ULI NATIONAL COMPETITION | TORONTO, CANADA TEAM MEMBER- AVALON LEAVENS, MILES FOSTER, ALEX POPOVIC, AND NICHOLAS KNOEBEL
Design & Development Narrative Mesh; noun,an interlaced structure. A mixture of cultures, people, and communities, Mesh represents the vibrant life of Toronto. Our goals are to bridge the gaps between the varying neighborhoods and create a contextual gradient between the future East Harbor Towers and the local neighborhoods. We look to revitalize the Don River area through 5 key points: River Revitalization, Community Engagement, Affordable Housing Integration, Sustainable Principles, and Anticipation for the Future development of Toronto. The first goal is to revitalize the river and its embankment, as well as engaging the user and the surrounding context. By naturalizing the river from an under utilized and polluted canal to a more natural environment, it will improve storm water management and the quality of the water. Submerging the freeway and the rail line across the river allows pedestrians to have a stronger connection to the river, as well as improving traffic flow and mitigating flooding.