REHOUSING THE YELLOW BELT
ACADEMIC RESEARCH
PLACE:
Toronto, Ontario - Canada
PERIOD:
Summer & Fall 2022 (May 2022 - Nov 2022)
TYPE:
Small scale residential renovation
ROLE:
Research Assistant
TEAM:
Prof. Michael Piper (University of Toronto) & Ar. Janna Levitt (LGA)
2 Research Heads, 5 Research Assistants
PROJECT LINK: (Click link for more details) https://rehousing.ca/
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Toronto is currently implementing a plan to convert neighborhoods consisting of single-family homes into areas for multi-family housing. This plan includes the addition of garden suites, laneway housing or basement suites, throughout the city. The goal is to create multi-family housing units on each singlefamily-type lot, allowing for up to three to six homes per lot.
The project “Rehousing the Yellow Belt” is a joint effort between the University of Toronto, Tuf lab, and LGA Architectural Partners. It aims to explore various design and development strategies for adding new housing units to existing single-family lots, with a focus on small-scale transformations of low-rise residential properties.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
As part of the “Rehousing the Yellow Belt” research collaboration, my responsibility was to analyze different housing types and create a catalog of interventions that considered the financial aspects of the project, ranging from low, medium and high cost. This involved conducting research and analyzing various housing typologies, such as laneway housing, basement suites, and legal garden suites, as well as other multi-family housing types.
Based on this research, I worked with the team to develop a catalog of potential design interventions and this involved developing floor plans, 3D modeling, and zoning illustrations to better understand the feasibility.
In addition to this, I was also involved in the exhibition titled “Reimagining the Landscapes of Suburbia,” which was on display at the Architecture and Design Gallery at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design.
POSTWAR TWO-STOREY:
The Postwar Two-Storey housing style was widely constructed between the 1950s and 1980s and is commonly found in subdivision neighborhoods located in Etobicoke, North York, and Scarborough. The ground floor comprises an entry foyer, a kitchen, a dining area, and a living room located in each corner. The second floor typically has four bedrooms.
Housing option: HIGH
The option is restricted to significant modifications, such as major additions or a combination of minor additions, along with the inclusion of Garden Suites, and renovations within the current building’s footprint.
FLOOR PLANS: HIGH
The addition is also designed to extend the existing roof geometry with no impact on the front elevation and “prevailing neighbourhood character”.
DEMONSTRATION: HIGH
Housing option: NEW
The design of this building takes inspiration from small apartment buildings that are commonly found outside of North America. It features a shared lobby and a central interior stairwell, and an elevator can be added as an option.
FLOOR PLANS: NEW MULTIPLEX
Recognizing the flexibility of a large site and ignoring the limit of four units for multiplexes to propose six units in the main building.
DEMONSTRATION: NEW MULTIPLEX
LITTLE JAMAICA MULTI- FLEX
ACADEMIC PROJECT (GUIDED THESIS)
PLACE: Toronto, Ontario - Canada
PERIOD:
Semester 04 (Winter 2023)
TYPE:
Retail & Small Businesses
ADVISORS:
Prof. Michael Piper, Ar. Otto Ojo
UNIVERSITY:
John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design University of Toronto
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Eglinton Avenue West is the most diverse corridor not only in terms of land uses (residential, commercial and industrial uses) and also in terms of diverse array ethic groups that are living on the street. To name a few, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Italians, Mexicans and so on. They have brought with them their own cultures, languages and customs and have established businesses, religious and cultural institutions.
Due to economic pressure or cultural practice, many businesses have adopted secondary activities resulting in a multiplicity of use. The project advocates for the multiplicity of uses of retail spaces as an opportunity to promote neighbourhood stability, preserve the cultural legacy, and prevent the displacement of small businesses and residents. Encouraging a mix of uses can lead to more equitable and resilient neighbourhoods that meet the diverse needs of their residents.
THE VISION:
The Little Jamaica Multi-FLEX project is about exploring retail, street and open spaces in the Little Jamaica neighborhood in Toronto. Multi-FLEX intervention looks into a set of Design Guidelines for the business owners to animate these remanent spaces around the retail.
Keeping the same concept of variations in street furniture and façade, this can cater to different types of spaces, such as community events, parties, gathering and so on. This can help to create a more vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, which can be very appealing to customers and passersby. Additionally, having a variety of activities in the area can help to keep people engaged and entertained, which can increase the amount of time they spend in the area and encourage them to come back again in the future.
REVITALIZING MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SPACE FOR SMALL BUSINESS.
“I have UPGRADED my store to CATER NEWER INCOMING DEMOGRAPHICS and to attract people from different neighbourhoods”
“I travel from Brampton, I DON’T HAVE A CAR PARKING SPOT
We need more of those than bike lane.”
“I gain customers by NETWORKING and purely word of mouth. BIA and BBPA is helping us to ADVERTISE our stores by hosting events”
PROPOSAL:
The areas marked in red represent flexible zones that can serve multiple purposes and can be adapted in various ways to meet the retail needs. On the other hand, the light pink areas denote the parking spaces available along the street. The flex zones are designed to be shared spaces between the community land trust and small business owners, which can be creatively utilized to meet their requirements.
Phase 01: Business Accelerators on Vacant Stores
Phase 02 (A): Existing Business Renovations
(B): New Additions
(C): Choice of Store Frontage
PHASE 03: NEW INFRASTRUCTURE
LEGEND:
Demonstrating roof plan for a segment of Eglinton.
STREET TYPOLOGIES:
A series of explorations which acts as a design guideline for the business owners to animate these remanent spaces around the retail. By proposing a multi-functional zone, now the business owners have an option to choose the outdoor activity to attract more people into the store and of course animate the streets.
STREET STRUCTURE:
These proposals takes into account by carfully retaining the existing drains. In case of bike lane addition, bio-retention curb extensions can filter and retain the water before overflowing into the drains.
RETAINING EXISTING DRAINS
BIO-RETENTION CURB EXTENSION
LANEWAY TYPOLOGIES:
A series of explorations which acts as a design guideline for the business owners to animate these remanent spaces around the retail. By proposing a multifunctional zone, now the business owners have an option to choose the outdoor activity to attract more people into the store and of course animate the streets.
“Expanding into the OUTDOOR SPACE has given us the opportunity to hold live music performances and other events.”
“The concept of an FLEX ZONE , allow our cafe to use a portion of the street for outdoor seating and events.”
“Now we can enjoy our drink while being outside. We feel a great SENSE OF BELONGING AND SECURITY .”
- Residents
“Embracing outdoor MULTIPLICITY created a welcoming atmosphere, attracted diverse customers.”
- More than a Haircut Owner
THE URBAN VILLAGE
ACADEMIC PROJECT
PLACE:
Whitehorse, Yukon - Canada
PERIOD:
Semester 03 (Fall 2022)
TYPE:
Mixed-use development
ADVISORS:
Ar. Angus Laurie, Prof. Lorne Cappe, Ar. Mariana Leguia Alegria, James Bird
UNIVERSITY:
John H Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design University of Toronto
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
In this studio, we will be exploring new ways of planning and designing cities that respect Indigenous ways of thinking. The goal is establish a relationship between the people and the natural environment. Instead of viewing people as separate from nature, we want to emphasize our role as caretakers of the land and water.
In this project, we will be exploring principles of decolonization and reconciliation. One key challenge is how to reintegrate natural elements into cities, and how to make urban growth regenerative for the land and its biodiversity. Through the masterplan proposal we can investigate on how we can incorporate KDFN’s principles and knowledge into urban design.
THE VISION:
Healing lands is a concept that involves using urban design and planning techniques to create spaces in cities and towns that promote physical and mental well-being. This can involve incorporating natural elements and encouraging physical activity and social and cultural interaction. The goal is to improve the lives of residents, foster a sense of community and more connected to the ecology. Thus URBAN VILLAGE.
A local community capable of producing its own food and its own energy? A project that could define the knowledge that underlies the true purpose of its land, its beings and its ecosystem.
This project aims to move away from traditional economic development models and adopt a more circular approach to development and inhabitation.
DESIGN EXPLORATION:
LAND AS A GATHERING SPACE
(PROJECT PROGRAM)
LAND AS A RICH ENVIRONMENT
(FORM FOLLOWING ENERGY)
LAND AS A PHYSICAL
(MASSING
KDFN OFFICE
RETAIL SPACES (Activating the ground floor)
RESTAURANTS & MARKET (First nation cuisines)
HEALTH & LEISURE RETREATS
(Trauma Healing center)
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (Single family & Mixed income low rise development)
SOLAR ENERGY (From roof to Common Spaces)
GEO-THERMAL / ENERGY RECOVERY (Melting snow)
ENSURING (Sun and Wind
VISUAL CONNECTIONS (Creating boundaryless connections)
ELECTRICITY (From PV panels on wall to units)
COURTYARD (Spatially varied adding light
PHYSICAL SPACE
STRATEGY)
LAND AS A GREEN GLOBE
(NATURE AND URBANITY)
LAND AS A HABITAT FOR ALL
(PRESERVATION STRATEGIES)
COMFORT Wind Conditions)
GREEN HOUSE
(All year round green space)
WETLANDS
(Treating it as key elements within water management infrastructure)
CONNECTIONS boundaryless impactful connections)
CLIMATE ADAPTATION (Summer rains to Winter Snow)
FOREST
(Retaining the trails and creating interaction for all organisms)
COURTYARD OASIS experiences by structures)
COMBINATION OF SPACES (Creating different zones and micro climate that encourages various social activities)
RIVER EDGE (Creating hybrid thresholds between river and wetlands for water circulation)
LEGEND:
1. KDFN Office & Retail Space
2. Retail Ground floor
3. Residential units
4. Wetland Park & Trail
5. Trail leading to the cliff lookout
6. Shared Greenhouse
7. Healing Center
8. Cabin
9. River Park & Trail
10. Parking with Solar Panels
11. Shared Storage Space
SHOWING VARIOUS STAGES OF OPEN SPACES:
PRIVATE Greenhouse
SEMI-PRIVATE Kitchen-Garden Space
ENSURING COMFORT:
In winter, shadows are long and reduce the opportunity for sunny public spaces. Building massing and shape affect downdraft and shadows, while landscaping can mitigate wind channeling and thus creating micro climate to ensure comfortable experience for people at the street level year-round.
Summer - Shaded pathway
Winter - Sunny courtyards
RIVER TRAIL:
Strategy while designing the River Trails includes:
• Connecting the wetlands and the river by Natural Sediments
• Wider river corridor by creating natural flood plains
• Applying ecological water resilience system
• Encouraging Higher Biodiversity
• Providing green space and walkways for people
In case floods & heavy rains the excess water will overflow into the wetlands. A NATURE’S SPONGE which a natural water management system.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
PROFESSIONAL PROJECT
PLACE:
Kurnool, Andra Pradesh - India
PERIOD:
January 2016 to April 2021
TYPE:
Institutional development
ROLE:
Architect - Urban Frame
TEAM:
Anup Naik (Director - Urban Frame)
Prasad Rotti (Senior Architect)
Anusha Prakash (Architect)
Omkar Math (Architect)
5 Intern Architects
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The institutional project aims to expand its existing campus to include facilities like large laboratories, lecture halls, classrooms, and an administration block while preserving the natural terrain. The project’s primary focus is on the phasing strategy, which takes into account the complex site contours and the immediate need for additional space. The plan entails progressive incremental blocks, with a gradual increase in student capacity up to 5000. The entire project has been divided into four phases based on budget and timeline considerations.
Apart from the extension of facilities, the project aims to meet student’s needs by incorporating features such as outdoor recreational spaces, terraces, and seating areas at the plaza level and within the buildings. Interactive spaces will also be integrated throughout the campus. The design approach prioritizes minimal excavation to preserve the site, and passive climate control techniques will be employed to reduce the environmental impact of the project.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Administration and Seminar Hall Block, was designed as a key architectural element of the project, seamlessly integrated with “The Portal” - the main entrance that connects to the central circulation spine of the plaza.
I hosted client meetings, engagement with the students, conducting research, site visits, inspection, producing 3D models and working drawings while collaborating closely with structural, MEP, and landscape consultants to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive design.
The first phase of the project will be completed in August 2023.
LEGEND: Existing Campus Administration Auditorium Academic Sports Facilities Student Residence Faculty Residence Staff Residence Services
Zoning and Ecology
Site Area: 151.51 Acres
Total Built Area: 227.27 Acres
FSI: 1.5
LEGEND:
Phase 01
+750 Students
Phase 02
+750 Students
Phase 03
+1500 Students
Phase 04
+2000 Students
Phasing Strategy for progressive incremental blocks
5000 Student Capacity
MASTERPLAN (PHASE 01):
The landscape design at the heart of the development responds to the natural terrain of the site, with an emphasis on establishing primary access roads that connect the entire campus as a cohesive community.
MASSING:
The entrance portal and administration building serve as a significant representation of the institution. The images below demonstrate the gradual evolution of the blocks as they were developed.
LEGEND: 1. The Portal 2. Administration Block 3. Seminar Hall, Library, Cafe 4. Academic Block 5. Workshop 6. Central Green Plaza