Af(fix)ed to Parkdale
‘Af(fix)ed to Parkdale’ was a group project for the class ARC465: Guided Distractions, where three other classmates and I examined the processes of real estate development that have gentrified Parkdale over time. Our finished product was a bench where its varied configurations emphasize the urgent need for community space while simultaneously pointing out how new developments are deliberately unwelcoming to less affluent audiences.
In addition to the bench, I was able to merge my newly found passion of design by creating a short booklet documenting the development of our idea from start to finish through a collection of concept sketches, photography, and architectural drawings.
Other members: Jasper Chen, Gabrielle Lamanna and Jennille Neal
Professor: Reza Nik
Photography by Jennille Neal
Length
5 weeks
Materials (Bench)
Cardboard Sheets, White Glue & Concrete
Tools
Indesign, Illustrator & Rhino3D
Role
Layout Designer, Documentation, Construction
The Bench
Build Process
The following are physical sites under investigation within Parkdale’s neighbourhood - areas where space is in dire need for community use.
1 & 3 Close Ave - vacant for over 25 years - owned by the University Health Network.
Former McDonalds - point for congregation for Parkdale residents - permanently closed
11 Brock Ave (Former LCBO parking lot) - closed since 2015
Reflection
Af(fix)ed to Parkdale was a special project in many ways. Often times the work we produce as students is confined to the walls of our lecture halls, and this time around we were working with a very real issue and physical space. Even more exciting was being able to contribute to a social cause and apply your own set of skills, which was all the more gratifying; no matter how big or small the impact was.
Working along three other people was also a lot of fun and challenging at times. From ideation, to experimentation and producing the final product, each of us contributed to the project whether it was through construction, documentation, and design. A role I had a lot of fun with was towards the end as I helped put together the booklet that we showed along the bench.
Lastly, our professor managed to get a hold on an incredibly nice gallery in the financial district of downtown Toronto. It is safe to say that we were taken aback and proud to see our final work, along with our other classmate’s work, displayed in such an amazing space.
AND we were published in our Faculty’s newsletter!