Architecture student says donors are part of the solution to the housing crisis

It was a family friend, a Dalhousie Architecture and Planning alum, who suggested Talbot check out the school and its programming. “I was immediately impressed by the program’s hands-on components, like the free lab and co-op program,” Talbot says. “I decided to apply that same year.”

Through the Master of Architecture program, Talbot has discovered a passion she never knew she had. “I am most interested in the relationship between urban housing and public space in our cities,” she explains. This, according to Talbot, is one way to approach a severe lack of affordable housing. “At a time when our cities are in dire need of housing stock, I think it is important to consider not only the internal organization and design of housing, but its relationship to the public realm and the rest of the city.”

Looking at problems from all angles

A key lesson Talbot has learned since starting her graduate studies has been the importance of considering all angles of a problem. The many social, political and economic factors at play in a housing crisis means the approach to finding fixes must be similarly multi-faceted.

And the field of architecture is a particularly good example of a melting pot of needs and solutions, says Talbot. “The role of architecture in the housing crisis, as an applied design discipline, is about responding creatively to such a complex challenge,” she says. “This is strengthened by diverse thinking and students with diverse backgrounds.”

Talbot says the Dal Fund contributes to this approach, as it helps students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to study architecture bring their varying assets to the industry. “Supporting students financially from various backgrounds brings unique perspectives to the table, as each person sees the problem from a different angle,” she says. “It’s crucial to increase the diversity of voices and perspectives on urgent issues, because it helps produce creative responses.”

The role of financial contributors

Looking back at her trajectory, Talbot is sure she would not have been able to start her graduate degree without financial support. “I would’ve had to postpone my studies,” she says. It may not sound like dire straits, but Talbot insists financial support for underrepresented students is part of a robust response to the current crisis.

“There is a lot of work to be done towards having equal opportunity to education in the School of Architecture,” she says, “but I think it is crucial to strive for because equal opportunity allows for a diversity of voices to be heard.” She hopes to use her education and her voice to become a licensed architect and continue contributing to a solution.

Talbot says those who donated to the Faculty of Architecture and Planning helped her discover and pursue her passion, and that has a meaningful and lasting impact. “I would like to reinforce how life changing financial support can be for students,” she says. “It allows us to pursue what we’re passionate about and contribute to a brighter future.”