Toronto Carpet Factory Residence

Thesis Statement:

We are living in an environment that is Barrier Induced (Access Restrictive) and I plan on changing that. I will be utilizing a preexisting historic building (The Toronto Carpet Factory) located in liberty village. It's currently functioning as a commercial office building. My goal is to preserve the historic charm of this 1920's factory while integrating the technicality of inclusive/accessible design. As well as incorporate the visual/functional appeal of interior design; unlike most inclusive design facilities which look commercialized and very sterile. This residential/co-living facility will be open to all people from those who are low-income families, students, young professionals, seniors and especially those with visible and invisible disabilities. The entire facility exceeds the AODA's requirements for accessibility. Each square foot of this co-living facility will incorporate accessibility at the core of the design. By doing so I aim to better the quality of life for Torontonians and families with visible and invisible disabilities. While createing a space/environment that feels like home and a community.

Photo Essay Of Site:

I took black and white photos of my site as well as the surrounding street scapes to evoke the spirit and vibe of Liberty Village.

Site

Map of Site

Site

Site Research:

Situations:

Pre design phase depiction of what I thought my Thesis interiors may look like.

Basement Swimming Pool

Main Lobby Reception

Cafe

Residence Lounge

Residence Unit Kitchen and Dining

5th Floor Indoor Garden

Study Space

Rooftop Community Garden

Inspirational Images and Materiality

Concept Model:

My thesis is based on the incorporation of multi-tenant, co-living residential housing. A co-living facility with universal designed and interior design at its core. My concept embraces Flow, Flexibility, Framing, Transparency and Community which are all attributes that apply towards my thesis. I believe flow, flexibility and transparency go hand in hand and complement each other. Water colour embodies flow, flexibility, transparency, creative freedom, space, diversity, density as well as colour and texture. To me the more pigmented and colorful an area of watercolor is, reflects the density of space and diversity. The more washed out an area of water colour is; the more flow and open concept the space becomes. Meanwhile framing and community work cohesively to create a communal hub and a sense of being. Framing provides a basic guideline which propels a designer through their creative process. Here framing is represented through the circular forms overlaying the watercolor. Meanwhile community is a flexible framework that needs some structural support. It evolves and changes with the wants and needs of the group of individuals as well as the times. The overall feel of my thesis will embrace open, airy, warm, welcoming, inclusive and harmonious spaces that creates an atmosphere of togetherness.