Fractal: Refaçading the Suburb for the Modern Family through Modularity

Abstract

Canadian cities and suburbs are littered with single-family residential housing that fails to meet the needs of modern families. The current housing model does not adequately support intergenerational living, user flexibility and community due to its inherent individualistic nature. A more adaptive strategy is needed to reconcile the existing model with contemporary family dynamics.

This thesis employs a modular framework with a fractal logic to permit adaptable and strategic dwelling environments. This method enables the blending and simultaneous separation of several different unit typologies. Through strategic repetition, the organization blurs the private and public spaces by creating central nodes of shared space which are uniquely appropriate to the population they serve. The system is scalable, due to the modular framework, which allows it to address increasing population densities and modern socioeconomic demands. Ultimately, this proposal will facilitate the refacading of suburbs into urban centers designed for the modern family.