The suburban neighborhood redefined: establishing diverse and socially connected 21st century housing

Abstract

This thesis examines how 21st century suburban housing can influence the creation of diverse social community. Extensive research, community engagement, multi-disciplinary interviews, and in-field site analysis of 21st century Milton neighborhoods has revealed the need for integration of social and cultural expression of identity within new housing development models and has highlighted possible solutions. The suburbs are historically known for low density housing, and occupancy by middle-class nuclear families.1 Today it can be said that the ‘image’ or perception of the ‘typical suburban resident’ hardly exists. 2 Residential suburban towns and cities have continually evolved to respond to the shift in suburban demographics. They now attempt to include smaller and higher density housing for lower- income households and diverse occupant populations. In order to accommodate the current housing demands new suburban residential development models have been created. Local officials, urban planners, architects, and developers have each contributed to the redesign of suburban neighborhood housing to meet the diverse demographical needs. Within this redesign a primary element of historic suburban neighborhoods has been overlooked. This is the consideration for social community integration and culturally diverse inclusivity. Through a multidisciplinary exploration the search for reality and responsibility of today’s suburban residential social structure and demographic trends will be discovered. The suburban site analyzed for this study is Milton Ontario Canada, my hometown, the place that has shaped my view of suburban life. Across the several disciplines and jurisdictions that contribute to this town’s development of suburban neighborhoods, the analysis of community identity is observed. Through community engagement survey research, the sense of community within Milton’s residential neighborhoods is explored. This exploration of social and demographic foundations are analyzed to understand what type of community is being produced specifically within Milton’s new suburban neighborhoods. Historically, change in residential housing typology was based on a combination of social, cultural, functional, and economic factors. 3 These principles, re-imagined and integrated, will discover a new suburban social community structure. This thesis will look at the possibility of a new suburbia, one that acknowledges diverse cultural appeal and focuses on the needs of our current social, economic, and demographic conditions. The research composition consists of both geographical, and statistical analysis. Ultimately this study has been informed by the local’s knowledge and perspective to build upon the community’s set needs. The goal is to conceive a means of accommodating shifting housing needs and create architectural, ethical, and urban integrity within suburbia.