Faculty of Design

Environmental Design

Anisha Mehra

Suburban Oasis

Nestled on the outskirts of Toronto lie the suburbs, landscapes often characterized by a lack of distinctiveness. The dominance of cars over pedestrian life isolates residents from the natural world and from one another. This monotony furthers a disconnect, where the absence of unique character leaves communities yearning for a sense of place and belonging. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, the project takes place on an undeveloped plot of land recently acquired for yet another homogenous housing development. Instead, the intention is to diversify this land and transform it into a beacon within the community. The design of the space focuses on bringing variety by considering how architecture, arrangement, program, and nature can work together to create a sense of community. To break the monotony of the flat terrain, the design incorporates gentle hills that rise and fall, providing dynamic experiences and encouraging exploration. The space is mainly designed for pedestrian enjoyment, offering underground parking for vehicles, and encouraging a car-free experience above ground. Throughout the site, there are various pockets of natural beauty, including an aquarium-like feature within the parking lot, where a pond enclosed by curtain walls provides unique vantage points for observation. Above, community gardens, parks, and shared recreational spaces serve as focal points for social engagement.Additionally, the project features five distinctive apartment buildings. Their ground floor levels are designed as public amenity spaces, welcoming all members of the community. The upper levels offer a range of residential living options, while the basements serve as semi-private communal areas tailored for workshops, shared equipment, and storage.Throughout all, the project redefines suburban living, designing a space where community thrives and nature flourishes, culminating in the creation of a suburban oasis.

“Suburban neighbourhoods have frustrated the development of community by creating the illusion that all desires and necessities can be found within individual properties. The lack of architectural variety, persistent uniformity, and overwhelming car-centric design have created a monotonous environment where residents lack interaction. This thesis aims to transform residential neighbourhoods by reimagining suburbia as a place that cultivates a sense of community through nature. This encompasses the design of a neighbourhood block where architecture, arrangement, program, and nature collectively play a crucial role in fostering communal interaction.”