Spring 2018 Design Studio

University of Waterloo School of Architecture

Supervisor: Adrian Blackwell

The Masterplan

Large-scale urban design considering how architecture can modulate the existing eMergies of the site focusing on the social and the biophysical. A proposal for the development situated in North York, Toronto focusing on providing empathy for the existing site, allowing for the preservation of the culture of its residents as well as its buildings. Toronto’s subway lines fragment the city and poorly connect it with the surrounding urban fabrics. They serve to segregate the city keeping poverty out of view. These systems serve to repress these districts from the consciousness of affluent urban residents, forming the vast region of Toronto’s urban unconscious.

Site Strategy

In contrast to contemporary development that uses aggressive tactics of high-rise superstructures, the area is densified through mid-rise development connected by a mat building.

A Node

Currently lacking greatly in medical care facilities, youth support programs and employment facilities, this development creates better access to the site from the neighboring communities from the new block structure. Permanent programs on the ground level through a mat building is exemplified through a mat building comprised of smaller nodes. The nodes of the mat building create unique internal dynamics when encountering anchoring buildings and streets. The nodes also accommodate local differences within the building and contribute to many “actors”, encouraging relationships amongst these smaller elements.

exterior render