Esperenz Nazareth

RECLAMARE

RECLAMARE is a speculative study which will explore how an Urban Agricultural Centre with an aquaponics system within Moss Park will aid to highlight issues concerning gentrification and displacement.

“Through this thesis project I really wanted to approach the site and consider how the community centre that is currently under construction by Two Row Architects, MJMA Architects and the City of Toronto is contributing to gentrification and displacement within Moss Park. After conducting some research of the conditions of the park many of the local residents have voiced displeasure and frustration not only due to the disruption and lack of preservation of the historic landscape but also pushing the community further from the city. The intent behind this thesis project was to turn this proposal into something that could contribute to nourishing the community whilst creating opportunities for growth and independence for the residents within the surrounding area. I was interested in integrating a modular aquaponics centre that would work in tandem with the existing pool A self-sustaining system that uses waste produced by fish to nourish the flora within the system. It is important to consider specific species of fish and plants that can withstand the colder climate (such as tilapia, salmon, sage, and lettuce) and the system must consider how to incorporate a deep well system for plants with short lifespans or an ebb and flow system (for a more diverse plant system) in order to sustain aquaponics. For plants with longer growth cycles consider the Nutrient Film Technology System (used in hydroponics) or the Bucket System (for vining flora). Throughout the study I also considered how I could maintain and integrate the existing landscape within the new structure. I began to treat the original shell of the proposed community centre as a ruin of sorts where the old landscape would be able to seep through and re-establish its existence within the agricultural spaces of the building. On the ground floor there also is a community kitchen adjacent to the aquaponics system; not only can people live off this self-sustaining ecosystem, they can also feed themselves and their community with its resources. This idea was very much inspired by a past project in tandem with the St. Jamestown Co-Op where they wanted to transform a defunct swimming pool into an aquaponics system to create a sense of independence within their own community. In addition to nourishing the body, I also wanted this study to potentially be able to nourish the mind. I find in an era that is quickly integrating technology and generative A.I. within most aspects of people’s lives a space where people could collaborate and feed off of each other’s creativity was necessary. With the sports arena situated beside the centre having a space that breaks down barriers and accessibility issues to creative mediums would highlight local talents within the immediate community. The intent behind this thesis was to create a variety of opportunities that brings the local community back to Moss Park and create a sense of permanence for the residents through food, art, and education. ”