osborn Architecture + Design Inc.#203 - 119 W Pender St, Vancouver BC V6B 1S5o 604 283 5877 x100m 604 363 [email protected]

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David Tyl
Architect AIBC
Co-Founder
Twobytwo Architecture Studio
mobile: 604.317.7715
[email protected]
www.twobytwo.ca

The C4X project: www.twobytwo.ca/c4x
Instagram: @twobytwostudio

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Daichi Yamashita
Architect AIBC | Passive House Designer
Bobo Architecture | www.boboarch.ca
604-440-1374
instagram.com/bobo_architecture/