Re-defining Toronto's collective housing: an architectural model for floating communities in the Don River Watershed
Date
2021-04-16
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Abstract
Re-defining Toronto’s Collective Housing: An Architectural Model for Floating Communities in the Don River Watershed is meant to be a critique of the existing typology of floating communities in Toronto, and a proposal for a new model focused around building a sustainable and intentional culture around the water.
Existing water-based communities in Toronto pose many issues in terms of sustainability, land use, community, stewardship and public access to the waterfront.
This thesis will address these issues and serve as a kick starter to the development
of similar communities in the future.
Toronto is a large waterfront urban centre, however, even given its history
surrounding the water, the current city is not very oriented around it. The idea of an
affordable community focused around the water has the opportunity to elevate this
connection between the city, its inhabitants and its watersheds. This thesis will analyze and take into consideration the current typology of floating communities in the
city and draw on the inspiration of global precedents to develop a program model
that values the importance of community, sustainability, financial accessibility and
local culture. This thesis aims to aid not only in the development of community, but
also in the remediation and conservation of Toronto watersheds, providing a place
for conservationists and eco-minded patrons to live closely with the ecosystems
they strive to protect. The final design will use a sensitive design approach to build a
program and building system that reflects the goals and ideals of this study.
Question:
How can a new floating community typology address the lack of balance and
attention to our watersheds through an affordable and sustainable community focused model?
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Keywords
Resilience, stewardship, conservation, restoration, community, craft