Faculty of Design

Environmental Design - Interior Design Specialization

Maya Robles

Thesis Project - Nested

This project explores a new approach to housing in Toronto’s suburban context, focusing on multigenerational living within immigrant communities. Located in Scarborough, the proposal reimagines underutilized commercial land as a mixed-height, low-rise residential development organized around a private inner courtyard. The design prioritizes flexibility, allowing a range of unit sizes to accommodate individuals, families, and extended households. Ground-level connections to transit and surrounding amenities support daily accessibility, while shared outdoor spaces encourage social interaction. Through a balance of private dwellings and communal environments, the project aims to create a more inclusive and adaptable model of housing for evolving urban communities.

“This project proposes a model of multigenerational housing that supports shared living while maintaining independence between households. As housing costs rise, extended families increasingly live together out of necessity. This project reframes that condition as an opportunity to design adaptable housing that supports long-term intergenerational living. The development is organized as mixed-height buildings forming a private courtyard, with modular units that accommodate a range of household sizes. Shared outdoor spaces and layered circulation create opportunities for interaction while preserving privacy. Together, these strategies support family proximity, cultural continuity, and flexible living arrangements within a suburban urban context.”