Housing & LE
"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams" - Dr. William A. Ward
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In Canada today, people spend much of their time deciding on a housing option, paying for it, and turning it into a home through care and personal touches.
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In Housing and Living Environments, you will examine how housing has evolved over time and in various cultures, and the housing options available today. You'll also learn how concerns for the environment influence our housing choices, and how the different levels of government are responsible for housing needs and issues. You will also explore aspects of establishing a home, such as household budgets and interior design.
Unit 1: Housing & Society
What is House?
Housing has evolved to meet the needs of people and families over time. In this unit, you will look at some of these changes, as well as examine how housing reflects geographical and cultural adaptations. You will also consider how housing is changing to meet current demands for environmentally friendly products and energy conservation, and discover how municipal, provincial, and federal governments play different roles in regulating housing.
Unit 2: Independent Living
How House?!
"No one ever finds life worth living - one has to make it worth living."
- Winston Churchill
What does it mean to live independently? Along with the freedom of living on your own come responsibilities and expenses. Where will you live? How much will you pay? What can you afford? In this section, you will look at the responsibilities of establishing independent living.
You will explore housing options in this section, including purchasing and renting. You will also look at the costs associated with establishing your first home and ongoing considerations related to housing, such as maintenance and safety.
Unit 3: Design For Living
Nice House!
We've looked at how housing has evolved and changed over time, as well as the costs of moving out and establishing your own home. Now, you will be looking at the interior of the home.
Have you ever painted or decorated your bedroom? Do you rearrange the furniture occasionally? We will begin by looking at the elements and principles of design and how they can help you become more effective in decorating your home. Then we will review floor plans - how to understand and evaluate them for design and functionality. You will also learn about design and how it can be used to create an effective decor, including choosing materials and colours for walls and floors, and selecting and arranging furniture.