ARCH 14 - Front View Garden - Mixed-Use Brownfield Redevelopment

Front View Garden is a mixed-use brownfield redevelopment located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Developed as part of my final semester studio at Centennial College, this project aims to reimagine and transform an un-utilized industrial site into a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable urban neighborhood. The core objective is to revitalize the land through a balanced integration of residential, commercial, and public spaces, creating a livable and future-ready community for all.

The development includes a medium-format grocery store that serves as a local anchor, a range of commercial retail units and offices to support local businesses, and several residential buildings that cater to various income levels. A significant portion of the housing stock is dedicated to affordable housing, providing secure and accessible living options for lower-income households, students, and young families. This mixed-income approach promotes socio-economic diversity and strengthens community ties.

Shared public amenities are thoughtfully incorporated, including a central public plaza, landscaped gardens, and community center recreational facilities. These elements are designed to foster interaction, support healthy living, and encourage a strong sense of belonging among residents. The layout prioritizes pedestrians by offering wide walkways, shaded areas, and opportunities for rest and leisure. One of the major design decisions was to move the buildings along Font Street slightly away from the property line. This adjustment creates space for a broader pedestrian promenade with wider sidewalks and tree-lined buffers areas. These public realm improvements promote social interaction, enhance walkability, and provide shaded rest areas that improve the comfort and accessibility of the street.

Connectivity to nearby public transportation is another key feature of the proposal. Strategically located near TTC transit routes, the site encourages residents and visitors to rely less on private cars, reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion in the downtown area. Although the project does not include dedicated bike lanes, it supports pedestrian-friendly mobility through high-quality sidewalk infrastructure and safe street crossings.

Front View Garden demonstrates how brownfield sites can be strategically redeveloped to meet the growing urban demand for sustainable housing and community services. The proposal is grounded in inclusive, environmentally responsible, and human-scale design principles, offering a replicable model for urban regeneration in dense metropolitan settings.

The design approach is strongly guided by contextual integration. The massing, scale, and use of the buildings are carefully designed to respond to the surrounding built environment. The use of a podium-and-tower configuration creates a sense of human scale at street level while allowing for increased density above. This approach ensures that the development complements the existing urban fabric without overwhelming the streetscape.

Vehicular access is carefully managed to minimize disruption to the public realm. The main loading and unloading zones, drop-off area, and entrance to the underground carpark are all located within an internal service lane. By removing these access points from the main road, the design effectively reduces the potential for traffic congestion and ensures that Font Street remains open, safe, and enjoyable for pedestrians.

The internal road system supports efficient circulation and service access without compromising the overall flow of the neighborhood. On-street parking is limited to encourage alternative modes of travel and to maintain a clean, unobstructed public realm. Below-grade parking meets essential vehicular storage needs while maintaining the walkability and permeability of the surface-level streetscape.

The ground floor of each building features active frontages with retail, community space, or lobbies that open directly onto public walkways. This increases visual interest and ensures constant passive surveillance, contributing to a safer and more engaging public environment.

Sustainability is deeply embedded in both the architectural and planning aspects of the development. A variety of environmentally responsible features are incorporated to reduce the project's ecological footprint and enhance its long-term viability.

Green roofs are installed on all residential and commercial buildings. These roofs reduce heat island effects, absorb stormwater runoff, and provide additional insulation, which contributes to improved energy efficiency throughout the year. In addition, rooftop solar panels are installed to harness renewable energy, lowering operational costs and decreasing reliance on the power grid.

Energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems, including the use of LED lighting and low-energy appliances, further contribute to overall energy savings. The buildings are designed to maximise natural daylight and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.

Wherever possible, construction materials are sourced locally or made from recycled content. This not only supports the regional economy but also reduces transportation emissions and the environmental impact associated with the production and delivery of building materials.

The open space and landscape strategy supports biodiversity by incorporating native plant species, pollinator gardens, and habitat-friendly features. These natural elements contribute to stormwater management and provide educational opportunities for the local community.