HOUSING ADAPTATIONS: A STUDY OF ASIAN INDIAN IMMIGRANT HOMES IN TORONTO

摘要

This paper investigates how and even whether home dwellers modify their domestic space to suit their ethno-cultural needs. The findings are based on an empirical study of the exterior and interior of Asian Indian immigrant homes in Toronto. The study finds that the majority of respondents in the sample made structural changes; however, the changes were mostly in the interior of their homes. Physical manifestations of Asian Indian ethnic expressions on the outside of homes were minimal. Asian Indian immigrants invariably retrofit or rearrange existing domestic space to accommodate large social gatherings or to house their extended family. Although widely preferred, the open concept house plan did not appear to be conducive to Asian Indians' domestic habits. The need for a prayer room in their homes, additional storage space, and adequate ventilation in the kitchen was paramount. The study recommends flexible house design to allow for easier adaptations to daily domestic needs.