In response to Calgary’s growing housing affordability crisis, our team at BOLD + XYC Design partnered with graduate students from the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape to explore the future of market-driven solutions. Housing affordability is a complex issue shaped by policies at all levels of government, economic pressures, and architectural constraints. There’s no one answer—we need a range of housing solutions working in parallel, across different scales and contexts.

By weaving in our own built work, we looked at ways to introduce more affordable housing within existing neighborhoods, from adding laneway homes and secondary suites to converting suburban houses into multi-unit dwellings. We also explored larger-scale ideas, including multifamily and mixed-use developments in Cochrane and a reimagining of Calgary’s Castell Building as student housing.

Housing is more than just a place to live—it shapes the way people experience the city. While these projects remain hypothetical, they demonstrate how thoughtful design can help integrate affordability, sustainability, and livability. By working collaboratively with policymakers, developers, and communities, we can create housing that is more inclusive, adaptable, and reflective of the people who call Calgary home.