Added Value: Pursuing Architecture that Promotes Social Prosperity & Encourages Economic Interest

Abstract

Architects are arguably the most qualified to shape our cities and communities since they study and design our built environments. However, many of their ideas will never be proposed because clients, who are the real drivers of urban development, tend to accept only conventional building schemes in order to mitigate financial risk and prevent long and costly design timelines. This is often to the detriment of cities, people, architects and the profession, and is also counter-productive for property investors. Architects must ask whether they can take command in shaping our cities and add value to our urban experience by accepting that the almighty dollar is integral to the creative process. By identifying an undervalued site in Guelph, Ontario, and using case studies of good urban fabric, this thesis will propose how architects can unlock urban and financial potential in order to help our cities prosper and ultimately empower people.