Architecture in a contested territory: co-creating a community hub with the people of Jane and Finch, Toronto
Date
2021-04-14
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Abstract
The population of the City of Toronto vastly increased due to
a significant migration of people from all over the world to seek a
better life after World War II. Many settled into ethnic enclaves that
share similar cultures and characteristics. Since the 1970s, Toronto
has grown into a large city much like Paris and London, where
low-income families, which are mostly minorities, are pushed into
the urban periphery. One of these inner-city neighbourhoods, Jane
and Finch, is composed of two city neighbourhoods: Black Creek
(Up Top, to the North) and Glenfield-Jane Heights (Down Bottom,
to the South). Jane and Finch is a major intersection known for its
high rates of gang violence such as shootings, drugs, robberies, and
other gang-related activities. The negative reputation of Jane and
Finch is further spread by the media, promulgating racial stereotypes
about the neighbourhood. The rapid growth of the community in the
1960s to 1970s resulted in overcrowding in schools and insufficient
recreational facilities, which caused additional stress for the residents.
The gang rivalry over territory in Jane and Finch created an invisible
barrier at the intersection: The Up Top and Down Bottom. Adding
to the gang violence, the lack of city funding and general neglect
transformed Jane and Finch into a community with the highest level
of inequality amongst the neighbourhoods within the Greater Toronto
Area.
Jane and Finch was not always like this, but it is difficult for
people to see past its bad reputation. As a member of the community,
I know of many positive aspects overlooked by outsiders. However,
the reputation is slowly changing. Nowadays, Jane and Finch receives
recognition for the art which the residents have created. I believe
that the image of the community can be altered as long as people
can learn about the positive stories of the residents.
This thesis looks at opportunities to co-create a community
center for the people of Jane and Finch, with the use of community
engagement as a process to work collectively with community
members. The outcome is a building with a breadth of spaces and
programs that is available to a diverse group of community users. The
Jane and Finch Community Hub contains a youth lounge, daycare, art
studio, music studio, dance studio, market space, communal kitchen,
cafe, community training spaces and a pool.
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Keywords
Community, community centre, Jane and Finch, public spaces, public art, living history, community engagement, contested territory