Kris Ahn
STAY
Environmental Design
2025
Communities such as Regent Park, Lawrence Heights, and Alexandra Park in Toronto have undergone large-scale redevelopment projects under the guise of improving safety. These projects have led to prolonged construction periods and severe residential instability, resulting in only a small ratio of the original residents returning after redevelopment. Rather than simply improving housing conditions, this process has significantly disrupted the histories and lives of these communities. If such redevelopment practices continue, Toronto risks becoming like Manhattan, where long-term residency becomes increasingly difficult.Currently, Parkdale faces similar redevelopment pressures justified by urban expansion and slum prevention efforts. Many residents are still fighting to protect their homes and neighborhoods. However, even without redevelopment, aging apartment buildings constructed in the mid-20th century have continued to drive evictions due to severe deterioration of living conditions. To preserve urban history and collective memory, an alternative renovation approach fundamentally different from conventional urban renewal strategies is urgently needed.
“This thesis proposes a strategy to improve aging apartment buildings in Parkdale without demolition, aiming to prevent renovictions. The strategy is designed to be universal and scalable, applicable to aging apartments beyond a single complex.First, the strategy addresses common issues in aging apartments, including tight spaces unsuitable for family living, inadequate insulation, and poor ventilation. As a solution, the thesis adopts the concept of the “Winter Garden,” a bioclimatic extension space within apartments based on Passive House principles. This addition enhances the performance of natural lighting, insulation, and ventilation, while also providing flexible spaces that can be adapted to meet diverse resident needs.Second, a flexible external system inspired by scaffolding and exoskeleton structures is designed to accommodate a wide range of apartment types. This system allows for adjustable height, width, and design, enabling flexible adaptation to different architectural and environmental contexts. Additionally, it relocates mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to the exterior, facilitating easier maintenance and repairs, and significantly extending the building’s lifespan.Third, by strategically utilizing the commonly available rooftop spaces of aging apartment buildings, this project creates temporary housing units that residents can occupy during interior renovations. This approach effectively prevents the inevitable displacement and disruption caused by renovation, ensuring continuity in residents’ living environments.Therefore, by implementing these strategies, the ultimate goal of the redevelopment project is to preserve community history and ensure residents' continued well-being and sustainability.”
