The Canada Malting Co. Silos on Toronto’s Waterfront

ARC381 | Technology Studio IV

Timothy Boll

Academic | Group Project

April 2023

The team was tasked with renovating the Malting towers at the Waterfront, transforming them into a mixed-use building featuring a farmer’s market and a gallery/ exhibition space. The challenge involved retaining 80% of the facade and preserving the concrete structure.

To address these constraints, the team delved into Chaos Theory and explored nonlinear dynamics in a structural context. The introduction of the irregular Gyroid concept to the Northern Silos aimed to create smaller exhibition spaces. Simultaneously, by incorporating the Helicoid concept in the Southern Side of the silos, we aimed to establish more significant and spacious exhibition areas.

The project’s objective was to establish a horizontal zoning that is visibly present throughout the structure, offering a contrast to the silos’ isolated vertical spaces within the interior.

I was in chanrge of the visuals and the diagrams of the project, including conceptual and non-conceptual. I also contributed to the physical model 3d printing process and the building process.

My teammates and I deisgned further animations that include an overview of the deisgned space, and I was in charge of the editing process.

The Southern Silos, showcasing grand spaces designed using the helicoid mathematical concept to accommodate large exhibitions. | Scale 1:150

The Northern Silos, showcasing mini spaces designed using the gyroid mathematical concept to accommodate small gallergy exhibitions. | Scale 1:150

Abstract Diagram

Typology Diagram: Northern Side

The irregular gyroid folds onto itself to create a porous and interconnected lattice-like pattern. This folding enables the creation of adaptable positive forms and elements that can be used to create smaller exhibition spaces while maintaining a sense of connection and fluidity within the structure. The horizontal zoning created by the gyroid patterns aims to create a contrast with the vertical spaces of the silos.

The helicoid is a simpler form extracted from the gyroid by subtracting from the space to create a negative void. The helicoid is created by looping a horizontal space infinitely on itself along a vertical axis. The repetition of the helicoid results in a wide minimal space on the vertical axis.

This design approach exemplifies how the folding of the gyroid and the inward looping of the helicoid can be utilized to create adaptable and dynamic spaces by creating repulsion and attraction forces that are both functional and visually appealing.

Comprising 13 floors, the following visuals depict the integration of both the gyroid and the helicoid into the structure of the silos. The team preserved the majority of the existing vertical and horizontal planes, such as the walls and floors, to designate the spaces.

On the rooftop, the team designed an open-air restaurant for visitors to enjoy the view of the silos. In the middle, there is an elevator surrounded by offices and facilities for the staff.