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CONTENTS

project summary

team abstract

exisiting conditions

analyzing the strata

proposed conditions

conceptual

manipulating the strata

proposed conditions

terrain

water

vechicular

buildings

infrastructure

pedestrian

landscape

zoning

site documentation

techincal information

site sections

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In 2008 Waterfront Toronto, the City of Toronto and Toronto Transit Commissionare, under took a study and design competition of the Lower Don Lands area. A Master Plan was developed for transportation, waste and storm water management in the Lower Don Lands area. The Keating North Precinct area is generally bounded by the Don rail yard and Gardiner Expressway on the north, Parliament Street Slip on the west, Keating Channel on the south and the Don Road/Don Valley Parkway on the east. The Lower Don Lands study area includes the Don Mouth Naturalization EA study area and will incorporate the outcome of that separate EA, which is currently underway. It also addressed the Queens Quay Extension and Port Lands Transit that were previously initiated by Waterfront Toronto.

This area is a critical link between three emerging new waterfront communities in the East Bayfront, the West Don Lands and the Port Lands. The mouth of the Don River is the centerpiece of the Lower Don Lands, released at the shore of Lake Ontario, reas-serting its presence in the city and allowing it to become a symbol of the Lower Don Lands as a whole. Naturalizing the mouth of the river will add parkland and waterfront property. Both the urban and natural elements of the landscape will evolve over the course of many years, creating interim conditions that give form, focus, and character to the developing neighbourhood. The Lower Don Lands will be transformed from port to sustainable “green” city; a new type of territory where city, lake, and river interact in a dynamic and balanced relationship – an urban estuary. Initial planning has already begun for bringing new roads and new transit infrastructure through the Lower Don Lands to service new development, however, until now, no com-prehensive process has been established to produce an overall vision for integrating these various initiatives while simultaneously addressing the complex technical chal-lenges this area presents. Their project goals were to: 1. Naturalize the Mouth of the Don River 2. Create a Continuous Riverfront Park System 3. Provide for Harmonious New Development 4. Connect Waterfront Neighbourhoods 5. Prioritize Public Transit 6. Develop a Gateway into the Portlands 7. Humanize Existing Infrastructure 8. Enhance the Martin Goodman Trail 9. Expand Opportunities for Interaction with the Water 10. Promote Sustainable Development

project summary

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team abstract

As part of our Arch431 studio course at The Pennsylvania State University, the group of Jared McKnight, Michelle Ouellette, Richard Kelly and Tyeler Seagren undertook a study and design competition to propose a new masterplan for the Lower Don Lands area in Toronto, Canada. Working with the idea of ana-lyzing and manipulating the strata of the city, they developed a master plan that followed the slight change in direction of Cherry Street under the Gardiner Expressway. Playing off of this shifted angle, they developed a new grid over the Keating North Precinct area, incorporating new terrain, water, pedestrian, vehicular, rail, transit, building and zoning layers.

In shifting the grid they were not only able to create unique moments throughout the site that would serve to bring people back to the waterfront, but they were also able to develop a plan that redefined the strata of the city. Paying homage to the industrial quality of the pre-existing site, they chose to highlight the heri-tage structures, leaving them untouched as civic monuments. In order to rec-ognize the streets that once existed on the site, they proposed the excavation of canals, which would increase waterfront access, as well as allow for more vi-brant areas within the constraints of the site borders. Furthermore, they created an ecologically diverse atmosphere throughout the site. Through their proposal, the Lower Don Lands will be transformed into a thriving “green” neighborhood within the Toronto community, working to bring people back to the waterfront.

The revival of the industrial atmosphere of the site, along with the incorporation of an innovative new green belt serve to redefine the strata of the site: with new recreational, institutional, educational, residential, and commercial attractions, MOKS Toronto will undoubtedly bring the people of Toronto back to the water-front. The goals of the project were to: 1. Bring people back to the Waterfront 2. Create vibrant and unique spaces through a shifted grid 3. Revive the industrial heritage of the site 4. Reinvigorate the mouth of the Don River 5. Increase access through public transit systems 6. Renew a brownfield site 7. Reinvent zoning systems through mixed-use buildings 8. Expand Toronto’s academic system 9. Introduce a new civic and institutional precinct 10. Promote sustainable and “green” design

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exisiting conditions

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proposed conditions

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site documentation

Initially, we set out to analyze the existing conditions of the site. We decided to look at the idea of the city as a stratified network, one that consisted of multiple layers that cohesively existed together.

In analyzing the strata of the city, and more specifically our site, we separated the site into eight different layers:

1. Terrain 2. Water 3. Pedestrian 4. Vehicular 5. Railway 6. Transit 7. Building 8. Zoning

After separating the layers of the site and analyzing them as individual pieces within the larger strata of the city, we decided to approach our proposal in a way that would manipulate the ways in which a typical city is layed out.

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analyzing the strata

TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

ZONING

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TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

ZONING

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TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

ZONING

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TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

ZONING

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TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

ZONING

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TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

ZONING

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TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

ZONING

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TERRAIN

WATER

PEDESTRIAN

VEHICULAR

RAILWAY

TRANSIT

BUILDING

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Conceptually, we were very inspired by the industrial qualities of the site. We knew from our first visit to the site that we wanted to celebrate the industrial qualities of the site, as well as the many heritage structures that were still standing within the site borders. Furthermore, we wanted to work with the existing change-in-direction of Cherry Street that happened directly undernear the Gardiner Expressway.

Using this minor kink in the road, we decided to shift the grid over our site from the grid of the existing city. For us, the shift in the grid not only symbolized the manipulation of the strata on the site, but it also created unique spaces and blocks upon which buildings could be built that resembled the cracked rocks we found on the site. In using this idea, we were able to establish spaces on the site that would allow for unique buildings in a new waterfront community for Toronto.

conceptual

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manipulating the strata

In addition to the new, shifted grid over our site, we also wanted to celebrate the site as we found it. Thus, in an attempt to pay homage to the roads that existed on the site, we proposed the excavation of a system of canals over the areas that were once the primary means of transport throughout the site. Existing shipping channels were maintained in keeping with the industrial history of the site. Furthermore, existing silos and major buildings were also incorporated into the fabric of the new site. Building heights are kept at an industrial warehouse level with minimal high rise placed to the north of the site. Sun exposure and flooding were studied extensively.

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proposed conditions

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Due to the industrial nature of the sites previous tenants, the land has little topogra-phy. We chose to maintain this and are proposing little major topographical changes. The brownfield nature of the site requires the excavation and remediation of the soil. The excavated earth will be placed back onto the site. The new terrain will interact with the water front through canals as well as sloping land. Buildings on the edge of the canals are occasionally on sloping sites incorporating flood zones into the built fabric. The buildings, people, and land are part of an interactive waterfront in this plan.

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siteterrain

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sitewater

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VEHICULAR

Within the constraints of our site, we have a variety of building partis. Each parti pertains to a particular type of mixed-use building. On a smaller scale, each of the blocks within our site has either public or private borders, with the majority of the privatly owned spaces near or bordering the civic center.

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buildings

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infrastructure

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In designing a pedestrian network for our site, we aimed to create pedestrian paths that would allow for an interesting juxtaposition between the shifted grid of our streets and the ways in which people experience the site. In imple-menting a network of curvilinear pe-destrian paths throughout the site, we were able to develop a new stratified experience for the Toronto residents.

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sitepedestrian

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sitelandscape

In addition to rethinking the layers and strata of the site, we also wanted to redefine the zoning conditions of the build-ings. Rather than designing specific buildings, we developed a series of parties that would be applied to buildings based on their mixed-use features and location on the site. We also wanted to stress in our parties the idea that all buildings should be mixed-use buildings. Our 7 building parties consisted of: high rise, sunken yards, civic buildings, sloped sites, parking conditions, waterfront residential, and buildings that bridged canals or roads. In creating these specific parties, we aimed to have the qualities of the building match the building’s use. For example, the high income waterfront residential parties (pictured above) feature punctures that allow for access to the waterfront as well as outdoor balconies and spaces for the residents of the building.

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sitezoning

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sections

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sections

CLIMATE SENSITIVE DESIGN

In designing for the winter climate of Toronto, we chose to capitalize on the year-around conditions, rather than focusing solely on the three months of summer. Our goal as a team was to make the site livable year round, in both the summer and the winter. We took into account such factors as wind exposure, lack of sunlight, rain, and snow; working to reduce these in our built environment.

1. MAXIMIZE SOLAR EXPOSURE Toronto receives an average of 3 to 4 hours of sunlight per day in the winter months. To create a livable experience urban design and architecture must react to this condition. On the Lower Don Lans site, we worked to maximize solar exposure by: - Maximizing the amount of glazing on the southern facades to allow light in during winter months and the opportunity to employ passive solar techniques. - Providing covered walkways on the south that allow for shade and create main pedestrian activity on sunny sides of building. - Integrating landscaping to provide shade to pedestrians and buildings. - Utilizing a slight trombe wall effect on the high-rise section of the site. - Increasing building height towards the north part of the site, leaving south facades exposed and decreasing shadows. Individual buildings have step downs toward south. 2. CONTROL SNOW/RAIN ACCUMULATION Winter climates often have extreme accumulations of snow and rain, the goal was to ensure that there were places on our site for the excess to accumulate. Methods that were employed were: - Strategically placed barriers and landscaping to allow for snow build up and rain drainage, particularly in public spaces and parking lots. - Wider streets, use for bicycle paths and excess snow storage and rain drainage. - Slightly raised pedestrian crosswalks, which eliminate snow build up problems and allow pedestrians to easily cross streets.

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technical

3. MINIMIZE WIND AND TEMPERATURE EXPOSURE By reducing exposure to wind, architecture can work to mediate the extremely cold temperatures of Canadian winters and in return extend the period of comfort in an outdoor environment. We worked to control this factor, making our site usable year long, by: - Developing compact buildings which are tightly packed within the site, encourage pedestrians to interact with various build ings and program spaces, while still being relatively sheltered from the wind and harsh temperature. - Prohibiting tall, isolated buildings which serve to increase the wind condition. Our shorter buildings of relatively same height, work to decrease the wind speed. Slight projects and changes in the roof volume also add to the control of wind. - Incorporating the use of overhangs on south facade, enclosed hallways on northern facade to allow for wind and temperature control. - Enforcing that all buildings serve multiple purposes; mixed use buildings sustain street activity for all seasons, various activities within one controlled climate. - Integrating landscaping to control wind; for example tree lined streets, tree clusters, and strategic changes in terrain.

4. CONNECTED PEDESTRIAN SPACES When designing for the climate, the main goal is for pedestrian spaces to be use during for all seasons not a selective one or two. This was achieved with in our Lower Don Lands design by: - Emphasizing equally the importance of cars, pedestrians, kes, and transit. - Incorporating continuous covered walkways, both interior and exterior. - Semi-conditioned spaces and protected outdoor spaces create a buffer zone between the interior and exterior. - Dual purpose spaces; for example the canals able to become skating rink in winter, water features in summer.

SUSTAINABILITY

The focus of redeveloping the Lower Dow Lans is to create a new and sustainable site along the Toronto waterfront. Our proposal uses the resources that are already on the site to their fullest potential through innovative transformation and adaptations of the existing elements, as well as an efficient use of new resources and technology. 1. SOLAR - The master plan of the site works to maximize solar exposure, but addressing the square footage of south facade as well as the suggested heights for buildings. Beyond the current level of development we plan to encourage, and possibly offer incentives to developers who integrative solar panels and other forms of solar technology into their development designs. 2. GREEN ROOFS - Mandate, as required by the City of Toronto, that all buildings on the site over a gross square footage of 2,000 square meters shall include a green roof. - All green roofs will be maintained based on the regulations provided by the City of Toronto, The Toronto Green Roof Construction Standard. - Encourage all developers to consider using native plants for their green roofs, as well as to considered the impact of winter green roofs. Winter green roofs use evergreens, juniper shrubs, and a thicker soil base then the typical green roof. Such plantings have been known to reduce heat loss in buildings during the winter months. - All partis encourage the direct engagement of the use and the green roof, providing another exterior space for the pedestrian to use. 3. REMEDIATED/RECYCLED SOIL - Soil and sediment removal in digging of canals to be brought to treatment plant, located near by - Once treated, brought back to site where we will utilize ascientific-based approach to use river sediment, removed soil and ecological principles to give form to our site. - The goal is that all soil removed for canals development is to be placed back on site for various landscape and terrain needs. 4. USE OF EXISTING - Heritage structures will remain and become a vital part of the site, creating public parks that can be accessed and enjoyed by the Greater Toronto Area. - We hope to recycle as many building materials from the existing site as well as through out the Toronto area. These materials, remaining bricks, corrugated steel, etc. will later be reused and incorporated into the design of future building, signage, and lighting of the site.

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technical

FLOOD CONTROL

Currently, the Don River is characterized by fluctuations in water flow, as well as water pollution and extreme amounts sediment deposition. In addressing the hydrology of the river, we’ve designed a network of canals designed to slow river flow and decrease flooding in the event of a huge storm. At the location that the Don River meets the Keating Channel, a large canal continues water flow south toward the Shipping Channels. Various smaller canals within the site deliver different volumes of water throughout, and work to create a physical connection to the resident and visitors of the Lower Don Lands. In addition, areas of sloping terrain allow for the accumulation of excess water, providing direct interaction between the water, land, and pedestrian. The canal system not only addresses flooding within the site, but is representative of the industrial past of the selected site.