The design studio uses the notion of “crisis” as an operational tool to critically evaluate aspects of our housing production and respond to current urgencies. Thus, this studio module explores in detail a current and relevant issue in housing design detected by the students. Set in a particular urban context, students are asked to analyse the circumstances and criticise current responses to housing demands. Students’ design framework for the projects will aim to respond, through distinctive design strategies, to particular social, economic, and political questions. Students are motivated to choose a specific urban context as ground for their research throughout the entire year and context for their design explorations for this module. The students will be given ownership of their research-by-design activities and can discuss their work with leading housing professionals and academics. The module aims to link rigorous academic practices and research methodologies to real world scenarios.