ULI Hines Student Competition

Design Narrative

TDOT – Next Generation is a response to demands of the diverse, growing world-class city of Toronto. The development is a hip and livable community nestled between the ASLA award-winning Corktown Commons and future East Harbor development. The neighborhood creates a uniquely residential environment through low-rise apartments, woonerf streets and a central square that boasts a community-focused retail experience with co-ops and farmers markets. Toronto is nothing if not hip. And TDOT matches that exceptionally. Startup offices, a centrally located maker-space, and subsidized housing maintain the open and egalitarian atmosphere that has made the city world-renowned. Public space activation will make this neighborhood a draw for the downtown Toronto area.

A global hub of business, finance, culture and arts, Toronto is projected to be the fastest growing region with the youngest age structure attributable to international migration and positive natural increase. Toronto continues to be home to experiments and new ideas, technology and an ever-evolving vision for tomorrow.

TDOT leverages its locational advantage and serves as the magnet attracting adjacent communities to its offerings of engagement for varied demographic – spaces and experiences for the young and the old, the individual and the collective; spaces that are sensitive to the expectations and the aspirations of the diverse population of the neighborhood– the West Don Lands, the historic residential blocks toward the northeast and the East Harbor development. The multi-modal transit hub integrates with the pedestrian grid for realization of the economic and experiential potential of this development.

As the city prepares herself for still greater growth in its numbers – of people, neighborhoods and jobs and the consequent increase in demand for housing, community spaces, and employment prospects, TDOT presents answers for these requirements and more by horizontal and vertical integration of varied functions – health, food, retail, culture and art.

TDOT shares the Next Generations’ strengths of diversity and dynamism and complements its exuberance with its built form and spaces. The design extends the urban grid into itself and prioritizes the pedestrian experience by creatively weaving together a variety of experiences within a single breath.