Enhancing The Lives of Varsity Athletes Through Innovative Student Housing Design

This study investigates the need for a student residence for varsity student-athletes in Toronto, Canada. The focus is to create innovative interior design strategies aimed specifically at the needs of varsity student-athletes and provide an environment that improves their overall health and well-being while enhancing opportunities for collaboration between their peers. Both theoretical and conceptual frameworks were constructed in order to emphasize and support the main purpose of this study. Throughout literature reviews, the researcher provides important information regarding the past, current, and future aspects of student residence design as well as discusses how design can be implemented to positively impact student-athletes. Within this study, open-ended interviews and survey questionnaires were administered for data collection purposes. Eight industry professionals participated in the interview process whereas 35 varsity-students living on, or who have lived on campus in Canada and the United States, responded to the researcher’s survey. Due to COVID-19 Provincial and Municipal restrictions, all interviews were conducted through video-chats, phone calls, and emails. The results from the data collection process reinforced and strengthened the researcher’s design direction for the proposed student residence dedicated to varsity student-athletes. Each interview participant and survey responder provided unique perspectives and ideas for potential design solutions. The study also investigates and analyzes the proposed building site located at 21 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, Canada. This analysis provided information regarding important history, existing site and neighbourhood details, and current environmental conditions in the area. The study is concluded with preliminary design concepts and space planning ideation from the researcher in order to provide the readers with a direction for the design of this thesis project.