P3 Interim

I apologize in advance about all the text, as I haven't been posting on the blog, as this is a new iteration that hasn't been previously posted and will require some explanation.

The inspiration behind this iteration is based on the Master Plan's postulate of densification through vertical construction.  This idea and it's implications were explored through the use of double height spaces on the ground level and more significantly on the residential levels.

At ground level, the beholder maybe not be particularly aware of the DMZ workspace above the 'DMZ Awareness Zone' due to the enormous canted electric current wall/canvas.  This wall looms over the occupants who maybe be working,eating, relaxing at the tables along Gould Street.  At the second level, the DMZ members would be more aware of the public's presence.  The 'digital canvas' would bypass the need for a DMZ member to explain to the public about the DMZ.  The public can choose to educate themselves about the DMZ by peering into the work area when the electric current glass is off, or by watching videos or images that would be projected onto the digital canvas when the glass wall is turned on into an opaque state.

Access to the residential levels is only possible at every other level due to the double height suites, with the exception of the barrier-free units.  Since the access corridor is located on the lower level, suites can stretch across whole building, providing North and South views to most of the suites.

DMZ AWARENESS ZONE:

TYPICAL BARRIER FREE UNIT:

TYPICAL MARRIED UNIT: 

TYPICAL SINGLE UNIT:

TYPICAL DOUBLE UNIT: 

Remarks from crit:

While Baruch complimented the ground level and DMZ workspace and referred to it as 'a building within a building', the entrances need to be resolved. They are a bit underwhelming, and open up to a bit of dead space before transitioning into the residence entrance, or DMZ Awareness Zone.

Baruch described the residential units as being high end as lofts like these in Toronto would sell for $500,000+.  There were some concerns about them especially about how the loft level would be structured above the kitchen. A column would most likely be added to support it.  Another option I'm going to explore and calculate is extending the slab above the stairs to connect back to the wall, if there is enough head clearance.  I also plan on redesigning the barrier-free units to make them feel empowered and dignified, a topic of concern for most projects.

Going into my crit I believed my Gould Street elevation was one of the weaker aspects to my building as it is underdeveloped, it was met with praise by Baruch (???).  He liked the proportions and composition, but I still need to decide on a material palette and exploration its implications on facade.  We were both in agreement though that the Yonge Street facade needs to be strengthened.

The two uppermost residential levels, with the canted walls, will be reevaluated and will most likely conform to my current residential plans.  The proposed library space on the upper most level has already been met with opposition, as the grads have sufficient space in their units to work.  I've entertained ideas of developing it into an executive DMZ workspace, but I'm not sure if distancing it from the ground level DMZ space is a good idea.  It's roof structure was designed to bring it light, but it was pointed out that there would be a lot of reflected light coming from the Snohetta building.

Next Steps:

I admit the concept around the design is a bit weak, but I intend to explore the idea of double height spaces even further, and their implications that they may have.  Another supplementary concept may need to be introduced to carry my design towards the final, and to loosen up my form which I feel is pretty rigid.  With regards to P3B, I plan on detailing the canted electric current wall and it's structure.  Can anyone suggest another unique detail that I can explore?