From Time

Abstract

This thesis, From Time, explores the intersection of community and the built environment within Scarborough, Ontario, by examining the decommissioned Scarborough Rapid Transit elevated guideway as a site for adaptive reuse. Scarborough, one of six boroughs of Metropolitan Toronto, is shaped by post-WWII suburban sprawl, industrial zoning, and modernist ideals of efficiency. Its immigrant communities have adapted the industrial-residential landscape to meet their communal needs, both formally through the reuse of industrial buildings and informally through the occupation of the terrain vague. Through personal reflections, historical research, and site analysis, this thesis investigates Scarborough’s social and communal dynamics. It explores how the remnants of the Scarborough RT infrastructure can reimagine public space, fostering a sense of communal identity. The design proposes the guideway’s reuse as a linear park with architectural infill, seeking to honour Scarborough’s history while providing a space that reflects its diverse cultural spirit. This thesis contributes to ongoing discussions on community-centric design, offering a locally rooted, culturally responsive approach to redevelopment. The project emphasizes the need for spaces that support local social life, preserving the ingenuity and optimism that define the community of Scarborough.