Vaibhavi Shinde

The Naaz

Located in Toronto’s east end, the Gerrard India Bazaar has been experiencing a decline in its South Asian identity for the past two decades. However, the Festival of South Asia, an annual two-day street celebration, continues to foster cross-cultural exchange by enabling informal encounters between the locals, businesses, and regional visitors. Characterized by this ethos of hospitality, the Naaz aspires to be an inviting, permanent space that acknowledges, embodies, and preserves the cultural history of the area. The fluid and flexible nature of the design is intended to produce spaces that encourage interaction and interpretive use.

Advisor: Elisa Silva