Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Architects and Housing

[Harry Pasternak (Harry_Pasternak]

Russell
I am not sure which historical time period you are referring to.

We have been discussing and comparing houses built before the Second World
War with those houses built after the Second World War--- as well as how
cohousing might be built today (and avoid the negative features of post war
housing).

I guess I'm at a disadvantage here, in that I grew up in a family run
construction business during the forties, fifties and sixties. I began
working as a carpenter at age 12 on many of the original subdivisions that
were built in Ontario---actually in and around Toronto. My father was hired
by the developer to build houses according to the plans provided. The
developer had both engineers and architects on staff. My father would have
debates with both the structural and mechanical engineers and the architects.
(If I get time some day, I will describe his method for radiant heating and
the storey that goes with it---he refused to built what the plans called for
and secretly did it his way)

So there is no doubt that the post war Suburban housing in Canada were
designed by architects (why do you insisist on protecting bad design by
architects---instead, why not praise the best?) By the way, whether or not,
the suburban houses built in the USA (in the late forties, fifties and early
sixties) had architects or not---they look exactly like the suburban houses
designed by architects in Canada.

Here are some statistics on single family housing provided by Canadian Feds
Housing Agency, Canada Housing and Mortgage Corp. as well as the chief
building inspector for Ontario.

The chief said that 80% of all detached single family homes now being built
in Ontario are designed and built by the owners. (Russell, I already know
that your university teacher told you only 10% were owner-built---talk to the
president of Beaver Lumber and ask what percentage of the building materials
are sold to the general populace versus the general contractor). This doen't
include semi-detached, townhouses, condos, hi-rise.

C.M.H.C's info substantiates the above. CMHC says that 90% of all single
family houses built in Canada are built by builders who build five or fewer
houses per year. Unfortunately, because of a lack of "tradeskills", these
builders on the average last only 1 1/2 years in business. 

However, architects are still involved in the design of suburban townhouses,
suburban semi's, and hi-rise condos---generally, they lack the elements
necessary for "social networking"---things really haven't changed. Yes, there
are a handfull of exceptions.

Harry

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