This research project addresses the urgent need for inclusive student housing solutions at OCAD University in Toronto, Ontario, tackling complex challenges faced by its diverse student body. Initiated by first-hand experiences of housing instability exacerbated by post-pandemic economic strains and systemic disparities, our study adopts inclusive design methodologies, departing from conventional paradigms to embrace co-creation and co-design with students. Our research focuses on three primary issues: the inequities for international students, obstacles to integrating student voice in university decision-making processes, and housing insecurities compounded by affordability issues.

Rooted in our collective ethos of "Living in the -ish," we embrace ambiguity, uncertainty, and radical imagination as drivers for transformative design. Central to our research are the insights gained from our co-designers, OCAD U students. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to amplify student voices, identify housing barriers, and outline design considerations for future housing developments. The co-design workshop emphasized the importance of providing a platform for individuals to share their narratives, leveraging design as a vehicle for empowerment and advocacy.

Our project highlights a novel pathway for student integration in research and decision-making processes at the institutional level. By fostering sustainable partnerships with students and nurturing trust, universities can pave the way for more inclusive governance structures and student-centred initiatives. We advocate for the ongoing integration of student voice in university decision-making processes, emphasizing meaningful participation, resource sharing, and transparent communication.

By disseminating our research findings and leveraging co-design methodologies, we aim to inspire systemic change, empower student communities, and foster a more inclusive future in student housing.

• https://livinginthe-ish.org/