Octavian Liviu Gherghe

Subfloora

The Subfloora planter is a freestanding hexagonal structure that enters into existing rest areas with little infrastructure modification. Its form references nautral cellular geometry, housing curated plants in a drip feed system that operates autonomously between monthly maintenance visits. Designed to introduce plant biodiversity into the PATH network, Subfloora aims to transform sterile underground corridors into restorative spaces that support the well-being of over 200,000 daily workers and commuters in Toronto's Financial District.

“I initially began my thesis with a focus on animal conservation, exploring how design could address the growing disconnect between urban development and wildlife habitats. This led me through a range of directions. From restoration strategies and community-led initiatives, to speculative park structures and artificial ecosystems. I struggled a long time trying to ground these ideas in a feasible, physical outcome.Through this process, my focus shifted from large-scale ecological intervention to the realities & conditions of everyday urban life. Rather than attempting to restore ecosystems directly, I focused on how ecological awareness could be reintroduced within the existing urban-biodiversity gap. Working with the spaces people already occupy instead of trying to redirect behavior. This shift led to Subfloora.Subfloora is a biophilic system designed for high-traffic indoor environments such as the PATH. It translates principles of natural systems into compact, low-maintenance structures that operate within the constraints of commercial interiors. The project is less about recreating nature, and more about embedding subtle reminders of it - creating moments of pause, softness, and environmental awareness within otherwise controlled and metropolitan spaces.This work reflects a move from idealized environmental solutions toward interventions that are incremental, adaptable, and grounded in real-world conditions.Future steps would include ideas like: rebuilding the planter to be fully modular; adding terrariums for even more precise environment control; evolving to contain more sensitive plants like herbs, fruits, or vegetables; creating some sort of community feature to entice users to interact with the planter and learn more about environmental issues. ”