The challenge to strengthen the next generation of professionals has been in the limited opportunity for student and intern voices to be present in academic and non-academic settings. It results in stagnant engagement and provides a greater level of difficulty for them to be involved in major decision-making processes created by higher education institutions, and policy decision makers. Previous CAFÉ forums have enabled student discussions on major national issues across Canada through the twelve accredited schools of architecture. However, discussions to this point have created reactionary responses in previous grant applications. 

 

Building on the successful outcomes of the Canadian Architecture Forums on Education (CAFÉ), the project, ‘CAFÉ Housing’, facilitated a major knowledge mobilization event that extended the CAFÉ series beyond the current infrastructure. CASA-ACÉA introduced a CAFÉ Task Force to continue to broaden the discussions beyond the accredited schools of architecture, encourage future participation on national issues, and elevate student and intern voices to advocate for a sustainable framework in the CAFÉ series. In partnership with Becoming Architects Canada (BAC-DAC), an organization dedicated to providing resources for those on the path to licensure, CASA-ACÉA transitioned the CAFÉ series beyond the initial research mobilization efforts to empower and strengthen the voice of students and interns. This transition enhanced the structure of CAFÉ. ‘CAFÉ Housing’  featured and shared the experiences of delegates to shape national policy and programs in the country.

 

Canada faces an unprecedented crisis to house the future population of Canada. Approximately 5.8 million housing units will be needed to restore overall housing affordability by 2030 (IRPP, 2023). However, declines in housing construction, and market tenure create demanding capital costs (CBC News, 2023). Events such as the International Architectural Roundtable on the Housing Crisis (The Buildings Show, 2023), 2024 OAA Conference (Ontario Association of Architects, 2024), Architects Against Housing Alienation (AAHA) events (AAHA, 2023), and Student Housing & University Real Estate Initiative Greater Toronto Area & Eastern Canada (SHURE, 2023) present current methods and alternatives to housing the country. These events utilize nationwide networks and prompt efforts to diversify architectural teaching methods while addressing obstacles to achieving equal and accessible housing rights. However, these initiatives limit the engagement students and interns have within their respective communities. CAFÉ Housing raised these initiatives to actionable positions and proposals that include student and intern experiences.

 

CAFÉ Housing presented an opportunity to mobilize knowledge for student leaders, interns, academics, architects and professionals in the AEC industry. This forum, CAFÉ Housing, dissected housing policy, prompted efforts to diversify architectural teaching methods, and addressed obstacles to achieve equal and accessible housing rights in Canada. ​
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​​CASA-ACEA and BAC-DAC released the 2024 CAFÉ Housing Survey. Your responses were the foundation for the roundtable discussion on February 1st, 2025, a key part of our event programming. The survey asked members of the AEC industry to prioritize their foremost concerns in housing, encompassing aspects such as affordability, accessibility, housing policies, human rights, and more. Your participation was vital, and the survey results were be shared with the greater public before the event to support delegate  participation.

 

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