Robyn Mackenzie

Temporary Forever Housing: Improving social ties between creative professionals

Dwelling is a temporary experience. Throughout each dwelling’s lifecycle it will be used by vastly different households with different space requirements and needs. Therefore, housing cannot have a one size fits all approach – it should adapt and change to reflect each user. One issue arising from temporary residences is making a space feel like your own when customisation options are limited. This issue is pressing for those who enjoy creativity and expression like creative professionals.

The Temporary Forever Housing project is for current and emerging creative professionals under 45. The building contains six temporary units for rentals under 12 months and ten permanent units for rentals over 12 months. The common facilities for residents include a laundry, a rooftop terrace, a large kitchen, shared living spaces, and a studio. The mixed-use facilities include a print shop, a craft café, and a gallery to showcase artwork created by the residents.

My concept explores when housing is temporary, how does a space feel like home for those who enjoy creativity and expression? First, creating both layout and atmosphere customisation options within apartments to allow residents to adapt the apartment to their taste. Second, increasing opportunities for creative professionals to engage with each other through shared living spaces, a communal kitchen, and a multipurpose studio. Third, increasing the connection between creative professionals and the broader community through a resident run gallery.