Thesis Title: Into The Yellowbelt
Advisor: Mark Sterling
2020
Considering the housing crisis that Toronto is going through and the city’s projected population growth — from the current 2.7 million to over 3.9 million by 2041 — a different approach needs to be considered to accommodate growth within the city’s neighborhoods. This research looks at different ways of densifying Toronto’s infamous Yellowbelt — areas zoned primarily for detached homes — first by identifying different edge conditions and locations with opportunities for growth; second, by proposing different solutions that can be applied around the city.
From this map, the RD area around Etobicoke Center w] was selected, as it exhibits many of the conditions that push for densification.
Macro Scale Study
Areas of influence & possible intervention
The maps above explore areas where changes can begin to happen in the Yellowbelt, and eventually lead to the selection of an area that is influenced by multiple densification factors.
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Meso Scale Study
Study of the selected area & framework for densification..
The maps below explore specific site conditions amd densification strategies to be applied.
The divide between employment and residential zones is evident.
Some pockets to the left of Islington Ave. begin to infiltrate the employment zone, this indicated that change wants to happen, but it's not permitted.
The divide between employment and residential zones is evident.
Selected Demonstration Zones
The image below shows an axonometric of the site, and hightlights the selected areas to exhibit densification strategies.
Zone 1: Small Scale Employment Meets Residential Detatched
Lots structure & typologies
Zone A: Small Scale Employment Meets Residential Detatched
Phasing Axo
Zone B: Residential Detatched Near Centres, Avenues & Transit
Zone C: Large Scale Employment Meets Residential Detatched
Site Axonometric: Exhibiting Possible Changes in Selected Areas