Design Portfolio: Thesis Response - Unravelling Toronto's Palimpsest [2023] - Jason Glionna

D ESI G N PO RT FO L I O : T H E S I S R E S PO N S E | U nr ave l l i ng To r o nto ’s Pa l i m pse st

storage & loading space

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Edge Conditions DN

jason glionna

TABLE OF CONTENTS part:

1. The Palimpsest 2. 'Edge' Conditions 3. Introducing Toronto 4. Neighbourhood Qualities 5. Clarence Square Design Proposal 6. A Reflexive Conclusion

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PA RT 1 | T h e Palimpses t

Public versus Private: Uncovering Urban Resilience within Toronto's Palimpsest - a critical introduction An edge can be arbitrary or well-defined. An edge marks the point where contrasting An edge can be arbitrary or well-defined. An edge marks the point where contrasting entities meet.

It can be discovered through physical means or even intangible means. When we define an edge, we inevitably add human judgment to the purity of the entity, leading to discrepancies in perception. A neighbourhood for example can be defined based on various ambiguous characteristics [building heights and layouts, historical components, materiality, nostalgia, etc.] blurring the line from one area to the next. The concept of the social edge distinguished among neighbourhoods has expectedly remained extremely prevalent; albeit the entity has taken on various forms and has found numerous disguises. Where then does it fit into the context of today’s society whereby there has been a massive shift to urban densification?

Vast cities such as Toronto have completely mutated to an unrecognizable degree. Through over-capitalization at a mega- and infra- structural level, the social components that make up Toronto’s diverse character have undoubtedly begun to disintegrate, submerge, and succumb [in]to the disguised contemporary version of division at a public and private level. Among the immense, vertical towers it is the ill-advised and neglected neighbourhoods that suffer despite attempts at urban resilience displayed through the battle of public versus private. We must ask: What does it take for a part of Toronto to be a neighbourhood?

To first address this question, I need to tangibly understand a ‘social edge’ in the context of Toronto. What first comes to mind is the elevator. A result of capitalist driven high-rises, the elevator acts as a vertical moving capsule, whereby social interactions feel constrained and forced. Movement and space can thus be deducted as primary facets of a social edge/barrier and must be mapped further in an experiential manner in the horizontal plane. The exercise of comparing and contrasting layers of information through mapping can be ultimately recognized

[1]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

as a vital next step in my quest to better understand the neighbourhoods of Toronto. This marks the beginning of my palimpsest.

My path to discovery begins in the heart of Toronto with my first area of focus: Rail Deck Park – an idealistic park proposal atop Toronto’s sunken east-west rail corridor, ultimately nixed for a fragmented high-rise proposal. The location presents the opportunity to connect the neighbourhoods to the south of the railway with the communities to the north side. However, the end result is further horizontal divide at the hands of vertical towers. From here, the area of focus broadens to further examine the areas on either side of the railway. Through mapping, areas of importance are uncovered and progressively defined. Data driven maps [census, building programming, archives] overlayed with psychological mapping [documented through interviews with local civilians] helped me discover typologies of open urban layouts and inbetween spaces among delineated neighbourhoods. The newer urban fabric to the south of the railway and historic fabric to the north unveil opportunities through design for urban resilience.

Designated public spaces [ex. parks] are found to be the appropriate locations for strategic, selfsustaining interventions to finally connect the local communities to their heritage, while still working with the current attributes and intricacies embedded in the nearby surroundings. These storied pieces of land can then connect back to Toronto’s rail corridor via paths, whereby the uncovered culture can be celebrated across what now becomes Toronto’s main artery.

Condominiums and townhouses alike, there are communities within these neighbourhoods awaiting discovery. Through the palimpsest approach of mapping, I have found a path to urban resilience. The social edge condition has always been present and forever will manifest.

We must resort to public spaces to exemplify the layers of local culture and break down our perception of social barriers. Thus, branching from the desolate, elongated rail corridor shall urban resilience lay its roots.

[2]

PA RT 1 | T he Palimps est

Unravelling Toronto’s Palimpsest: Seeking Urban Resilience

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

In an attempt to maintain its global presence, the city of Toronto has surrendered to over-capitalization, whereby “public” lots are consumed by the ever-increasing creation of solid and built mega- and infrastructures, limiting any possibility of urban resilience.

Delineated areas containing perceived “neighbourhoods” and mixed-use, high-density areas of extreme verticality must be juxtaposed through analysis and mapping of data [both historic and present] and collected psychological studies [interviews] to discover and define: What it takes for a part of Toronto to be a neighbourhood.

Through focusing on a specific area of Toronto centred around a sunken railway [an edge], I have followed the layering process to create a palimpsest to target overlapping areas, uncovering locations of possible intervention.

The thesis responds by suggesting layering as a holistic design process. From the site reading and analysis to the building itself, the project proposes a palimpsest strategy of redefining urban space. key terminology:

social edge condition | capitalism | mega-/infra- structure | urban resilience | neighbourhood | community | typologies | stitching together | in-between spaces | vertical/horizontal[ity] | movement | porous

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PA RT 2 | 'Edg e' Conditions

Edge /ɛdʒ/ [noun] the point just before something very different and noticeable happens; an advantage [verb] to move slowly with gradual movements - Cambridge University Press -

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Toronto, Ontario Rail corridor carving through the supersctructures of downtown Toronto forming an 'edge'

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PA RT 2 | 'Edg e' Conditions

The elevator, or isolation device, has further defined classes and has played a big role in deteriorating communities within neighbourhoods

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

When asked to provide an example of an edge condition, the first thought that came to mind was the elevator. Think about it. You wait impatiently in a confined space whereby you have no desire to talk to anyone around you. All you can do is stare at the floor or the dial on the wall displaying each floor number as you pass them. As a result, you internally create your own social barrier or edge. The journey to your apartment unit many floors up therefore tends to provoke a breakdown in human connections.

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PA RT 2 | 'Edg e' Conditions

Experiential Mapping: The Streets of Newcastle Seeking tangible social edges

Perspective Approach 1: Path with most resistance

Plan Approach 1: Path with most resistance

~more direct route; less personal conversations; less focus on surroundings (blurred together); numerous levels of movement~

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Perspective Approach 2: Path with least resistance

Plan Approach 2: Path with least resistance

~meandering route; moments of pause and quiet conversations; more focus on surroundings (blurred together); calm movement~

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PA RT 1 |

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1. Memorable Built F 2. Topography and Ve 3. Movement: red strin 4. Brown String: textu 5. White String: vertic [11]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Case Study Model: A Journey Through Newcastle After my observations and documentation through experiential mapping I wanted to take my findings into a compiled three dimensional model. Each layer depicts a different piece of information.

String was used to represent my movement throughout the site. The shafts of the built forms go further down if the element has been standing for a longer period.

Conclusions Drawn: the built forms reminded me of elevator shafts holding the structure up at the core; the busy street (red string) creates a theoretical wall; textures and vertical elements tend to bunch together in areas of slow pace and around memorable built forms.

Forms egetation ng fast; black string slow ured surfaces cal elements [12]

PA RT 21 | 'Edg e' Conditions

Sketch: Plan of area surrounding Newcastle Castle [13]

DE S I GN PO RT FO LI O | U n r avel lin g To r o n to ' s Pa limp sest

Sketches demonstrating the key characteristics of forms, planes, verticality and horizontality, textures, sounds, and movement. These characteristics were further explored later on and became key components in my design decisions.

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PA RT 3 | Intr oducing Toronto

Introducing Toronto

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Growing up in both the suburbs north of Toronto and downtown in the heart of the city was extremely eye-opening.

It enabled me to notice the extreme, catastrophic direction my beloved city is headed. Currently, with the most cranes in North America, Toronto is quickly becoming less people friendly, and even more capital driven. The rail corridor which slices through the centre of the city demonstrates the intent behind design proposals (a massive rail deck park) versus the reality (45% skyscrapers, remainder designed by a different developer).

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PA RT 3 | Intr oducing Toronto

Maintains Views: Leaves Rail Corridor unobstructed, allowing for continued views of the waterfront and iconic CN Tower.

Provides Vital Green Space: Much needed massive green space in the heart of a concrete jungle

Connects North & South Neighbourhoods: Acts as a bridge, introducing more opportunities for people to cross pathes.

Ample Programming: Introduces various recreational facilities, along with ample spaces to relax under the shade or in the sun

Attaches to West Toronto Railpath: Completes the final portion of the railpath, joining west neightbourhoods to the downtown core via the extended pedestrain path

Rail Deck Park - Original Design [2016]

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Increased Chance of Isolation: Based on the nature of their design, apartment buildings induce isolation

Rail Corridor Views Obstructed: Sight lines to Toronto's greatest icon are blocked

Uncomfortable Proximity: In order to maximize profits, the developments are placed side-byside, whereby residents can see into each other's homes

Disjointed Designs: Designs for the development and park would be allocated to different developers with different design intentions

Wall Formed: Extreme heights of proposed developments create daunting visual and physical barrier

Rail Deck District - Revised Design [2020]

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PA RT 1 |

Downtown Core Rail Line

King West

Liberty Village

Lake Ontario

Clarence Square Canoe Landing Victoria Memorial Square

Toronto, Canada [ 1 9 ] East Facing

Puente de Luz Bridge

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Growing up in both the suburbs north of Toronto and downtown in the heart of the city was extremely eye-opening.

It enabled me to notice the extreme, catastrophic direction my beloved city is headed. Currently, with the most cranes in North America, Toronto is quickly becoming less people friendly, and even more capital driven. The rail corridor which slices through the centre of the city demonstrates the intent behind design proposals (a massive rail deck park) versus the reality (45% skyscrapers, remainder designed by a different developer).

[20]

PA RT 3 | Intr oducing Toronto

Toronto's Six Amalgamated Burroughs: Focus on 'Downtown Toronto'

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1. Etobicoke 2. York 3. North York 4. Old Toronto 5. East York 6. Scarborough

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Broadened Site Plan: Transportation networks & green spaces

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PA RT 1 |

Overlayed maps from before year 1780 up to 2022 demonstrating the infill of the coast over time to accommodate the railway and subsequent ports, erasing parts of the past, while forming the basis for neighbourhoods to come.

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Toronto's Shoreline Deposition & Infill Over Time My first area of study focused on the promising "Rail Deck Park" proposition, ultimately nixed for the capitalist-driven "Rail Deck District" scheme. My second area of study looked at the broader surroundings to better understand the neighbourhoods to the north and south of the railway. My ultimate site focuses on a potential area of intervention [a public park], whereby the items produced on site can easily be brought to the railway artery.

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PA RT 3 | Intr odu cing Toronto

min: 3m

Figure-Ground - Building Heights: extreme density and heights along central Yonge Street and East-West railway.

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max: 287m

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

The Beginning of Toronto - Map of 1818: coast gently lined with farmland & a military fort.

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PA RT 3 | Intr odu cing Toronto

Wellington Place Among Industrialization: 1876 perspective of the carefully planned boulevard overtaken by the railway and ports.

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Clarence Square Sheltered by Townhouses: character filled depiction in 1886 of the park, designed & used as a focal point.

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PA RT 3 | Intr odu cing Toronto

SITE

Railway Scars Across the City: 1964 satellite image of the railway taking over Toronto’s coast.

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Focus Area - Building Typologies: red brick townhouses north of the railway; completely glazed towers to the south.

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PA RT 3 | Intr odu cing Toronto

King West - Construction Chaos: one of countless construction zones presently found on either side of the railway.

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Selected Site - Tranquil Qualities: rhistoric central fountain encompassed with rich greenery.

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PA RT 4 | N eig h bourhood Qu alities

Neighbourhood Qualities

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

After gathering the previously depicted vast range of data, I then begun to find a way to compile the information in search of overlapping components.

I broke the information down into maps showing building types & heights, function, materiality, and land ownership, which I deem as the neighbourhood's qualities. The maps led me to hone in on nearby public spaces, particularly in the form of parks, as means of potential areas of intervention.

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PA RT 41 | N eig h bourhood Qu alities

Neighbourhood Qualities: Building Typology [35]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Neighbourhood Qualities: Programming [3 6 ]

PA RT 41 | N eig h bourhood Qu alities

Neighbourhood Qualities: Materiality & Character [3 7 ]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Neighbourhood Qualities: Land Ownership & Public Buildings [38]

PA RT 4 | N eig h bourhood Qu alities

Promenade Proposed Public Space Excavated Pathway Area of Focus Potential Area of Intervention Potential Area of Intervention [Parking Lot]

Neighbourhood Qualities: Deduced Masterplan [39]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

The map depicted stands as a hypothetical masterplan, which has been compiled based on the layering of various forms of data in the form of maps.

The key concept is to enhance and maximize the use of public spaces by injecting a range of programming into the specific site. This brings in a range of local people to work, study, craft, and socialize. The sites would act as selfsufficient nodes, whereby the items produced on site would be brought underground to the rail line and displayed or sold to the general public.

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PA RT 5 | C lar ence Square Des ign Propos al

Selected Site:

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

CLARENCE SQUARE As a means of further demonstrating my proposed scheme, I decided to focus one of the public parks within the focus area.

Using the previously gathered data, I then began to draw conclusions and uncover and create a palimpsest.

Clarence Square represents a vital green space among the masses of paving. It began as farmland then turned into a key central park anchoring the sprawling city of Toronto at the time.

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PA RT 5 | C lar ence Square Des ign Propos al

Current Site Plan

Clarence Square Over the Years My first step involved overlaying previous maps where I realized the importance of the paths that have etched their mark on the park over time. These became my pieces of circulation across the site and helped inform the layout of my programming.

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1818 Site Overlay

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

1872 Site Overlay

1892 Site Overlay

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PA RT 5 | C lar ence Square Des ign Propos al

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Some of the key components that emerged from overlaying historical maps include the farmland that used to inhabit the site [later replaced with numerous trees creating a vast natural space], the central fountain maintained in its location since 1872, and three various planned paths that have altered over the years.

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PA RT 5 | Clar ence Square Des ign Propos al

ENERGY EFFICIENCY NODES

SOCIAL

RESTAURANT

GROCERY STORE

CAFE

MARKET

PARK [FRUIT TREES]

PARK [WILDLIFE]

COMMUNITY/CRAFT

COOKING CLASSES

LEARNING HOW TO HARVEST

ALLOTMENT GARDENS

LEARNING HOW TO PROCESS

LEARNING HOW TO PACKAGE

COMPOSTING

STUDY

UNDERGROUND GROWING RESEARCH

HARVESTING IN WINTER RESEARCH

HARVESTING RESEARCH

EFFICIENCY - FOOD PROCESS

EFFICIENCY ENERGY

WORK

GROWING [ALLOTMENT, UNDERGROUND]

HARVESTING

PROCESSING

SELLING PRODUCE

COOKING

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

WATER FEATURE

PIPING

WATER REUSE

FOOD WASTE REUSE

WASTE REUSE

VENTILATION

LOCAL FUNDING

GEOTHERMAL

WILDLIFE

PV PANELS

Programming Approach The purpose of the Clarence Square site is to be completely self-sufficient. I broke down the programming into categories to determine how they will feed into each other. For example, social spaces can sell products made in the community/crafting spaces.

[4 7 ] energy efficiency [wind, water, sun]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

Ground Floor

Floor -1

Social/Dining

Growing Facilities

Community/Learning/Craft

Natural Land

Produce Sales

Services

Overlayed Preliminary Programming Layout

Growing facilities to the south whereby there are no trees and the most access to sun; natural space maintained to the north; community/craft/learning spaces kept central to connect the rest of the programming; social spaces to the northeast where the main access to the site is located; market atop grocery store to east attached to growing facilities.

Floor -2 [48]

PA RT 5 | Clar ence Square Des ign Propos al

Programming Key Attributes

RESTAURANT

GROCERY STORE

CAFE

MARKET

PROCESSING

CRAFT

needs light [can be indirect]

doesn’t need light

spread out from restaurant

mix of indoor and out

doesn’t need light

learning processing, packaging

near grocery store

near market

near food processing space

near cooking classes

near harvesting and packaging

learning from labs [workshops]

possibly near cooking classes

near food processing space

possibly near cooking classes

waste goes to compost programme

near food processing space

patio space

patio space

needs light [can be indirect]

kitchen space shared with cafe

LABS

STORAGE

PARK

GARDENS

WATER

PACKAGING

underground growing

grocery

current trees

can be stepped

collection [rainwater harvesting]

near processing, compost, & storage

underground growing

fruit trees

greenhouses

feature - healthy indoor space

near transport access

produce after harvested

natural water

irrigation

vertically through whole space

harvesting

mix of sun and shade

needs sun

gardens, park

processing

seating

storage for harvesting tools

processing

some can have light, some no light

more secluded

restaurant, cafe, grocery, labs

waste reuse

various wildlife

geothermal heating

ergy rgyenergy efficiency efficiency energy energy [wind, efficiency [wind, efficiency water, water, [wind, [wind, sun] sun] water, water, sun] energy efficiency efficiency [wind, [wind, water, water, sun] sun]sun] winter harvesting

below greenhouse & alloments energy efficiency [wind, water, sun] some see into, some can’t very central [beside work & community learning spaces] LIGHT/WARM

DARK/COLD [49]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

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1. heritage townhouses 2. busy main street 3. central core [overlapping paths]

4. quiet street 5. heritage building 6. open lot

Key attributes were observed and taken into consideration to help determine the type of programming, its location, the circulation, and the connection to the surroundings. Circulation was primarily determined by the current and historic paths that used to inhabit the site. A central core was created acting as the meeting point of the paths and programming.

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Section A: Abstract Sectional Perspective

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1. collaged Clarence Square townhouses: year 1886 2. concrete ‘current park paths’ 3. brick ‘previous park paths’

10. elevator shaft connecting layers of history

4. preserved natural green space

13. historic people below, current people above

5. bakery & cooking class below; cafe above 6. perceived ‘solid’ restaurant, ‘permeable’ event space 7. converging point of ‘current’ & ‘previous’ paths

14. collaged reference to previous farmland on site

8. sunken green-filled courtyard 9. atrium space celebrating the central meeting point

17. collaged skyscrapers into the distance 18. reference to previous railroad run-off

11. outline of building containing laboratory spaces 12. market above, grocery store below

15. collaged reference to previous paths on site 16. pedestrian path above, produce transportation below

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Path to the Rail Line Floor Plan: Levels -1, -2 | 1:500

1. cooking workshop 2. restaurant kitchen 3. bakery [for cafe] 4. restaurant 5. restaurant patio 6. grocery store [below] 7. bakery storage 8. courtyard/patio 9. labs [plant growth study] 10. harvest & compost study space 11. botanical gardens 12. labs [processing study] 13. labs [packaging study] 14. grocery store BOH 15. processing & packaging space 16. processing & packaging workshop 17. storage space 18. storage & loading space 19. pedestrian path to railway 20. outdoor gathering space 21. outdoor market 22. storage & loading space [below]

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Programmatic Floor Plan: Level 0 | 1:500

1. small forest [apple & cherry blossom trees] 2. event patio 3. event space 4. restaurant 5. apple trees 6. cafe 7. patio [below]

8. apple trees 9. outdoor market 10. indoor market 11. labs [harvesting study] 12. botanical gardens 13. allotment gardens 14. plantation fields 15. harvesting loading space

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Section A

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Programmatic Floor Plan: Level -1 | 1:500

1. cooking workshop 2. restaurant kitchen 3. bakery [for cafe] 4. outdoor courtyard 5. restaurant 6. restaurant patio 7. grocery store [below] 8. bakery storage 9. courtyard/patio 10. labs [plant growth study] 11. grocery store [below]

12. labs [packaging study] 13. grocery store [BOH] below 14. harvesting & compost study space 15. botanical gardens 16. labs [processing study] 17. processing & packaging space 18. storage & loading space 19. processing & packaging workshop 20. storage space 21. pedestrian path to railway N

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Programmatic Floor Plan: Level -2 | 1:500

1. grocery store 2. outdoor courtyard 3. grocery store BOH 4. labs [underground growing study] 5. botanical gardens 6. labs [botanical gardens study]

7. underground vegetable garden 8.underground growing workshop 9. storage space 10. harvesting storage & loading space 11. vehicle path to railway

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Abstracted Roof Plan

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50m

storage & loading space

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storage space DN

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UP

The displayed plan is considered abstract due to depictions such as: horizontal cuts through spaces to expose components like mullions; certain walls as bolder to demonstrate the feeling of heaviness; and areas in a complete white fill as a representation of glazing to allow ample light to enter the space.

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PA RT 5 | C lar ence Sq u are Design Proposal

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Core Circulation: meeting point of historic and current paths [59]

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1. restaurant 2. core circulation 3. laboratories: plant growth 4. botanical gardens 5. laboratories: plant harvesting 6. allotment gardens

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

At ground level, the central core joins the restaurant [social] with the laboratories [study] and growing facilities [community & work].

The shape of the central core derives from the connecting point of the more rectilinear current paths on the site with the more ambiguous historic paths. Concrete is used for the current paths, while brick is used for the historic paths. Wood is used at points where the paths intersect.

Core Circulation: materiality [concrete, brick, and wood flooring] [6 0 ]

PA RT 5 | C lar ence Sq u are Design Proposal

The design of Clarence Square's palimpsest is kept as a low-rise, carving its way into the land. This contrasts the extreme heights of the surroundings. Historical paths sink down while current paths rise above. Glazing is used to show visual connections between spaces above and below. All vegetation on the site is maintained and carefully worked around. Sunken courtyards and the multileveled botanical gardens are used to increase ventilation and access to sunlight.

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

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1. local market 2. central core 3. restaurant 4. event space 5. market patio

Textural Perspective 1 | Northeast Access Point: market, central core, restaurant, & event space [6 2 ]

PA RT 5 | C lar ence Square Des ign Propos al

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1. cafe with patio 2. restaurant 3. central core 4. botanical gardens 5. laboratories [plant growth] 6. harvesting & compost study space

Textural Perspective 2 | Outdoor Courtyard: atop labs looking at bakery, café, restaurant, central core, & botanical gardens [6 3 ]

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

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1. botanical gardens 2. central core 3. laboratories: packaging studies 4. local market 5. allotment gardens 6. processing & packaging workshop

Textural Perspective 3 | Southwest Access Point: botanical gardens, allotments, & plantation fields [6 4 ]

PA RT 5 | C lar ence Sq u are Design Proposal

Textural Experiencial Details

1. Wood & brick flooring meets wood stairs and brick wall

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2. Wood interior flooring abuts concrete elevator shaft and brick exterior flooring

D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

3. Wood column meets wood flooring

4. Wood flooring meeting converging brick and concrete flooring

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PA RT 6 | A Ref lex ive C o n clusio n

Unravelling Toronto's Palimpsest: Achieving Urban Resilience - a reflexive conclusion What began as an edge/barrier has since become an opening/opportunity for urban resilience.

Through thorough analysis, Toronto’s current communities have been unravelled and can now maintain their intricate characteristics among immense, capitalist driven urban densification.

A clear, general perception of various pockets throughout the city is finally achieved. The ultimate question, “what does it take for a part of Toronto to be a neighbourhood?” can now dawn the following response:

Carefully considered interventions to public spaces, whereby the historical and current local context is unravelled and celebrated.

Although the final design may come across as incomplete, it can be said that no neighbourhood truly is “complete.” The beauty can thus be found in evolution; a discovery of which I have subconsciously been after all along. My palimpsest approach – whereby various layers were studied, overlayed, compared, and contrasted – has led me to a wholistic understanding of Toronto’s palimpsest. My proposal sinks into the past, works with the present, and ensures self-sustainability for the future.

Further detail can certainly be provided to better elaborate on my approach and design strategies.

The abstract portrayal of my design is unique and indicative of the growth and variations of neighbourhoods but could use more clarity. My final proposal also lacks design development of the connection between each area of intervention and the central artery, Toronto’s rail corridor. Aside from these areas of improvement, I feel I have taken a unique approach to address a complex topic. I am confident that neighbourhoods not only in Toronto but around the world can benefit from a palimpsest perspective. After all, as cities continue to densify at an exponential rate, we must ensure that current and past communities are not simply erased.

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D E S I G N PO RT FO L I O | U n r avel lin g To ro n to ' s Pa limp sest

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Thank You jason glionna