Housing 30: Module 11: Housing of the Future (Optional)

Module 11: Housing of the Future (Optional)

Suggested Time: 3-5 hours

Foundational Objectives

To develop an understanding of how housing knowledge is created, evaluated, refined and changed with changing social conditions and new technology.
To promote both intuitive, imaginative thought and the ability to evaluate ideas, processes, and experiences related to housing.
To create an awareness of the careers and opportunities in the field of housing that exist in Saskatchewan and other provinces.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To speculate about and discuss the impacts of technology, global warming, societal changes, and changing family demographics on future housing design. (CCT, NUM, PSVS, TL)
To discuss influences that will impact on housing design in the future. (CCT, TL)

Note: Other CELs may be emphasized.

Learning Objectives

Notes

To consider the effect of social conditions on housing in the future. (CCT, PSVS)

Housing will change with social conditions. List changing social conditions that will affect housing:

mobility--a commuting society of people with multiple vehicles in one family
population changes--increase in number
urban sprawl--migration from rural to urban
changes in the family structure--movement from nuclear family to extended family
changing life styles--smaller family size therefore more entertainment in the home in order to socialize with more people
aging baby boomer population--more aged people being cared for in the home
changes in health care--more people recovering and being cared for in the home
longevity--people living longer and increasing population
concern for the environment with land use, energy, pollution
ghetto by demographics or full cycle neighbourhoods
cost of living--increasing and limiting resources
unemp1oyment--changes in the labour market have resulted in more contract and part-time work. This is producing a less stable income for the family.

How will housing change to address the changing social conditions? In discussion groups, students may brainstorm examples of housing changes in response to each social condition listed above. What are some of the most recent changes that they have seen to address some of these conditions?

Housing must address the ever-changing lifestyles and above all the needs of its inhabitants. Housing needs to be well planned to adapt to the changing social needs if it is to remain functional.

Optional: Investigate new ideas for the future:

planned communities, a theory of architect James W. Rouse or Paolo Soleri

the Millennium City concept of Hermann J. Fraunhoffer

Biosphere 2, a city under glass, a concept testing life support systems of future space colonies

the use of earth-sheltered housing (building whole communities underground)

the use of sea-going living quarters (the use of houseboats or condominiums on water).

To examine the use of technology and how it may impact on housing in the future. (TL, NUM)

Housing will change with the development of new designs, materials, and building techniques. Invite a contractor to the class to discuss new advancements in building materials, tools, construction techniques, and design of buildings. The speaker should speak about her/his career in construction. What employability skills are important? Refer to Learning Objective 12.8 for career topics to be discussed.

Examine the use of technology as it exists in homes today. Try to predict how the use of technology affects the home:

to design buildings

to control energy and water consumption

to construct buildings

to ensure safety

to utilize space.

Refer to resources in Learning Objective 1.8. Students may research new resources used to build homes today and how they have changed housing.

Investigate ways of recycling water by using charcoal filters and ways to remove bacteria and chemicals.

To predict housing of the future given a specific case study.

The student will design a futuristic home for a family thirty years from now.