Grounding Condoland: Counteracting Future Deline

A complex array of factors has facilitated a recent influx of condominiums in Toronto. Many of these high-density residential developments appear to have affected the human scale and integrative sense of community. Concord CityPlace will serve as a site for analysis. The question asked is whether speculation about CityPlace is correct that the development will ultimately deteriorate into slums. Solutions will be provided in regards to site isolation and pedestrian accessibility and the use of outdoor urban spaces within and directly around the site. This thesis will respond through urban design and architectural interventions, situated along three site borders. We will adapt ideas from Jane Jacobs’ critique of the modern city and her theory of border vacuums. A debate with Jan Gehl’s concept of spaces for moving and places for staying and Richard Sennett’s notion of the open system will then serve to enhance Jacob’s outlined themes.