Ecological inhabitation: a life-centred design approach to multispecies dwelling

Abstract

Despite sustainability being a standard factor in design decision-making, architects are not thoughtfully considering the impact of housing developments on ecosystems. Existing sustainability standards often have a shallow approach to environmental responsibility, and Canadian architects work within a neoliberal economic system that prioritizes growth while minimizing the land available for habitats. Ecological Inhabitation proposes an alternative to typical site analysis and design processes, and asks, how can architects embrace multispecies inhabitation to design single-family homes that equally prioritize human and other-than-human species, following Life-Centred Design theory? A framework with five principles is established which informs the design of a single-family home in Valley East, Ontario. The proposed forested site and identified species are extensively mapped, which then informs options for the home’s location and massing. The option with the least impact on the ecosystem is then further refined in a detailed design phase that embraces inhabitation of all types.