Site Finding in a Complex Urban Landscape

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates a working method for architectural analysis that combines manipulation of spatial data with a systematic analysis approach, configured for small-scale urban site selection in Toronto. The study adapts existing computational design strategies from the disciplines of Geography and Planning, including Geographic Information System(GIS) and the decision-making method of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). A computational tool prototype is created in this thesis to showcase how existing methods can be employed at a neighbourhood scale oriented to local community groups' needs. The study utilizes the use-case of community garden site finding for non-profit organizations in Toronto as a specialized application of this working method. A design demonstration is included, consisting of two parts of the site selection process: conducting a co-relation study by examining existing community gardens within city areas, and developing a neighbourhood scale suitability model using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Additionally, this thesis conducts a set of reflections on the computational process relating to this prototype. By showcasing how GIS and AHP can be applied to a tangible neighbourhood scale within the architecture domain, the thesis hopes to contribute to the broad discussion of spatial data-driven architectural planning and systems thinking.