Sustainable Design Of A Residential- Mixed Use Mid-Rise In The Junction Triangle Neighbourhood

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to design and present building strategies for housing that demonstrate efficient well-integrated continuity between human, nature, and technology for a high – mid-density building in a populated urban environment on a main avenue in Toronto’s Bloor Street south and the West Toronto rail path. The building design incorporates sustainable strategies such as Passive cooling methods, energy generation, Rainwater harvesting, CO2 consumption, Vertical Integration of vegetation, Natural ventilation, Daylight penetration and constructed wasteland for rainwater treatment. The objective is to achieve a better state of mental and physical health for the occupants and their neighbourhood. The thesis proposes these design strategies without the constraint of financial viability in this day and age, so as to promote such methods and mentality in forthcoming constructions. The thesis asks, how can Architects participate in reforming our society with today’s ever-changing needs? What are those most pressing issues? How can architecture tackle these issues from its own standpoint? The thesis takes the stand that Global warming and mental health are the primary contemporary issues in developed countries, subsequently, in developing countries, global warming will have the highest devastating effects on the most fragile and vulnerable settlements. In order to steer the planet away from an ecosystem collapse and to reconstruct that environment, we need to address humanity’s manipulation of the environment and change the makeup of the physical spaces we occupy. The purpose of this thesis is to research by design in the specific setting of Bloor St South meets West Toronto rail path so as to find the best possible solution regarding overall health and sustainability.