BioSpaces : The Reconnection to Nature in Urban Ecology

Bio Spaces Reconnection of Nature in Urban Ecology

Mary Allen | Bachelors of Architecture Thesis | SUNY Alfred State | 2019

Bio Spaces Reconnection of Nature in Urban Ecology

Text and Graphics Š 2019 Mary Allen. All rights reserved.

Book Design Š 2019 Mary Allen . All rights reserved.

Bio Spaces: The Reconnection to Nature in Urban Ecology This is a first and limited edition print run.

Bio Spaces Reconnection of Nature in Urban Ecology

Acknowledgments A Special Thanks to: My amazing team of advisors: Betty Torrell (SUNY Alfred State) , Emanuel Carter (SUNY ESF) Elizabeth Calabrese (Calabrese Architects)

The entire faculty of Architecture and Design Department at SUNY Alfred State All my fellow B.Arch. Thesis students, and Ryan DeBree, for your endless support.

Table of contents

Introduction Advisor Involvement Abstract

Research

Bio Spaces Reconnection of Nature in Urban Ecology

Problem Statement Societal Need Methodology Literature Review Application of Biophilic Design Third Places

Analysis Concept Precedents Program Precedents Building Type Precedents Site Context Site Analysis

Proposed Solution Program Concept Development Final Design

Post Evaluation References

Introduction

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Introduction

ABSTRACT As cities become the main inhabited human ecosystem, what role does the built environment have on overall wellbeing?

This thesis explores the negative impacts that spending time in urban environments has on wellbeing and proposes a new typology of public built amenity that utilizes the concepts of biophilia and third places.

The study of biophilia suggests that humans as a species have an innate connection to nature.

The trend of urban living is relatively small on the evolutionary timeline, and research has shown that this has created negative effects on physical and mental health. Additional research supports that spending time in biophilic environments can drastically improve wellbeing, specifically addressing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and overall improving healing time, and promotes healthy lifestyles.

This thesis proposes a publically accessible biophilic facility that promotes wellbeing as a necessary preventative health measure in urban areas. This project is aimed at starting a conversation to engage both designers and the public, and address why spaces like this a necessary inclusions in urban environments.

Introduction

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B.Arch. Thesis Proposal Approval Signature Form

" B.Arch. Program students must obtain approval of their thesis project before beginning the project.

This form should be completed by the end of the third week of the semester in which the student is enrolled in ARCH 8716 Design Studio 7. Do not modify this form, except to complete the blanks as directed. An additional form will be required to certify completion of the thesis project at the end of the spring semester and at the completion of ARCH 8776 Design Studio 8.

Student Name

Mary Allen __________________________________________________________

Proposed Thesis Title

BioSpaces : The Reconnection to Nature in Urban Ecology __________________________________________________________

Dates

Academic Year 2018-19

I agree to advise the above student and I have reviewed the proposed project (and found it to be satisfactory). I agree to maintain regular contact with the student and to offer regular feedback over the course of the academic year and to attend all interim and Ăžnal critiques. I also agree that I will issue a mid-term and Ăžnal course grade for the student both for the fall and spring semesters.

Betty Torrell

Thesis Advisor Name

___________________________________ Date 9/14/2018 ________________

Thesis Advisor e-mail

torrelbr@alfredstate.edu __________________________________________________________

Thesis Advisor Signature

__________________________________________________________

I agree to advise the above student and I have reviewed the proposed project (and found it to be satisfactory). I agree to maintain regular contact with the student and to offer regular feedback and to endeavor to attend interim and Ăžnal critiques as my schedule permits.

Secondary Advisor Name

Emanuel J. Carter ____________________________________ Date 9/21/2018 ________________

Secondary Advisor e-mail

ejcarter@esf.edu __________________________________________________________

Secondary Advisor Signature

__________________________________________________________

Professional Advisor Name

Elizabeth Calabrese ____________________________________ Date 5/01/2019 ________________

Professional Advisor e-mail

liz@calabresearchitects.com __________________________________________________________

Professional Advisor Signature __________________________________________________________

X

X

Completed B.Arch. Thesis Signature Form

" Student Name

Mary Allen __________________________________________________________

Proposed Thesis Title

BioSpaces : The Reconnection to Nature in Urban Ecology __________________________________________________________

Dates

Academic Year 2018-19

The above student has adequately and satisfactorily met the requirements of the proposed thesis.

I approve this thesis: Thesis Advisor Name

Betty Torrell 5/01/2019 ___________________________________ Date ________________

Thesis Advisor e-mail

torrelbr@alfredstate.edu __________________________________________________________

Thesis Advisor Signature

__________________________________________________________

Secondary Advisor Name

____________________________________ Date ________________

Secondary Advisor e-mail

ejcarter@esf.edu __________________________________________________________

Secondary Advisor Signature

__________________________________________________________

Professional Advisor Name

Elizabeth Calabrese 5/01/2019 ____________________________________ Date ________________

Professional Advisor e-mail

liz@calabresearchitects.com __________________________________________________________

Emanuel J. Carter

5/01/2019

Professional Advisor Signature __________________________________________________________

X

X

Research

Problem Statement Trend of Urbanization

Worldwide, the UN projects that by the year 2050, sixty eight percent of the world population will be living in urban spaces (7). Census data projects that the population in the city of Toronto will increase by fifty percent in the next fifty years (3). The density of the city is also increasing drastically from 4,000 people per square kilometer, to more than 7,700 in the year 2066 (3). Thirteen percent of Toronto’s total land area is dedicated green space/park space (2). This is considerable less than comparable cities in North America that average at twenty four percent (4).

Toronto Green Space:

13% Average Green Space:

24%

North America 88%

Canada 87% Europe 83%

World 68% Asia 66%

0% 1500

1600

Trend of Urbanization

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1700

1800

1900

2000

2050

Societal Need Disconnect from Nature

The current disconnect of urban dwellers from nature, and the role this loss of connection plays will only become a larger problem. As cities become the main human inhabited ecosystem, what role does the built environment play? This project explores the human psychological connection to nature in an urban setting.

Growing research and interest in the field of biophilic design inspire this project to explore further. The Japanese concept of “shinrinyoku’ also known as forest bathing explores the many mental and physical health benefits of being surrounded by nature. The ancient therapy is currently a destination based practice that focuses on total immersion in natural environments (5). The disconnect between urban dwellers and nature, will only increase in impact. With loss of physical connection, comes the loss of knowledge, respect, and recognition for natural ecosystems outside the boundaries of the urban environment. If nature cannot be an everyday destination, the architecture within the urban setting must communicate on a subconscious level, acting as a public health amenity.

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Methodology Hypothesis

If practices of biophilic design can be incorporated into a publically accessible building, then positive psychological impacts can provide benefit to a wider population. This hypothesis will be tested through the conceptual design of a new typology of green amenity in an urban setting.

The project aims to test this hypothesis on several scales. On a broader scale, this project strives to reconnect humans to nature in urban settings, in an effort to gain the psychological benefits that correspond. On a smaller scale this project will result in the conceptual design of a prototype of building, addressing new concepts regarding how the public interacts with biophilic design. Overall, this will result in a building concept that is a hybrid mixture of nature and third places. This conceptual design will serve as a new prototype of integrated urban nature that can be implemented around the globe.

This project will utilize and expand upon the existing studies and practices of biophilic design. The research of biophilia “suggests that humans possess an innate tendency

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to seek connections with nature and other forms of life� (9). Biophilic design is the corresponding field of design that implements elements of the natural environment into the built environment. The current failure of this field is the exclusive access of these spaces and their corresponding benefit. A single building can only provide benefits to the select people living or working in that space. By proposing a prototype of biophilic resort that is designed for public use rather than individual use, an analysis of the scope of effects can be more clearly assessed. By expanding public access to natural spaces within the built environment, a corresponding increase of psychological benefits will be found.

If these benefits are quantifiable proven, then the integration of urban green facilities can be seen as a necessary investment in public health and wellbeing. Economically, the construction of such a facility could be seen as an investment, gaining return on investment through savings produced by increasing productivity, health, and happiness in a city’s residents. It could attract and retain a positive community, making it a place people want to work and live, and a place they deeply care about.

By developing a new typology of green amenity as a building type rather than simply landscape, a wider variety of uses and activities can take place. Current limitations of open park spaces include: weather and seasonal dependent usage, rapid decline in the level of repair and upkeep, activity limitations commonly restricted to recreation, unequal access for people of all abilities, and spatial limitations that do not provide an adequate area in relation to the density of the population. Through the development of a built green amenity, a canopy of life services can be provided in a building type that promotes positive experiences with nature within a controlled environment.

Traditional Park

The overarching concept of this study is to examine the effects of the theoretical implementation of such a building in downtown Old Toronto. This site is centrally located and easily accessible to the densest parts of downtown. This project aims will act as a case study to gauge the feasibility of adaptation and implementation in cities around the world.

Proposed Biophilic Public Building

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METHODOLOGY Prediction and Variance

Prediction: The definition of a new typology of nature in an urban setting will result in a conceptual plan for a building type that rethinks the value of public green space. The proposed solution is the conceptual design of a building that performs programmatically as a community resource. The design will strive to redefine what resources a city should invest into providing a positive psychological connection to nature.

The definition of positive psychological impact will be as follows: quantifiable data compiled from precedent studies showing the correlation of increased exposure to nature or green spaces and increased social benefits. These social benefits include but are not limited to increased productivity and happiness levels reported in workers, increased performance in educational testing, faster rates of healing in hospital settings, lower rates of crime and violence, and higher rates of social interaction between neighbors.

The design for this building will address the principals of biophilic design in its composition. These elements could include but are not limited to: maximum exposure to natural daylight, use of natural building materials, inclusion of

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patterns found in nature, and physical exposure to living nature.

Services the building could provide will be focused on a mixture of third places. Third places are defined as places where people spend time between home (first place) and work (second place). The building will include flexibility through design to adapt to a variety of uses. This could include functions such as, but not limited to: spaces for direct learning, indirect learning, recreation, relaxation, public work, private work, socializing, and private solitude. The design intent of these spaces is to increase social interactions and the provision of resources not previously available in this area.

The prediction from research, precedent studies, and analysis will strive to find the correlation of positive green space in communities, and positive social responses within those communities. The increase in exposure to green spaces, could correlate with a decrease in crime and violence, an increase in worker productivity, an increase in educational performance, and an increase in health and wellbeing. The aim of this study is the theoretical increase of public interaction with biophilic spaces, overall resulting in an increased level of public knowledge and recognition of the necessary role that nature plays in the built human habitat.

This project will attempt to prove the economic feasibility of this prototype as a public or privately funded project. This prediction is based on current studies that predict savings gained from biophilic interaction. While striving to achieve a new design typology, this project also aims to rethink the allocation of funding to support green spaces. This is done by providing quantitative data that correlates to the cost of preventative methods versus corrective methods, and the influence of each of these approaches.

The concept of a new typology of urban green space will address the space restrictions of a growing city, while providing the necessary green space for a dense population.

The common space restriction of dense cities results in an uneven distribution of green spaces, in the place where it is needed most.

Through design form exploration this project strives for a new perspective of what qualifies as an urban green amenity that is more than just an open park. The predicted outcome is the need to expand facilities to provide additional square footage of space, while restricted to small lot sizes, overall resulting in a need to increase vertically.

The conceptual exploration of such a design will address solving the stated problem in the following ways.

The first design step is to increase the area of green space per person, allowing the density of the area to be reflected in the density of its green amenities. The identification

of a standard optimum target of necessary percentage of green area per person to achieve identifiable benefits will be found through research. This creates a formula of necessary action that could be applied on a larger scale to address the problem elsewhere.

To apply this formula, the need to increase the density of green areas will be found. The proposed solution is the creation of a built nature resort that creates a new type of form that a public green amenity can take. To achieve a higher rate of green space per person, while restricted to small lot sizes, an increase vertically will be necessary.

Another goal of this project is rethinking types of activities that can take place in green spaces. The design of a built green amenity will explore the increased variety of spaces provided, and the flexibility of these spaces to adapt in the future.

This project aims to address the greater good of urban dwellers worldwide, as cities become increasingly dense. It also aims to address the broader problem of the unsustainable continuation of a human disconnect from nature. If this study is successful it can result in the creation of similar buildings in cities around the world struggling with similar problems.

Variance: The identified problem of this research is the lack of public green space in Toronto, Ontario. This green space is not only lacking,

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but unevenly distributed to the residents of the city based on population density. The identified neighborhood , The Entertainment District has grown 39% in population within 10 years. The rapid growth in population has left community amenities lacking.

This design prototype may be proven successful in this particular site, but this hypothesis may not prove successful in all applications.

One such restriction of this research is the application of such a prototype may only provide benefits if a city is currently lacking access to nature and biophilic design. This project’s role as a stepping stone from a city lacking biophilic resources, to a city’s biophilic future, will result in the eventual lack of demand for such a specific prototype. If this prototype was applied in cities, such as Singapore, that require by code that all new buildings incorporate aspects of biophilic design and sustainability, then a building like this could be rendered less useful and a less necessary resource. This prototype is intended to serve only cities currently lacking a broad range of integrated nature in the built environment.

In addition, the role of such a biophilic resort could demand an adaptation of building program, based on geographical culture. This particular hypothesis addresses the implementation of such a building in a culture that has less access and support for public third places.

Cultures that have an increased respect and integration of third places may not find the introduction of such a building type necessary.

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The economic gains of such a building type may not prove true in all applications. For example, some urban areas that have a lack of natural spaces may have better access to natural spaces outside the bounds of the urban area. If access to these areas are common, the impact of such a resort within the city may not find measurable social and psychological benefits.

The overall goal of this project is increasing public access to spaces designed to meet biophilic values.

This project addresses the necessary increase of public awareness of the psychological benefits that the built environment can have.

By inviting the public into such an environment, it can empower the public to demand design action on a larger scale. By exploring a new conceptual design of a new building typology of public green amenity, it makes this overall goal a feasible attempt to achieve this one step at a time. The conceptual development of this facility is intended to serve as a mental stepping stone, bridging the practice of biophilic design from a rare feature, to a necessary design principal in buildings around the world.  

Literature Review The Health, Social, and Economic Benefits of a Biophilic Intervention.

Introduction

Analysis

The rapid urbanization across the globe will have heightened effects on health and wellbeing of a city’s residents. Countless studies show the correlation of higher levels of mental illness and psychological health issues in cities. These include higher rates of depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Proportionally in cities there also exists higher rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. As cities continue to grow, these health risks continue to pose a larger threat.

Research conducted by Ming Kuo, an expert in human health and environmental sciences, studied in depth research on the mechanisms that connect nature and human health. The research found the correlation of “twenty one plausible pathways between nature and health” (15). The benefits are divided into three main categories of evidence; environmental factors, physiological and psychological states, and behavioral conditions (15).

What is Biophilia?

Environmental factors of nature include benefits gained from the physical chemistry of natural organisms. Plants are widely known for their ability to reduce CO2 levels, but lesser known is the effects of phytoncides, negative ions and mycobacterium vaccae. These compounds and elements, which are naturally produced by plants, have been found to boost immune function, reduce depression, and reduce blood pressure in humans (15).

One such preventative treatment of these common health issues is the intervention of nature.

A growing body of research is emphasizing the role nature has on improving physical health and mental wellbeing. The biophilic hypothesis, formulated by biologist Edward Wilson, is defined as the innate tendency of humans to seek connections with nature. Since this hypothesis was formed in 1984, large bodies of scientifical evidence have backed this theory.

The category of physiological and psychological benefits are specific to mental behavior. The effect of nature in this category is found to be short

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The research of biophilia suggests that :

Humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life�

Biophilic design is the corresponding field of design that implements elements of the natural environment into the built environment.

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term, but if the connection is applied regularly there is reasonable belief in long range benefits. These benefits include increase in the body’s immune system, and a wide range of relaxation and stress reducers (15).

Lastly, the category of behaviors is the physical benefits from activities related to spending time in nature.

This typically includes increased physical activity, which corresponds with lower levels of obesity, increased sleep performance, and increased social activity (15).

All of these elements combined can result in a multitude of health benefits that have shown positive effects on ADHD, anxiety, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, migraines, musculoskeletal complaints, respiratory disease, and an overall increase in healing time (15).

Intervention of Biophilic Design The intervention of biophilic design in the urban built environment has the potential to address these various health issues in a preventative and relatively inexpensive way. The theories of the field of biophilic design are summarized in the book Biophilic Design, by Stephen R. Kellert. The basic six elements of biophilic design are identified as: environmental features, natural

shapes and forms, natural patterns and processes, light and space, place based relationships, and evolved human-nature relationships (9). The inclusion of these elements of design in public spaces has correlated in the increase in enjoyment and use of these spaces.

One such study was conducted by the firm Terrapin Bright Green, an industry leading consulting firm that specializes in biophilic design and environmental conscious design.

The study looked at multiple public sites in Manhattan during the lunch hour, two of which had biophilic elements, and two that did not. The goal of the study was to highlight the “importance of strategically placed pockets of nature in urban environments� (13). Users of the spaces were asked a series of questions. The results showed that people were willing to travel a longer distance during their short lunch break to get to a place that included biophilic elements. At the sites that included biophilic elements, 76 percent of users sited at least one biophilic element as their favorite feature of the site (13). This finding showed that people prefer to be in places with biophilic attributes, whether they were conscious of it or not. This finding overall supports the biophilia hypothesis that people inadvertently seek out nature (13).

This study concluded that public biophilic spaces should not only be promoted in cities, but increased and made accessible to more areas.

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Physical Benefits Promotes physical activity Increased social activity

Environmental Factors Increased Mental Behavior Wide range of relaxation and stress reducers

Psychological Benefits Better Air Quality Natural compounds boost immune system

Results All of these elements combined can result in a multitude of health benefits that have shown positive effects on ADHD, anxiety, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, migraines, musculoskeletal complaints, respiratory disease, and an overall increase in healing time.

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Existing Stresses in Urban Life Wider Public Audience

Rapid Increase in Urbanization Increased Mental Illness in Urban Areas Higher Reported Levels of Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease and High Blood Pressure in Urban Areas

Results = Preventative Health care Focused on Wellbeing

Spending time in these natural elements promotes many health effects, both physical and mental. The public perception of natural and biophilic elements as a luxury item rather than a fundamental need is not only scientifically disproven, but continues detrimental to the future of public health. Overall giving biophilic design the potential to serve as a relatively inexpensive intervention in public health issues that plague urban areas today.

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A related study analyzed the social impact green spaces had on high density residential complexes. The study was conducted in 2004 by William Sullivan, Frances Kuo, and Stephen DePooter, in collaboration with the University of Illinois.

The study strived to find what made neighborhood space vital, they sought the answer to what encouraged people to leave their homes to use public space (Sullivan, 679). The data was collected from observation of the Ida B. Wells public housing development in Chicago, Illinois. The complex contained 124 two to four story apartment buildings that provided housing for over 5,700 inhabitants (17). The complex was designed to provide green spaces to every building, but over time a large number of these spaces were paved over to reduce maintenance costs. This provided the researchers a control measure of the impacts green spaces had on residents of otherwise replicated housing blocks.

The results found that residents that lived in a block with green space were up to 125 percent more likely to be observed using that space compared to an apartment with barren plaza space (17). The data also showed that people were likely to use the green space both alone and in groups (17). The study then turned to research the vitality of the space, defined by the measure of social activity in the space. The result was found that 83

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percent more people are involved in social activities in green spaces over those in barren space (17).

Overall this research revealed the correlation of public green space and positive social vitality, and urged the utilization of trees to create vital neighborhoods.

Another study conducted by Terrapin Bright Green stressed the economic feasibility of biophilic spaces. This study aimed to define the rarely addressed economic gain of increased productivity in working environments. They highlighted the statistic that 90 percent of a businesses operating costs is invested in human resources. This fact therefore makes investment in the productivity of those resources the most import cost saving element (11). By providing employees with a positive natural work environment, people do not get bored and nearly ten percent of absenteeism can be attributed to a non-stimulating work environment (11). An analysis of the opening of the ING Bank headquarters in Amsterdam supported this. The building was designed to maximize natural light, and included organ art and water features. After moving to the new building absenteeism decreased by 15 percent, and the company found the employees looked forward to go to work. Additionally, the company saved over two million a year on energy costs (11).

The Terrapin Bright study also found this result within several other industries, including hospitals, retail, education, and real-estate. One analysis of a study conducted by Roger Ulrich in 1984 focused on a hospital wing, where recovering patients from the same surgery were place in rooms with either s view of a brick wall, or a view of tree canopy.

Consistently the patients in the tree lined side of the hospital reported less stress, requests pain medication less frequently, as well as a reduction of calls for staffing (11).

Additionally the patients in the nature view rooms recovered 8.5 percent faster, and left the hospital an average of half a day sooner (11). If views of nature and biophilic elements are provided in hospitals, there is an estimated $93,324,031 annual savings nationwide in hospitals where major surgeries are performed (11).

In educational settings, another study showed correlation of increased natural daylight and increased academic performance (11). The results showed that children in a school room exposed to natural daylight resulted in a range of 20-26 percent faster progression through curriculum than children in artificially lit environments(11).

It was also found that teaching methods that included exposure to nature produced lower stress levels in students (11). Overall resulting in higher attendance rates of students,

and therefore higher performance of those students for the same price, saving the district important money.

Conclusion The corresponding pattern of all these studies is a positive correlation of public health and inclusion of natural spaces. The public perception of natural and biophilic elements as a luxury item rather than a fundamental need is not only scientifically disproven, but continues detrimental to the future of public health. The results of the studies show that people seek out places of nature, even if they are unsure why they are doing it. The increased use of this space leads to social interactions, overall increasing community vitality. Spending time in these natural elements promotes many health effects, both physical and mental. Studies show valuable economic gain that can been achieved by the investment in biophilic spaces. Lastly, research and evidence shows negligent negative effects of increasing exposure to biophilic elements. Overall giving biophilic design the potential to serve as a relatively inexpensive intervention in public health issues that plague urban areas today.

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BiophiliA Principles and Application of Biophilia

This project intends to meet the five principles of Biophilic Design as outlined by Stephen R. Kellert in: Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. These principles include

biophilic design as outlines in: The Practice of Biophilic Design

by Strphen R. Kellert and Elizabeth Calabrese.. These three include; 1. The Diect Experience of Nature 2. The Indirect Experience of Nature

1. Biophilic design requires repeated and sustained engagement with nature.

2. Biophilic design focuses on human adaptations to the natural world that over evolutionary time have advanced people’s health, fitness and wellbeing.

3. Biophilic design encourages an emotional attachment to particular settings and places.

4. Biophilic design promotes positive interactions between people and nature that encourage an expanded sense of relationship and responsibility for the human and natural communities.

5. Biophilic design encourages mutual reinforcing, interconnected, and integrated architectural solutions.

Furthermore this project aims to apply the three applications of

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3. The Experience of Space and Place

Biophilic Design Principles 1 Repeated and sustained engagement with nature.

2 Human adaptations to the natural world that over evolutionary time have advanced people’s health, fitness and wellbeing.

3 Emotional attachment to particular settings 4 Positive interactions between people and nature that encourage an expanded sense of relationship and responsibility for the human and natural communities.

5 Encourages mutual reinforcing, interconnected, and integrated architectural solutions.

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Third Places Assessing the Vital Role of Third Places in Community

Not Home, Not Work...

The places in-between

Background: In 1991, sociologist Ray Oldenburg wrote the book The Great Good Place, coining the term third places, and their necessary role in society.

He defines third places as “a place of refuge other than home or the workplace where people can regularly visit and communicate with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers� (21). Since his definition, additional research and support has come forward, pushing for the necessary inclusion of third

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places to create vibrant, and strong communities. Common forms of third places are coffee shops, small businesses, bars, pubs, community centers, post offices, main streets, and small retail stores. Though Oldenburg does not clearly outline the classifications and characteristics of third places, third places are often within close proximity of home or work, and therefore easily accessible, and almost always offer food or drink as a draw.

What makes a Third Place: One key characteristic of third places is their accessibility to many users, through their affordability. Often coffee shops take the lead in popular third places due to the inexpensive “fee� to stay there through the purchase of a beverage. Similarly, bars and pubs have the same effect, although they offer a different atmosphere. In many communities libraries have become the main or only third place. Libraries offer a wide range of third place amenities, while open to every user because of its free price tag, and lack of formal commitment.

Another major characteristic of third places is the lack of destination or event based draw. Simply put, a user needs no one specific reason to be there, it is a place to just be. Third places help fill the gaps between commitments, and supply spontaneous conversations and happenings.

Since Ray Oldenburg’s initial definition, further research on what defines a third place has occurred. An essay titled Third Places and the Social Life of Streets concluded the findings of a 2014 study. The study identified four key characteristics of third places, they are; personalization, permeability, seating, and shelter. These design characteristics were specifically identified as the main characteristics that promote social activity and draw

Affordable

?? ?

Non-Destination

Personalized

Permeable

??

Seating

Shelter

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Typical Third Places

MAINSTMAIN MAIN MAIN ST ST

Coffee Shops

Libraries

people to third places.

Personalization is the act of customizing a space to meet any user’s needs, a way of claiming territory. Through personalization, a person creates stimulation and interest in a place, “enabling possibilities that generate conversation and social interaction” (21).

Permeability of third places refers to easy, low effort access to ease engagement. Through permeability, comes greater foot traffic and interactions of a space. Permeability allows a user to actively be drawn into a space through transparent appearance of the activities on the inside, overall appealing to a human’s innate curious nature.

The inclusion of seating in a third place is necessary to retaining users in a space. Lack of seating causes users to feel uncomfortable and move on rapidly. Providing seating is not the only factor, in fact the type of seating drastically impacts their

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ST

Main Street

Local Retail

use. In third place applications there should be a variety of seating type, open for flexibility, movement and offer a range of comfort options.

Lastly, shelter is a key characteristic for third places. Shelter may take many forms depending on outside factors. The umbrella of shelter types may include shading to shelter from intense sun, or physical shelter to provide cover from weather, it may even be open shelter to provide natural sunlight where it might not be typically found.

Why Third Places are Important: Ray Oldenburg describes third places as neutral grounds where people can gather and interact.

Historically third places worldwide have served as meeting grounds that level the social status of its users.

Thereby, applying social equity and promoting grassroots politics, societal revolutions, creating habits of public interaction, and offering psychological support to individuals

and communities. At the same time, third places are also where “people can put aside their concerns and simply enjoy the company and conversation around them” (22).

Most importantly, Oldenburg equates third places as the “heart of a community’s social vitality” (22). A study conducted in 2017, titled How Great and How Good assessed the empirical evidence of the third places role in community cohesion. They described two ways in which third places have a contribution to neighborhoods.

They note that first, third places are a common context in which residents can judge the trustworthiness of other residents and strangers, and second ,third places can create a sense of place and societal place in a neighborhood creating pride and sentiment. Both of these contribute to the neighborliness of place. It is important to note that this study found stronger evidence of the potential of third places to create neighborhood cohesion in low income neighborhoods, over an affluent neighborhood.

One of the most important features Oldenburg discusses of third places is the opportunity for the regular and familiar to interact with the stranger or exotic . In the study titled The Impact of Third Places on Community Quality of Life, author Leo Jefferies often sites the fictional sitcom third place, Cheers.

The bar Cheers, is depicted in its

theme song as the place “where everybody knows your name.” The bar is home to a group of regulars that are spread across a variety of economic statuses, but are all equal in the eyes of the bar. Rarely does any filming take place outside of Cheers, relying entirely on life from within the bar. And most importantly, many storylines depend on the influx of strangers to and from the bar, and their interactions with the regulars.

Although Cheers does not exist, the idea is replicated in many places. The mixing of the regular or familiar with the strange or exotic is a key element that draws people to third places.

This interaction creates conversation and opportunity that simply cannot or does not happen at home or work. This interaction is beneficial and decreases social stratification, unifying social ties.

Potential for Third Places:

Third places as they exist today are commonly privately owned businesses. In the past, many problems have occurred due to the discriminatory nature of private owned businesses, allowing the owner to turn away “unwanted” users. In the 1960s there were repeated initiatives by civil rights advocates to desegregate lunch counters. These actions were culturally significant and occurred many other places, but this particular instance shows the power behind third places. The desire for inclusion in popular third places had the

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Third Places Role in Community Cohesion

Common Context Third places provide a common context in which residents can judge the trustworthiness of other residents and strangers.

Third places provide common interactions with both the regular and the new/exotic, creating connections between community members that would not exist otherwise.

Sense of Place Third places help create a sense of place within a neighborhood, creating pride and sentiment for the community as a whole.

Neutral Meeting Ground Community interactions that take place in third places help decrease the social stratification, and overall unifying social ties between social classes.

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potential to unlock casual coexistence and social experiences that could not be experienced elsewhere.

Lunch counters were not just a popular place to be, but a place of cultural significance, a snapshot of life at the time. Another example of discriminatory practices came up in the news recently, when in 2018 the popular coffee giant Starbucks closed locations across America for an employee racial-bias inclusive training day. The nationwide closure was a statement by the company that bias was not going to accepted, after an incident in a Philadelphia Starbucks where two black men were arrested after asking to use the bathroom without purchasing anything. Although Starbucks was quick to strongly address this incident, on an effort to retain its status as “America’s third place,” the potential for private business to hold this discriminatory power will always exist.

idea that they’re being in a diverse public, while their five dollar coffee buys them the safety of a barista who can call the police on someone to keep the space safe for them” (18).

McMillian is backed by writer Dianna Budds, who calls for third places a vital part of cities. Budds comments on the need for more third places, not as private corporations vying to call themselves inclusive, rather third places that are true public spaces.

Third places as public entities have a large untapped potential.

These spaces build and strengthen communities, and are a vital part of healthy social interactions. Through engagement and activity, third places have the potential to serve as public health amenities, bridging social cohesion along the way.

Tressie McMillan, a widely regarded expert of inequality in America and a professor of sociology at Virginia Commonwealth University, commented on the recent trend of the capitalist consumptive trend of corporate third places. She is quoted saying “(third places) are supposed to be made by the culture.

The Starbucks third place is a place where white people can consume an

Research 28

Analysis

Precedent Selection Precedent studies were researched throughout the duration of the project as needed. A variety of precedents was necessary in order to analyze the various components of this new typology of building.

These precedents are broken down into four categories; concepts, program, building type and biophilic. used for this thesis. An index of the various precedent types is broken down here.

31

Analysis

Precedents Studies and Analysis

Concept Precedents:

• Public Private Space o Greenacre Park o OutBox • Flexible Public Space o Rebel • Connected o The Living Staircase

Program Precedents:

• Public Market o Tlaxco Artisans Market o BARNONE • Library o Pico Branch Library • Co-Working Office o Simply Work 6.0 o Synergy Cowork • Health o Gilda Club

Building Type Precedents:

• Brock Towers • 80 Atlantic Avenue

Biophilic Buildings:

• Pasona Headquarters • Parkroyal on Pickering • Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Analysis 32

33

Analysis

01 Greenacre Park

Background

Analysis and Application

Greenacre Park is a vest pocket park in the Midtown Manhattan. The park is privately owned and maintained by the Greenacre Foundation, but open to the public. The 6,000 sf park was designed by Hideo Sasaki and built in the early 1970s. Sasaki won several awards for the landscape design of the park, and in 2018 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The design of the park serves as a retreat to nature, and an escape from the city surroundings. The use of a raised site, and running water provides a serene environment that removes the noise of the city.

The parks layout creates a sense of mystery, with ample spaces to explore and enjoy within a small space. Existing complaints of the park space is overcrowding during peak hours, such as lunch hour during the workweek. This crowding is simply a sign of an increased demand for more spaces like it.

The parks design includes elements of moving water throughout the site, with a 25 foot artificial waterfall as the focal point. The use of water creates a direct link with nature and the noise it produces creates a sense of serenity and privacy. The park steps up directly off the street, and the design focuses on a variety of spaces for seating that fits the user’s needs.

Throughout the parks history, the community, backed by the Greenacre Foundation, stepped up to save the park. In 2017 a city rezoning plan threatened the construction of taller building surrounding the park, putting the park in shadow.

The community started the “fight for light” campaign to save the park, and won support for the campaign from the city councilman for the district, resulting in height restrictions in the area surrounding the park.

Greenacre park is a good example of how privately owned spaces can be used for public benefit. The park is describes by patrons as a “genuine urban oasis” and “an escape hatch to peace and serenity.” These testimonials, along with passionate public support for the park show that people like and appreciate natural spaces. Greenacre Park is a prime example of how even a small intervention of nature in a public space can have a large positive impact on the people working and living around it.

Key Features

• Public Private Space • Retreat from Urban Space

Analysis 34

35

Analysis

02 Outbox

Background

Analysis and Application

OUTBOX is a pop up innovative outdoor office space in Silver Springs, Maryland. This prototype was developed by architecture students from Montgomery College.

The office is a permeable box formed by sculptural metal strips.

It offers a variety of seating, and overhead cover, while remaining open air. The office offers free WiFi, and encourages people to bring their work outside. Located central to downtown, OUTBOX is close to local dining options, encouraging you to pick up a cup of coffee and come hang out with your laptop, or have a lunch meeting.

This pop-up is a good example of the attention a public third space can attract. Overall this experiment created a vibrant flurry of activity in the area, invigorating local business.

The success of this small scale experiment implies that places like this can be expanded upon and utilized in other urban spaces.

Key Features

• Experimental Success • Public Workspace

A representative for OUTBOX’s marketing, Laurie Yankowski is quoted saying “Outbox is the first space of its kind, and it’s answered a real community need, integrating a creative workspace with the downtown area has knitted together the district and provided an unconventional alternative to the typical office or work-from-home desk.

The pop up often draws crowds, and during a typical work day, is a bustling center of activity. Since the pop ups success, the city has looked at making more permanent solutions on a larger scale.

Analysis 36

37

Analysis

03 Rebel

Background

Analysis and Application

Rebel is a conceptual design submitted as a competition entry by the architecture studio nine dots.

The mixed use building contains a “lively mix of commercial and social functions.” These include restaurants, shops, cafes, movie theaters as well as a variety of apartment types. The design concept of the complex was to utilize a unique grid system to create a void of open spaces throughout the buildings. This void could later be filled in with additional structure, but also created a lively indoor/outdoor space. The use of an open CLT structure interacts with a solid steel structure to create transparency throughout the spaces.

Described by the architects as an “urban living room” the space is designed to be highly interactive and social.

The use of void spaces can be very essential in creating unlikely community spaces. The intersection of an indoor/outdoor grid work creates a very unique and fascinating series of spaces. By leaving the building structure raw and exposed a wide variety of future flexibility can be achieved.

Additionally the design intent to create flexible expansion spaces for future use apply to this design concept as well.

Key Features

• Social • Biophilic • Flexible

Designed as “futureproof” the building has a wide variety of adaptability built into the design.

By leaving much of the structure exposed and “raw” the building is very changeable. Aesthetically the building is wrapped in greenery to soften and highlight the raw features.

Analysis 38

39

Analysis

04 The living staircase

Background

Analysis and Application

The living staircase is a unique sculptural staircase in an office building in London. The staircase was designed by Paul Cocksedge, the vision was to create a new and unique way for people to interact with each other. The main concept of the stair is to take a typical spiral stair, and remove the center support.

By enlarging this void, interesting and unique new spaces are created in the interstitial spaces. There are 4 zones in total, each highlighting relaxation interaction and creative thinking in a different way. This stair was created as a working statement piece to highlight social modern office spaces.

The inclusion of a statement key design element within a regular office building adds a wide variety of benefits. By connecting several vastly different offices by a common stair, there is potential for many interactions that might not otherwise be possible. The conceptual idea of living is carried out in several ways throughout the design. It is living not only in the literal sense with a garden, but the interaction of people in these new spaces also create a sense of liveliness.

Key Features

• Social • Subtle Biophilia

The design of the living stair highlights the “living” quality by the inclusion of many plant species, as well as its natural materials.

The plants wrapping the entire balustrade are described as a flying garden, and include edible species to make the public interact.

Analysis 40

41

Analysis

05 Tlaxco Artisan Market

Background The Tlaxco Artison Market was completed in 2015, designed by the architecture firm Vrtical. The building was the first building completed following the regions new master plan, created by the same architects.

This building was strategic trigger to engage the different regions of the community to collaborate on a common goal.

The physical building adaptively reused the foundation and side walls of a building in disrepair. The new market houses space for fourteen vendors, as well as workshop and patio pace. The design utilizes simple natural materials and plays with public private space in an effort to unify with the community.

The architects strived to create seamless public private space throughout the market design.

The use of a double facade on the street side invites the public to walk through the archways and feel like a part of the building.

The integration of natural daylight and seamless entry into public market space is essential in bridging the public with a public space.

The aesthetic qualities of this particular example show how simple economic solutions, provide endless opportunities for a community.

Key Features

• Natural Daylight

• Seamless Indoor/Outdoor

transition

• Flexible Vendor Space

Analysis and Application The design successfully utilizes simple and natural materials to create a flexible space that can adapt to the many uses it might see in the buildings lifetime. The utilization of the existing archway structure, but also introducing modern wood doors creates a blended space announcing the new arrival of opportunity in this economically deprived region. The use of natural daylighting also serves the space well, in an effort to bridge the outdoor market with the indoor one.

Analysis 42

43

Analysis

06 Barnone

Background

Analysis and Application

Barnone is a creative hub just 30 miles outside of Phoenix Arizona.

The one former farm and structure (Quonset hut) were transformed in 2016. The metal structure was enhanced to make room for the various new tenants of the space, these included a hair salon, a florist, a custom letter printer, a cafĂŠ, a nanobrewery and more. The compound consists of three re-purposed Quonset huts and metal buildings, totaling 12,500 sf.

Barnone is an example that shows that any space can be transformed into valuable merchant space. This example provides space for 10 local merchants and makers. The space within the structure is divided into rooms designed to fit the varying needs f the merchants. O one vendor needs the same space, and by creating a wide variety a larger variety of vendors call Barnone home.

The mixture of local artisans that curate the space creates a vibrant and thriving creative community.

Since its opening the facility has expanded into other out buildings as the facility attracted more foot traffic and customers.

The division of a marketspace into specific vendor spaces has benefits and faults. By creating induvial storefronts each vendor gets a higher quality of space tailored to them. But the creation of these divisions creates highly specific spaces with little flexibility. The fault of this design is not integrating flexibility for future tenants of the vendor areas.

Key Features

• Permanent Vendor Spaces

• Expansion

Analysis 44

45

Analysis

07 Pico Branch Library

Background The Pico Branch Library was designed by architecture firm Koning Eizenburg Architecture (KEA), and was completed in 2014.

The library was designed through a collaborative public design process resulting in a concept described by the architects as a neighborhood living room. The site of the library was within an existing park that also hosted weekly farmers markets.

The resulting design interacted with the site, with the building literally bumping into the farmers market. The design of an carved roof structure expands the building outwards into the park, overall interacting with the outside users.

The building consists of two separate buildings joined by the roof form, and providing a shaded walkway between the spaces.

The main building houses the library, and the smaller annex houses a much needed community room.

The library was designed to meet the needs of a modern community, resulting in smaller stack and storage area, accepting the role of physical books in modern libraries.

The overarching roof creates a seamless connection from inside to outside. Key designer Nathan Bishop describes “At the library’s edges we wanted it to feel participatory

instead of like a boundary,” Bishop explained. “At each edge we tried to pull the activity of the park into the library and vice versa. It’s a continuous public space in a lot of ways.”

Analysis and Application Through a public design process, a true community space can be created. The collaboration between architects and the community resulted in a project the “serves as an urban unifier of the park, the roof structure is the unifying architectural form in the design scheme.” By creating unique zones of public interaction with a space a wide variety of unexpected interactions can occur.

Modern libraries require modern solutions. The adaptation and redefinition of library technology is seen as a success in this project. This completed building is highly valued by members of the community and as a result widely utilized.

Key Features

• Modern •Interactive

• Community Engagement

Analysis 46

47

Analysis

08 Simply WOrk 6.0

Background

Analysis and Application

The Simply Work Co-Working Space was designed by the firm 11architecture. The spaces occupies approximately 20,000 sf the penthouse floor of an existing industrial building in Shenzhen City.

The office houses fifteen individual offices as well as a variety of shared spaces including lounges and conference rooms. The office was designed to provide an alternative office setting, very unique to the area.

The office features many unique design elements. These include enclosed hubs for work tables, and glass conference rooms within rooms to provide sound barriers and privacy, without compromising the openness of the design.

The design of the space maintains a linear familiar circulation pattern, while also introducing bold new work spaces. This intentional design was created to bridge the relatively new idea of co-working.

The varying degrees of privacy throughout this building provide a mixture of social interactions. While remaining individual, the offices have many chances to interact within shared spaces. Additionally the large scale of this project provides insight on the working of large scale co working.

Key Features

• Common Spaces • Large Separated Offices • Little Flexibility

Analysis 48

49

Analysis

09 Synergy Cowork Palermo

Background

Analysis and Application

The Synergy Cowork facility is designed by Erilio Magnone and Marcos Guiponi. The space occupies a preexisting building. The designers decided to utilize a removable, selfsupporting lightweight structure that divides the large spaces into smaller suites. The space occupies 15,000 sf and has space for 32 offices as well as collaborative space. Throughout the space the design is minimal, sticking to neutral colors only. The designer’s intent was to let the tenants add their own colors, and styles.

The organization behind the collaboration is key to the success or failure of any co-working facility.

This facility in particular has targeted a key market of entrepreneurs that make this space work. The design this co-work office is neutral and flexible, allowing the users to create their own space.

Key Features

• Common Spaces • Large Separated Offices • Flexibility • Good Management

The collaboration is well organized and offers a variety of plans to potential users. These range from conference room access, to 10 day passes, and even full office rentals.

The goal of the collaboration is to provide modern working space that meets the demands of today. The Synergy Palmero website quotes “Designed for those who work alone, at home or in a cafe, but who understand the power and value of collaboration: opportunity to meet others, get feedback in coffee talks, have lunch together, or be connected through organized events within from space.”

Analysis 50

51

Analysis

10 Gilda CLub

Background

Analysis and Application

The Gilda Club of Greater Toronto is a non-profit foundation committed to providing emotional, social and practical support to cancer patients.

It is a non-institutional setting where people facing similar problems can come together in a common space, as an escape from home and the hospital. In an research essay published by the Healthy Communities Research Network, it calls Gilda’s Club “ A third place in the everyday lives of people living with cancer.” The essay “demonstrates the significance of third places for health, and calls on researchers to afford such places greater attention.

This therapeutic landscape is a third place offering cancer patients a much needed escape from their reality, and offers people the chance to “confront or distance themselves from their health problems.” A step necessary in facilitating health and restoration.

Key Features

•Third Place

The center offers a variety of activities ranging from lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, group activities such as yoga, art therapy, a theatre group, and lectures from health professionals. The club also offers people the chance to see familiar faces, creating a stronger network of strangers that otherwise might never have a reason to speak.

Analysis 51

53

Analysis

11 Brock COmmons

Background The Tallwood commons is a student housing complex built on The University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver, BC. The structure is the tallest hybrid mass timber structure that has been constructed to date, it stands at 18 stories tall (174 feet). The building was designed by the Canadian architecture firm of Acton Ostry Architects.

The hybrid mass timber structure is comprised of a cast in place concrete core, glue-laminated timber columns, and prefabricated crosslaminate timber panels enclosing the structure. Designed as a simple grid stacking upwards, the structure was chosen to simplify the complexities of constructing a mid-rise buildings with wood. The structure was prefabricated offsite. The architects worked closely with construction consultants throughout the design process to standardized elements throughout the building.

This structure was a pioneer in its field. Early collaboration between the University of British Columbia, the architects and the Canadian Wood Council resulted in the launch of the Tall Wood Building Demonstration Initiative. The initiative promotes tall wood building construction in

Canada by providing technical and financial support. It advocates for wood heritage throughout Canada, and provides a link between the scientifically leaps in the field and technical expertise.

Analysis and Application The Brockwood Commons project is a successful example of adapting building codes to promote heavy timber construction. Specifically this project highlights the promotion of wood construction throughout Canada in an effort to promote their cultural heritage of forestry. The architects proved that collaboration, with both construction specialist and governing agencies, is key in successful implementation of a new building technology.

By simplifying the design, the architects were able to focus on simple solution to complex problems. This not only reduced construction cost, but increased the safety and efficiency of the building as a whole. The implementation of a prefabricated structural system helped tremendously in these efforts.   Key Features

• CLT Building Technology

Analysis 54

55

Analysis

12 80 Atlantic Avenue

Background A new building in Toronto is making groundbreaking progress in wood design. 80 Atlantic Avenue is currently under construction in Liberty Village in Toronto. The entirely new structure is a sister building to a renovated building, 60 Atlantic. In an effort to bridge the new and the old, 80 Atlantic was designed as an exposed timber CLT structure. The design was driven entirely by the aesthetic appeal of exposed timber structure. This was made possible by changes in the Ontarion Building Code in 2015 that allowed timber construction to six stories tall. The design was driven by the context of the neighborhood.

Liberty Village is comprised of old factory and industrial building highlighting the beauty of exposed natural materials. The owners of the building desired to create a new typology of post and beam construction that reflected the context of the neighborhood, while offering the premium feature of modern building technology.

The new building is a hybrid construction consisting of a steel and concrete first floor and stair and elevator core, with four stories of NLT (Nail Laminated Timber) above, and topped with a mechanical penthouse. The unique design feature of the entire office building is the exposed timber structure and ceiling. To achieve this aesthetic,

teams of mechanical and structural engineers proposed the use of raised access flooring throughout all the office spaces. This flooring allowed an interstitial space under the floors to provide access for all electrical, and mechanical needs.

It also allows for a huge amount of future flexibility within the office space, with little construction needs.

Overall the building design was described by engineers as “The result: heavy timber construction for an office setting, with a building typography that is esthetically striking and cost-effective.”

Analysis and Application The use of heavy timber construction in Toronto Ontario is not only supported by the local building code, but highly desired by the residents. 80 Atlantic Avenue was reported at eighty percent occupied over two years before construction was completed. 80 Atlantic Avenue also shows how simple yet complex engineering solutions can provide aesthetically appealing and unique new spaces. The flexibility achieved by utilizing raised access flooring not only lowers the overall cost of construction, but also creates a future proof structure that is highly desirable.

Key Features • Biophilic • Cost Effective • Smart

Analysis 56

57

Analysis

13 Pasona Headquarters

Background

Analysis and Application

The Pasona Headquarters located in downtown Toyko, designed by Kono Designs, is a hybrid office space mixed with an active urban farm.

Pasona is the largest recruitment firm in the Tokyo area. The firm saw the renovation of a nine story office building as an opportunity to make a statement piece about “making farming cool again.”

The Pasona Headquarters was a unique project that combined multiple programmatic elements in their main office building. The inclusion of urban farming spaces into the office design resulted in healthier work environments, and a lower CO2 emissions, but not all workers are happy with the design.

The needs of the urban farm require higher interior temperatures in the building, and a higher humidity level causing discomfort for some inhabitants.

The office building incorporates and exterior green curtain of planning on the exterior façade of the building. On the interior there is a dedicated growing space for a live rice paddy, as well as planting spaces throughoutt the buildings nine stories. The food produces is available for the employees benefit.

Ironically, the investment in greener office space was not created for the goal of creating a better work environment, the experiment was conducted to help catalyze interest in the rural agricultural economies.

But the company has found that the environment is less stressful and more productive, and results in reducing the carbon emissions of the building by 7-8 tons annually.

The inclusion of living nature in interior working environments is possible. The use of urban farming within an office building not only provide food resources for inhabitants, but also provides psychological benefits to the workers. The application of such elements requires additional attention to providing human comfort and the optimum environment for plant growth.

Key Features

• Biophilic Interiors

Analysis 58

59

Analysis

14 Parkroyal on pickering

Background

Analysis and Application

The ParkRoyal Hotel and Spa was designed by the firm WOHA architects. It is located next to the Hong Lim Park in Singapore. The design includes sky gardens that protrude from the building every fourth story. The total garden space through the building approximately doubles the green area potential of the site.

Through its physical form, the building strives to give every guest a garden view. The “E” shaped layout coupled with the organic garden balconies sets a standard of green space per guest. This visual connection with nature is emphasized in the interior of the building as well through the use of organic shapes and indoor plantings.

The inclusion of such green space is part of Singapore’s commitment to become the ideal green city, referring to itself as “City in a Garden.” This initiative calls for new developments to include mandatory green roofs, and inclusion of plant life as well as a need to meet sustainable green building requirement. This particular building does a good job of exemplifying this initiative by celebrating the tropical ecosystem and bringing it down to a human scale.

This project strives to provide a restorative experience for guests and visitors. The owners recognize the economic power of a positive experience in nature. By promoting views of nature guest’s inherently are prone to show ‘lower blood pressure and heart rate, improved mental engagement and awareness and positively impact attitude and overall happiness“, resulting in a higher return visit rate of guests.

The inclusion of greenspaces provides several other benefits throughout the building. The density of trees provides shade and insulation to the core of the building, reducing the need to cool the space.

The green roof lowers impact of the heat island effect, and also provides a habitat for local bird species.

Lastly the expanded impact of the hotels tropical ecosystem improves air quality within, and around the building.

The integration of green space within a building can achieve a higher area of green space than could be possible if left as wilderness. The implementation of this green space within a building can expand the effects of nearby parks, and respect the natural ecology but utilization of similar plantings. The use of nature not only has positive effects on the environment, but also results in higher rates of retention, and higher level of happiness of people in that space.

Analysis 60

61

Analysis

15 Botanical Garden

Background

Analysis and Application

The new visitor’s center at the Brooklyn botanical garden was designed by the Weiss/Manfredi, and opened in 2004. The new center was designed to merge the landscape with the building, something the Weiss/Manfredi firm specializes in.

The scale of the building reflects the variance of visitor number, and can accommodate the large swing of crowds in spring, and still feel intimate on a quiet day. The building is describes as “the city seeping into the garden.”

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and Visors Center is successful in bridging a gap between the urban environment and the natural environment. Through strategic design visitors are moved around in ways that allows a variety of experiences. The mystery of the building creates a sense of true nature that captivates and engages visitors to keep exploring.

The design of the building restricts a visitor’s view, never fully revealing its true form to the user. This sense of natural mystery draws the public in.

The interior of the building focuses on natural light, and vistas to the outdoors, urging the users outwards to the park.

Weiss/Manfredi won several awards for the structure, including an Excellence in Design award from the New York City Public Design Commission. The building earned a LEED Gold certification for its sustainable features, one of the most notable, a 10,000 sf living green roof.

The buildings mixture of outdoor and indoor spaces allows a wider range of flexibility. The building can serve as a backdrop for larger outdoor events, as well as accommodate gatherings indoors.

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is a good example of how public space can be both a public experience and a private escape. Through the utilization of mystery, it invites users to explore and wander at their own pace. Overall creating an individualized sense of nature to each user. The use of natural light and glass within the building draws the user outdoors rather than retreating inwards.

Analysis 62

Site Analysis The Entertainment District Toronto, Ontario

Mississauga

Lake Ontario

Hamilton Niagara Falls Buffalo

Lake Erie

New York

Pennsylvania

63

Analysis

Toronto Density and Expansion N

Toronto is the capital city of the province of Ontario, Canada.

It is currently the largest city in Canada with a population of nearly 3 million residents.

Toronto is the anchor city of the Golden Horseshoe. The golden horseshoe refers to the “u� shaped area stretching around Lake Ontario from Niagara to Toronto. This area is the most densely populated and industrialized in Canada,

accounting for over 21% of Canada’s population.

The development of Toronto has been shaped by its deep ravines running along either side of the city, restricting its initial sprawl. However, over recent years the demand to expand has begun to blur the border between Toronto and its sister city Mississauga as both cities continue to grow.

Analysis 64

The Location The Entertainment District

The site is located at the border between Toronto’s Downtown , the Entertainment District, and the Fashion District.

This location is highly active and adjacent to many points of interest in Downtown Toronto.

1 Rogers Centre 2 CN Tower 3 Union Station 4 Royal Bank Plaza 5 Hockey Hall of Fame 6 Yonge Street 7 Eaton Centre 8 Nathon Phillips Square 9 Toronto City Hall

65

Analysis

y ersit Univ u Aven e

v ina A Spad

7

enue

8

6

en Que

t Stree

t Wes

5

4 eet e Str

laid Ade

t Stree King

t Wes

3

et t Stre Fron

2 1

N

Analysis 66

The Site 70-80 Nelson Street Toronto, Ontario

This site was chosen because of its central location. Currently the site is a large parking lot, but has a much larger potential. It is only one block over from the TTC streetcar tram lines. To the west of the site, John Street is an active dining and shopping corridor that leads north from Rodgers Centre. To the east of the site is Downtown Old Toronto, specifically this site borders the financial district where many people work.

Also directly adjacent to the site is a city wide bike sharing hub, and the north side of the site connects to Richmond Street which has a large dedicated bike lane.

67

Analysis

Site Office + Residential Restaurants + Retail Fire Station Area’s of Activity TTC Street Tram Line Dedicated Bike Lane

Queen St. W.

Richmond St. W.

Street Parking

Bike Sharing Station

Dumpster Access

Duncan St.

Outdoor Restaurant Seating

John St.

Busy Retail Street

Existing Site Parking Lot

Nelson St.

Fire Station Parking

Adelaide St. W.

N

Analysis 68

Walkable Distance 10 Minutes

Biking Distance 10 Minutes

Public Transit 15 Minutes

69

Analysis

eet e Str

enu y Av ersit

Yong

Univ e

e venu ina A Spad . W. n St

e Que

ide

la Ade

et Stre

King

.

St. W

N

Public Transportation Subway Line

Transit Stop

Streetcar Line

Union Station Analysis 70

Context Neighboring Buildings N

71

Analysis

This site is on the border of downtown Old Toronto, The Entertainment District, and The Financial District.

The adjacent structures are typically low rise brick buildings ranging from 2 to 8 stories. However, just a block to the east and west the

structures grow to high rise condominium buildings and mixed use offices.

This site has a direct sight line to the CN Tower to the south, and it is adjacent to the main pedestrian corridor to the Rodgers Centre.

N

Analysis 72

Northern View Surrounding buildings on Richmond street include a variety of low rise brick buildings, giving the street both history and visual interest.

Looking North Towards Site The site currently is a large parking lot. Adjacent to the lots edge is a large hub for public access bikes.

Southern View (Direct) Adjacent to the southern site access is a City of Toronto Fire Station. The view of parking and activity in undesirable.

Southern View (Distance) From the site there is a direct line of site open to the CN Tower, one of the most iconic views in Toronto.

Views

73

Analysis

Qu

n Joh

St. can

Dun

. W.

St een

St.

. W. t S nd

mo

Rich

on Nels

ide dela

St.

St.

A

N

Analysis 74

Climate Sun Path and Wind N 30°C

86°C

0°C

32°F

-30°C

Jan.

Average Temperature

75

Analysis

Dec.

-22°F

100mm

4 in.

50mm

2 in

0mm

Jan.

Average Rainfall

Dec.

W

E

0in.

S

Average Wind

W in d Summer Solstice Sunset

Summer Solstice Sunrise

Fall/Spring Equinox

Winter Solstice Sunset

Winter Solstice Sunrise

N

Analysis 76

Summer Solstice

Fall Equinox

Winter Solstice

Spring Equinox

Solar Study Shadows Paths N

77

Analysis

This site currently has few shadows cast upon it due to the variety of low rise structures surrounding it.

The construction of a building on this site would

produce a shadow to the north onto Richmond Street West. A variety of step backs and other techniques will be used in design to minimize this effect.

288 ft.

292 ft.

292 ft.

288 ft.

Topography Site Boundaries

The topography on this site is relatively flat. The current slope was created for proper drainage within the

parking lot, and has reason to change. The overall slope of the surrounding area is minimal.

N

Analysis 78

Richmond St. W. 150 ft.

190 ft.

Duncan St.

John St.

Nelson St.

Legal Mid Rise Requirements and Restrictions N

79

Analysis

The city of Toronto sets strict planning guidelines for all development types along it’s major streets. Richmond Street West is zoned as a major street by the city, requiring this project to follow it’s guidelines. The

intention of this development is to respect the existing neighborhood, and thereby will be developed as a mid rise structure rather than a high rise, which could also be permitted here.

Rooftop Rooftop Amenity or Greenspace Mandatory

Mechanical Penthouse within 45° sight line Step-Back 5 ft. from Streetwall

Step-Back Min. 45° Transition to Adjacent Neighborhood Buildings

Building Height 6 Stories Max or 45ft.

Streetfront Respect Context and Invite Public

Sidewalk Mandatory Green Space

ch

Ri on

m o

its t

Lim

d

inte

et

re St

N

o lim

ay t

yw alle

icle

h it ve

ss cce e A nue l c i Veh on Ave tion p u rr

Analysis 80

Hectares of local parkland (per 1,000 people) 0.0- 0.42 0.43 - 0.79

81

Analysis

Greenspace Context N

In a half mile radius from the site there is a total of 6 public green-spaces. Pulling that boundary in closer, there are only 3 within a five minute walking distance to the site.

According to data compiled by the city of Toronto (Diagram on the left) the areas adjacent to the site have the worst percentage of green space per resident.

Analysis 82

Future Growth and Development Strategies N

83

Analysis

The City of Toronto’s official plan provides an approach for the expansion and growth of the city through the utilization of the existing transportation network.

Areas surrounding the city main transportation avenues are zoned for high density development. This site is directly adjacent to two major avenues of transportation.

Meaning this neighborhoods population will increase rapidly, creating even more demand for this proposed building.

array of uses to help attract investment, re-use buildings, encourage new construction and bring life to the streets.

These areas are key to the Plan’s growth strategy, integrating areas of the city that are no longer in productive urban use due to shifts in the local or global economies. In Regeneration Areas, commercial, residential, live/work, institutional and light industrial uses can be mixed within the same block or even the same building.”

This site is also zoned within a “regenerative” area. By being zoned as a regenerative area the site is open up “to a wide

Both of these facts provide strength to the argument to develop such a proposed building at this site.

Expansion Designated Avenues of Increased Density

Zoning Regenerative Mixed Use

Analysis 84

Site Context The Entertainment District

The proposed site for this project is located in The Entertainment District (TED) of Toronto, Ontario. The Entertainment District is a growing community, with a vibrant mixture of some of Toronto’s biggest attractions, with a rapidly increasing residential base. Well organized, a TED advisory board meets frequently and is comprised of residential groups, development stakeholders, design professionals, heritage groups, and property owners. The group has developed a comprehensive master plan, and a business improvement area (BIA) mandate to encourage smart growth in the district. This project intends to respect and enhance the districts plans.

According to 2016 census data, the population in the entertainment district has increased in by 39.5% from 2006 to 2016, from just 37,000 to over 94,000 residents in 2016. This increase was caused by the condominium boom beginning in the mid-nineties and continuing through today. During this development the neighborhood has even been nicknamed the condo-hood as seemingly every spare piece of land has become a condo skyscraper.

The building boom was caused by an increase interest in the entertain-

85

Analysis

ment attractions of the area, and its close proximity to the downtown financial district. The district was home to over 75 nightclubs and bars in the mid-nineties, holding the highest concentration of liquor licenses in Toronto. The neighborhood houses many theaters and entertainment venues, as well as many notable restaurants. Residents were drawn to live in the place that housed “everything they liked doing.�

More recently, the entertainment district has shown signs of evolving into a more mature resident base. The population demographics are sitting at a median age of 32 years and steadily rising. The number of nightclubs in the districts has reduced to 30. The districts master plan reflects the desire of the neighborhoods to keep to its roots in entertainment, while also appealing to its maturing resident base. The BIM mandate reports the increased of strollers and young families in the streetscape, and resident base.

In the districts most recent master plan there are six key visions listed.

These visions focus on strengthening the community and developing a distinct personality of the district. This project has the potential to support three of these key strategies, they in-

39.5% 2006 - 2016 Resident Population Growth

Analysis 86

clude development among a central north south spine, a sequence of animated squares and plazas, and the creation of a high quality and livable built environment.

The development of this building at the proposed location supports a key attraction to John Street. In the plan, John Street is indicated to become a key north-south axis of the entertainment district, planning to close frequently to hold pedestrian street markets and festivals. The development of such a proposed building will not only provide needed public amenities to such events, but also create a draw of its own.

The master plan also outlines appropriate development guidelines that promote a high quality and livable built environment. The plan proposes specifically positive development that interacts with the human scale.

Stating that the inclusion of developments should “ensure a vibrant, inviting, and appealing environment” for the pedestrian, a feature this project intends to adhere to.

Lastly, the proposal of this building includes development of open public space, imagined in a new way.

The key visions of the master plan includes the desire for a “variety of open spaces of high quality that can complement adjacent commercial uses, and serve as attractions and catalysts for revitalization essential to ensuring adequate amenity for high density living.” The pairing of this project with this community could not better match this desire.

87

Analysis

Why this building: The Entertainment District master plan shows a desire by the neighborhood to invest in creating a true sense of community. The rapid development of the district did not allow the typical development of community strongholds, and did not have a historic community base to fall back on. Statistics gathered for the master plan show that 37.9% of residents desire an increase in community amenities in the area, such as public space and recreation facilities.

Similarly, the district business improvement plan shows a desire in the development of cafe’s, study space, and “hang-out” retail stores such as bookstores.

The neighborhood currently has a lack of places to just be. The districts reliance on entertainment has created a destination culture. This means that without any specific plans to go to an event, showing, or specific restaurant, the neighborhood has a hard time retaining activity. As the demographic changes, there is a need for third places that truly act as an in-between space, giving the residents of the community a break from the activity, and allowing a space that promotes unplanned interactions.

Through all of the information provided by the entertainment districts plans, the proposal of a new typology of a mixed use public amenity is not only plausible, but is desired by the neighborhood.

Community Desires

37.9% Of residents expressed a desire for an increase in community amenities Such as: Public Space Recreation Space Study Space Hang out Retail

Destination Culture The neighborhood currently has a lack of places to just be. The districts reliance on entertainment has created a destination culture. This means that without any specific plans to go to an event, showing, or specific restaurant, the neighborhood has a hard time retaining activity. As the demographic changes, there is a need for third places that truly act as an in-between space, giving the residents of the community a break from the activity, and allowing a space that promotes unplanned interactions.

Analysis 88

Proposed Solution

Program The Site

Introduction: The proposed site for this project is located at 70-80 Nelson Street in Toronto Ontario. The lot size is roughly 150ft x 190 ft. equaling 28,000 square feet of ground cover. This is a large lot size for such a dense part of downtown Toronto. This size is also generous for the program requirements of the building. With that in mind, this proposal includes development of the site and building with a holistic approach. This proposed project aims to incorporate a mixture of open gathering space and building through the utilization of permeable public space on the ground level.

The site is currently a ground surface parking lot, accommodating approximately 100 parking spaces.

This role of this site as a parking location is still highly desired, as there is little accommodation for parking nearby.

Access: This site is located in The Entertainment District of Toronto Ontario. The site is located midblock and has buildings adjacent to the left and right. On the northern border of the site is Richmond Street.

Richmond Street is considered a main thoroughfare of the

91

Solution

neighborhood and is contextually composed of midrise brick buildings.

On the sites southern border is Nelson Street, a smaller alley street. This site is nestled only one building away from the intersection of Nelson and John Street. John Street is proposed to be a main spine of activity and festivals in the Entertainment Districts master plan.

John Street currently is home to a variety of restaurants with outdoor seating, and a range of retail stores.

This proposals site development will focus on attracting pedestrian circulation from John Street. Main pedestrian circulation to the site will be focused on Richmond Street, while secondary access will be from Nelson Street. This is due to Nelson Streets role as a mainly service street, and Richmond Streets role as a main avenue in the neighborhood.

Vehicular Access to the site will be directed to Nelson Street.

This proposal includes the creation of underground parking to replace the surface lot lost through the development of this site. Underground parking will increase the number of spaces, while reducing the visual impact of cars. Economically, the inclusion of underground parking will provide a source of constant revenue for the building.

Ground Level Designed in unison with Zone 1 of the building program. Comprised of a mixture of hybrid indoor outdoor spaces, that utilizes the street level.

Intersection of Richmond and John Richmond Street is classified as a major avenue in the master plan and zoning plans. The facade on Richmond Street must be designed to meet the requirements, and respond to the context of the street.

Amenities ans Services All amenity and service entrances will be focused on Nelson Street. Nelson street serves as an ally street, and is comprised of several other back of house entrances for other businesses on Richmond Street.

Pedestrian Access Pedestrian access will be focused on Richmond Street, this is due to it’s visual connection to John Street, as well as its higher pedestrian foot traffic.

Parking Parking will be provided underground, vehicular access to the parking will be from Nelson Street only.

By moving parking underground it allows an increase in much needed parking space, as well as providing constant revenue.

Bike Sharing The bike sharing hub currently sitting on Nelson Street, will be proposed to move to Richmond Street.

Richmond street has better access to public bike lanes, and more foot traffic to attract users.

Solution 92

Master Plan Key Visions 1

One district with equal but different parts

2

A north south Central Spine

3

A lattice of great streets for walking

4

A sequence of animated squares and plazas

5

Integrated heritage and distinct character

6

A high quality livable built environment

North South Central Spine John Street is indicated to become a key north-south axis of the entertainment district, planning to close frequently to hold pedestrian street markets and festivals. The development of such a proposed building will not only provide needed public amenities to such events, but also create a draw of its own.

Sequence of Squares and Plazas The key visions of the master plan includes the desire for a “variety of open spaces of high quality that can complement adjacent commercial uses, and serve as attractions and catalysts for revitalization essential to ensuring adequate amenity for high density living.”

High Quality Livable Built Environment The plan proposes specifically positive development that interacts with the human scale. Stating that the inclusion of developments should “ensure a vibrant, inviting, and appealing environment” for the pedestrian, a feature this project intends to adhere to.

93

Solution

Site Amenities: All amenities to the building and the site will be focused on Nelson Street.

These amenities include, garbage pickup, and service and delivery entrances, this is in conjunction with the context of Nelson Street, which includes several restaurants back of house amenities including garbage pickup, and parking spaces on the ground level.

Another amenity currently available on Nelson Street is a bike sharing hub. The hub houses approximately 30 bicycles, with a small rental kiosk.

This program proposes moving the hub to the opposite side of the site, on Richmond Street. Richmond Street currently has a developed bike lane, and connects to the larger network of bike lanes throughout the city. By moving the hub to Richmond Street, the hub will get more attention and use. This move also allows greater vehicular access to the site on Nelson Street.

Site Development: The development of this site is designed to combine a variety of mixed indoor outdoor spaces, creating a permeable public building. Permeability is one of the key design elements of third places, making the space clearly open to the public, thereby attracting more users. This design intents to achieve permeability through mixing program to achieve a new typology of space, combining elements of a public park, a public market, and a “private� building.

In conjunction with the building program, the site will become a key element of Zones 1 and 2, the Marketplace and Recreation Space. Zone 1, the Marketplace, acts as a strategic entry point to the site and the physical building.

The marketplace opens itself to the public realm. As listed in the building program, the marketplace will include: o Small CafĂŠ/ Coffee shop o Open areas to host temporary vendors o Community Urban Farm + Education Center o Public Gathering Space o Variety of Seating These elements will be programed in a hybrid of indoor outdoor spaces. The spaces will be designed dynamically, and have the ability to adapt to the elements as needed, for example moving indoors or outdoors as the weather changes.

This proposed project aims to incorporate a mixture of open gathering space and building through the utilization of permeable public space on the ground level.

The site will also feature a wide variety of biophilic elements. This is a key design feature to expose the restorative elements of the entire building, in a transparent and understandable way. Much of the site will be programmed similar to a park, and include biophilic elements such as trees, moving water, and access to natural light. The site is key design element in attracting and retaining users to the public realm of the proposed building.

Solution 94

Program The Building

Introduction: This project intends to define a new building typology of public amenities, by mixing the program and building type to create an entirely different definition of mixed use building. This project aims to achieve several distinct and separate goals.

These goals include • Promoting the restorative role of the built environment o Using elements of Biophilic Design o Using sustainable building challenges to promote a sustainable future • Promoting the role of Third Places to strengthening community • Break the typology of what a public amenities can be o Change the perception of preventative public health measures over corrective measures

Defining a new Typology: The proposal of a biophilic restorative building that is comprised of a mixture of third places is an unknown missing puzzle piece of the entertainment district. This proposed building creates a combination of elements in one key building that sets a new standard. This project creates and entirely new typology of third place, blurring the lines of public and private. Throughout

95

Solution

the programed elements, biophilic design will serve as a preventive public health measure. Therefore not only will the programmatic elements of the building drawing attention and use, but the integrated biophilic architectural design will subconsciously attract and serve as a public health amenity.

Building Program Components: Utilizing data gathered from the entertainment district master plan, and research on third places, the following programmatic elements will be included in this proposal.

The elements are broken up into six zones, they are: 1. Marketplace 2. Recreation and Activity 3. Community Living Room 4. Restorative Health Retreat 5. Co-Working Space 6. Small Hostel

Public

Marketplace

Recreation

Restorative Health Retreat

Community Living Room

Semi-Private

Co- Working Office

Hostel

Solution 96

Marketplace Zone 1 The marketplace is the strategic entry point of the facility.

The marketplace will be defined by a mixture of indoor/ outdoor spaces that draw a user in. One key characteristics of third places used here is the permeability and transparency of the facility, opening itself up to the public realm. Programed elements within zone 1 include:

o Small CafĂŠ/ Coffee shop o Open areas to host temporary vendors o Community Urban Farm + Education Center o Public Gathering Space o Variety of Seating

Recreation Zone 2 The inclusion of recreation space is a strong desire of the neighborhood. The goals of this project are to promote a restorative health environment, promoting well-being.

Respecting that, the activity in this zone will focus on mindful, peaceful activities within a biophilic setting, centering on practices to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Recreation in this facility will mimic typical recreation is a small urban park. This will include:

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Solution

o Walking and Running paths in natural environment o Gathering Spaces for group exercise (ex. Yoga) o Open green for casual sports

Community Living Room Zone 3 The Community Living Room is intended to serve as the central third place for the community. It is crucial to provide gathering space for community groups, and individuals.

Spaces within the Community Living Room include:

o Branch of the Toronto Public Library o Digital Resource Center o Private Meeting Rooms o Public Gathering Areas o Age Specific Zones (Children, Teens, Senior) o Private Work Space o Public Work Space

Restorative Health Retreat Zone 4 The restorative health retreat is a specific zone that targets those seeking additional help. While the entire building promotes restorative environments, this zone will provide additional resources for healing. The spaces will incorporate a mixture of settings that allow quiet private reflection and relaxation space, as well as larger gathering spaces where group meeting/ therapies can be held. This zone will rely on collaboration from local health resources to provide help and resources. These resources could include a variety of local non-profit groups. It will include:

o Private Deep Reflection Space o Resources for those seeking professional aid o Resources and Gathering Space for group therapies

Solution 98

Co Working Office Zone 5 Co-Working space is a growing trend in office design that promotes collaborative working in a shared office space.

The use of this zone will require a subscription based fee, giving the user access to the space. The space is equipped with a variety typical office amenities including;

o Individual Work Desks

o Group Work Desks

o Conference Rooms

o Casual Work Space This zone is meant to attract a mixture of users from companies in the area. Through the small fee a company can gain access to the space and is welcome to use it on an individual or company wide scale. This offers companies and individuals the choice to remove themselves from a typical office setting which may be stressful and unproductive, and work in an environment that promotes productivity, health and wellbeing. Co- working space also creates a vast mixture of users, promoting cross-corporate communication in drastically new ways.

Hostel Zone 6 Hostels are inexpensive places that provide shelter, beds and amenities. Hostels can take many forms but are often comprised of a mixture of dormitory style rooms, and private rooms. Although typically targeting younger users, hostels can host a wide variety of travelers. The inclusion of a hostel in this building provides a needed service to the area. Key to the entertainment districts success is an ever-changing influx of tourists attracted to entertainment in the area. As the demographic of the residents change, space must be provided for tourists to stay locally. A hostel is another example of a positive third place. The hostel provides a meeting and mixing ground for strangers and regulars. Overall providing a positive influx of users to the whole building. The hostel will include

o Dormitory Style Rooms

o Private Sleeping Rooms

o Common Shared Spaces

o Kitchen

o Bathrooms

o Gathering Space

99

Solution

How they work together: The programed zones of this facility work together to keep a vibrant mixture of users in the building. The zones can be divided into anchor tenants and public facilities. The anchor tenants will provide revenue for the building, as well as a safety factor. The anchor zones include zone 5 co-working space, and zone 6 the hostel. These zones provide a level of safety throughout the building by maintaining a full time presence. The anchors also provide constant users that help draw outsiders to the rest of the building.

The public facilities are intended to be fully accessible to any member of the public. This promotes community cohesion and activity.

Future Dynamics: The proposed building program is created to serve the needs of the entertainment district at this time. It is impossible to know the needs of the district in the future, but should none the less be planned for. Therefore some zones of this building will be designed dynamically with the ability to adapt in the future. This is a key feature in the continued success of this project, to provide a meaningful, long-term impacts.

Solution 100

Concept Form Development

The Site Maximize Site Potential

Context Maximize Sunlight Respect Surrounding Buildings

Circulation Connect Richmond Street and Nelson Street Cut Inner Courtyard Space

101

Solution

Concept Creating an Experience

Design driven by the creation of distinct zones of experience that allows a user to interact within their own comfort level. These experiences simulate natural patterns and processes found in nature and apply to the five principles of biophilic design.

Compression Guided Active Permeable

Rigid

Release Free Tranquil Transparent

Organic

Solution 102

Concept Program Application

Programming massing was applied to the design to respect the range of public and semi private programmatic elements.

The ground plane of the entire site is opened up entirely to public access.

The marketplace on the first floor includes a variety of permanent vendor stalls/shops and space for temporary vendor set up.

Additionally the first level introduces an integrated public park space that creates space for public recreation.

Flexible vendor space doubles as indoor recreation space for group activities such as yoga or dance.

On the second and third level another level of public space is introduced. These include the community living room and the restorative health retreat. These spaces are located along the main street facade, but maintain a small step of privacy due to its vertical location on the site.

The semi private spaces are reserved for the second through fifth floors of the back massing. The co-op office utilizes two large floors. The hostel occupies the uppermost floors of the building maintaining the most privacy on the site.

103

Solution

Solution 104

105

Solution

FINAL DESIGN Birds Eye Perspective from Nelson Street

Fifth Floor Hostel

Fourth Floor Hostel Public Rooftop Terraces

Third Floor Community Living Room Co-Working Office Public Rooftop Terraces

Second Floor Community Living Room Restorative Health Retreat Co- Working Office

Nelson

St.

First Floor Public Marketplace Public Recreation/Park Space Richm

ond S

t.

First Floor Public Space

Third Floor Community Living Room, Co- Work Office

Second Floor Restorative Health Retreat, Community Living Room, Co- Work Office

Fifth Floor Hostel

Fourth Floor Hostel

Exterior Environment

Winter Environment

Community Living Room

Marketplace

Co-Working Office

Interior Environment

Structure The structural system for this new typology of building needed to meet several criteria including a high level of flexibility to adapt in the future, an element of biophilia, and ease of construction of a small scale urban site. All of these influences led to the use of a CLT structure based on a twenty by twenty foot square column grid.

Across all floor planes there is raised access flooring. The raised flooring creates a 2 foot space between floor levels. This system allows all mechanical spaces to placed in the interstitial spaces between floors, and allows a high level of access and flexibility in reconfiguring to meet the spaces needs in the future.

Additionally this system allows the exposure of the CLT ceiling panels for the spaces below, and creates a new surface to apply additional finishes on the floors of the spaces.

This system design relies heavily upon input from precedents highlighted earlier in this research process.

Planting Analysis Seasonal Plantings

The following diagram highlights a variety of planting species utilized in this project. To strengthen this project’s overall concept the spaces created need to be usable and enjoyable in every season.

To optimize the visual appearance of the outdoor space, a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs are utilized throughout the site. This mixture provides visual interest in every season. Additionally a variety of winter blooming shrubs and berries are included in the selections.

Tree and plant species were also chosen following the City of Toronto’s guidelines for street trees.

This guideline was published to promote the planting of native, and hearty tree species that will thrive in this climate.

115

Solution

Ma

y

Ju ne

August

March

July

Red Maple Silver Maple Red Oak Sweet Gum Black Ash Winter Heather Winter Berries Juniper Holly Boxwood Boston Ivy White Spruce White Pine Balsam Fur

April

p

ry

Se er

Fe

a bru

tem b

O

ct

ob

er

Ja

Novem Solution 116

ber

Decem

ber

nu a

ry

Silver Maple

Sugar Maple

Black Gum

Red Maple

Sweet Gum Silver Maple

White Spruce

Balsam Fir

Sugar Maple

Black Gum

Red Maple White Spruce

White Pine

Silver Maple

Dogwood

Sugar Maple

Silver Maple

Sugar Maple

Dogwood

Juniper

Black Gum

Black Gum

Silver Maple

White Spruce White Pine

White Pine Dogwood

Dogwood Juniper

Planting Identification

117

Solution

Juniper

Holly

Boxwood

Sweet Gum

Sweet Sweet Gum Gum

White Spruce

White Spruce

iper

te Pine

Boston Ivy

Red Maple

Silver Maple

Sugar Maple

Black Gum

Black Gum Dogwood

Sweet Gum

Juniper Juniper

Solution 118

Analysis The Application of Biophilic Design

This project aims to apply the three applications of biophilic design as outlined in: The Practice of Biophilic Design by Stephen R. Kellert and Elizabeth Calabrese.. These three include; 1. The Direct Experience of Nature 2. The Indirect Experience of Nature 3. The Experience of Space and Place The intention of this design was to create an ecosystem between these three experiences overall simulating a true experience. On the next page a heatmap is produced highlighting some of the many experiences a user may interact with on this facility. Drawing further on these the individual type of experiences are highlighted - giving examples of how the three applications of biophilic design interact to create a well rounded space that overall promotes biophilia.

119

Solution

Direct Experience of Nature Physical contact with environmental features in the built environment.

Examples: Light, Air, Water, Plants, Animals, Weather, Natural Landscapes, Fire

Indirect Experience of Nature Contact with the representation of nature.

Examples : Images of Nature, Natural Materials, Natural Colors, Simulating Natural Light and Air, Naturalistic Shapes and Forms, Evoking Nature

Experience of Space and Place Spatial features characteristic of the natural environment that have advanced human health and wellbeing.

Examples: Prospect and Refuge, Organized Complexity, Integration of Parts to a Whole, Transitional Spaces, Mobility and Way finding

Solution 120

Entry

Community Living Room

Terrace 121

Solution

Solution 122

Post evaluation

125

Evaluation

Final Summary

The original hypothesis for this project called for the creation of a conceptual design for a new typology of green amenity in an urban setting.

Looking back, this project has addressed not only that, but aims at creating a conversation and bridge between designers and the public.

By engaging viewers of this project visually, this project promotes the fields of research in biophilic design, and calls for the necessary reassessment of promoting public wellbeing in urban settings.

This publication provides a summary of the research conducted in a condensed format with the hope that this project will fuel additional research, support and application of such ideas in the future.

Following is a visual summary of the presentation of this thesis at SUNY Alfred State in April of 2019.

Evaluation 126

Density Development

Bio Spaces Reconnection of Nature in Urban Ecology

The Site Maximum Site Potential

Trend of Urbanization

North America 88%

Canada 87%

Hypothesis

Europe 83%

Worldwide, the UN projects that by the year 2050,

68% of the world population will be living in urban spaces.

If practices of biophilic design can be incorporated into a publicly accessible building, then positive psychological impacts can provide benefit to a wider population.

World 68% Asia 66%

This hypothesis will be tested through the conceptual design of a new typology of green amenity in an urban setting. The project aims to test this hypothesis on several scales. On a broader scale, this project strives to reconnect humans to nature in urban settings, in an effort to gain the psychological benefits that correspond. On a smaller scale this project will result in the conceptual design of a prototype of building, addressing new concepts regarding how the public interacts with biophilic design. Overall, this will result in a building concept that is a hybrid mixture of nature and third places. This conceptual design will serve as a new prototype of integrated urban nature that can be implemented around the globe.

Census data projects that the population in the city of Toronto will increase by fifty percent in the next fifty years. The density of the city is also increasing drastically from 4,000 people per square kilometer, to more than 7,700 in the year 2066.

0% 1600

1700

1800

1900

2000

Context

Psychological Benefits Increased Mental Behavior

All of these elements combined can result in a multitude of health benefits that have shown positive effects on ADHD, anxiety, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, migraines, musculoskeletal complaints, respiratory disease, and an overall increase in healing time.

Better Air Quality

2050

Natural compounds boost immune system

Physical Benefits

Lack Of Adequate Green Space

Mental Health in Urban Areas

Only

13%

Promotes physical activity Increased social activity

Circulation

Statistically people living in urban areas suffer from higher rates of mental disorders, including depression and anxiety.

This is due to a variety of per-existing risk factors, social factors, environmental factors, and stimulation factors. Good mental health is essential in achieving resilient cities, and design must speak to help improve overall wellbeing.

Mexico City New York City Los Angeles Chicago Washington San Fransisco Boston Philadelphia Toronto Dallas Houston Miami Atlanta Detroit San Diego Phoenix Seattle Montreal

of Toronto’s total land area is dedicated green space/park space.

This is considerable less than comparable cities in North America that average at 24%

Maximize Sunlight Respect Surrounding Buildings

Results

Wide range of relaxation and stress reducers

Environmental Factors

Connect Richmond Street and Nelson Street Cut Inner Courtyard Space

Existing Stresses in Urban Life Rapid Increase in Urbanization

Risk of Mood Disorders:

Increased Mental Illness in Urban Areas

39%

Program Development

Higher Reported Levels of Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease and High Blood Pressure in Urban Areas

Higher Risk in Urban Areas

Public

1500

The research of biophilia suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life . Biophilic design is the corresponding field of design that implements elements of the natural environment into the built environment.

Risk of Anxiety Disorders:

20%

Higher Risk in Urban Areas

RESULTS =Preventative Healthcare Focused on Wellbeing

Ade

laid e Wes Street t

Recreation

t

Queen

Street

West

5

4

hn

mon d Wes Stre et t en St Wes reet t

Street Adelaide

Jo

Que

King

Street

West

3

Front

Street

2

Restorative Health Retreat

1

inment

District

Role of Third Places in Community Cohesion

Common Context

?

Third places provide a common context in which residents can judge the trustworthiness of other residents and strangers.

Third places provide common interactions with both the regular and the new/exotic, creating connections between community members that would not exist otherwise.

Ray Oldenburg describes third places as neutral grounds where people can gather and interact.

Historically third places worldwide have served as meeting grounds that level the social status of its users. Thereby, applying social equity and promoting grassroots politics, societal revolutions, creating habits of public interaction, and offering psychological support to individuals and communities. At the same time, third places are also where “people can put aside their concerns and simply enjoy the company and conversation around them”.

?

Sense of Place Third places help create a sense of place within a neighborhood, creating pride and sentiment for the community as a whole.

3

Union Station

7

Eaton Centre

4

Royal Bank Plaza

8

Toronto City Hall

Community Living Room

Street

Community Desires

Yonge Street

Yonge

Local Retail

Hockey Hall of Fame

6

Avenue

2006 - 2016 Resident Population Growth

MAIN ST

5

CN Tower

Spadina

39.5%

Rogers Centre

2

y Avenue

Main Street

MAIN ST

Libraries

MAIN ST

1

Universit

MAIN ST

The Entertainment District is a growing community, with a vibrant mixture of some of Toronto’s biggest attractions, with a rapidly increasing residential base.

Its close proximity to the downtown financial district attracts many residents and workers throughout the day. The neighborhood houses many theaters and entertainment venues, as well as many notable bars and restaurants.

More recently, TED has evolved into an older resident base. Previously, the population demographics contained students and young professionals, now they are sitting at a median age of 32 years of age and rising, with higher rates of families. The districts master plan reflects the desire of the neighborhoods to keep to its roots in entertainment, while also appealing to its maturing resident base.

The Location

Queen

St. W.

Street Adelaide

King

St. W.

Semi-Private

Du nca

n

Str ee

t

The Enterta

Typical Third Places

Public Transportation

37.9%

Subway Line

Transit Stop

Streetcar Line

Union Station

Of residents expressed a desire for an increase in community amenities Such as:

Hostel

Concept Development Design driven by the creation of distinct zones of experience that allows a user to interact within their own comfort level. These experiences simulate natural patterns and processes found in nature and apply to the five principles of biophilic design.

Public Space Recreation Space

Neutral Meeting Ground Community interactions that take place in third places help decrease the social stratification, and overall unifying social ties between social classes.

THIRD PLACES ARE A SOURCE OF UNTAPPED POTENTIAL TO

STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES AND ARE A VITAL PART OF CREATING HEALTHY SOCIAL INTERACTIONS.

127

7

8

6

Str ee

Rich

Avenue

Not Home, Not Work.

The places in-between.

In 1991, sociologist Ray Oldenburg wrote the book The Great Good Place, coining the term third places, and their necessary role in society. He defines third places as “a place of refuge other than home or the workplace where people can regularly visit and communicate with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers”. Additional research and support pushes for the necessary inclusion of third places to create vibrant, and strong communities.

?

Spadina

What are Third Places?

Marketplace

y Avenue Universit

Site: Toronto, Ontario

Evaluation

Compression

Study Space Hang out Retail

Destination Culture

The neighborhood currently has a lack of places to just be. The districts reliance on entertainment has created a destination culture. This means that without any specific plans to go to an event, showing, or specific restaurant, the neighborhood has a hard time retaining activity. As the demographic changes, there is a need for third places that truly act as an in-between space, giving the residents of the community a break from the activity, and allowing a space that promotes unplanned interactions.

Release

Guided

Free

Active

Tranquil

Permeable

Transparent

Existing Greenspace According to data compiled by the city of Toronto the areas adjacent to the site have the worst percentage of green space per resident.

Rigid

Organic N

Planting Seasonal Analysis Red Maple

Maple To optimizeRedthe visual appearance of the outdoor space, a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs are utilized throughout the site.

This mixture provides visual interest in every season.

Silver Maple

Red Maple

Hostel

Silver Maple

Black Gum

Red Maple Sugar Maple

Black Gum

May

Sugar Maple

Black Gum

White Spruce

White Spruce Sugar Maple

Dogwood Dogwood

White Pine

Balsam Fir Black Gum

Black Gum

Sugar Maple

Dogwood

Sweet Gum

Sweet Gum

White Pine Sugar Maple

White Pine

White Spruce

Dogwood

White Pine

Dogwood Black Gum

Juniper Sweet Gum

Black Gum

Boston Ivy White Spruce

Sweet Gum Sweet Gum

Black Gum

Juniper

White Spruce Silver Maple

Juniper Juniper

Dogwood

Sugar Maple

Silver Maple

Sweet Gum

Red Maple White Pine

White Pine

Silver Maple

Red Maple

Silver Maple

Red Maple White Spruce

Sweet Gum Sweet Gum

Red Maple

Sweet Gum Black Ash

Dogwood

Juniper

Juniper

Silver Maple

Winter Heather Winter Berries Juniper

Red Maple

Silver Maple

Sugar Maple

Black Gum

Sweet Gum

Holly Boxwood

White Spruce

White Pine

Dogwood

Juniper

Juniper

Boston Ivy White Spruce White Pine Silver MapleFur Balsam Sugar Maple

Black Gum Sweet Gum

Sweet Gum White Spruce

White Spruce White Pine

White Pine Dogwood

Dogwood Juniper

Juniper

Holly

Boxwood

August

March

Sugar Maple Black Gum

July

Red Maple Silver Maple

Red Maple

em

uary Febr

Sept ber

Oc

ary

tobe

Janu

r November

December

Fourth Floor

Sugar Maple

April

Red Maple

Silver Maple Red Oak

June

Fourth Floor

Silver Maple

Hostel Public Rooftop Terraces

Biophilic Design Principles

Third Floor

Repeated and sustained engagement with nature.

Community Living Room

Encourages emotional attachment to settings and place.

Human adaptations to the natural world that over evolutionary time

Public Rooftop Terraces

wellbeing.

Promotes positive interactions between people and nature that encourages an expanded sense of relationship and responsibility for the human and natural communities.

Encourages mutual reinforcing, interconnected, and integrated architectural solutions.

Application of Biophilic Design Direct Experience of Nature Physical contact with environmental features in the built environment.

Examples: Light, Air, Water, Plants, Animals, Weather, Natural Landscapes, Fire

Second Floor Community Living Room Restorative Health Retreat

Indirect Experience of Nature Contact with the representation of nature.

N

Examples : Images of Nature, Natural Materials, Natural Colors, Simulating Natural Light and Air, Naturalistic Shapes and Forms, Evoking Nature

First Floor

Experience of Space and Place

Public Marketplace Public Recreation/Park Space

Spatial features characteristic of the natural environment that have advanced human health and wellbeing.

Examples: Prospect and Refuge, Organized Complexity, Integration of Parts to a Whole, N

Entry

Terrace

Community Living Room

Evaluation 128

129

Evaluation

FINAL Models Evaluation 130

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