Zenaida Desravines

Oasis: Revitalizing Third Space Through Places of Informal Convergence

Environmental Design

2026

Oasis seeks to revitalize third spaces in the city by providing a safe, non-monetary place for people to gather with friends, form unlikely connections, and access skill-building opportunities that foster a stronger sense of community.

“Oasis is focused on building flexible and supportive spaces outside of the downtown core that can be used as a third space away from home and work. In the Scarborough Village neighbourhood, the options are limited to Tim Horton’s, small libraries, and busy strip malls, none of which provide the right conditions for a recurring third space. To close this gap, Oasis provides a variety of programs that create places of informal convergence, forming a third space for the community.Every space within the Oasis works together to draw people in and form unlikely community connections. The first floor has space for three grassroots organizations to call home, a gallery showcasing local artists and a snack bar. The second floor has a community kitchen where weekly cooking workshops are held, followed by community dinners. An urban library filled with books, board games, and local stories, flexible workshop space, and study pods. The rooftop contains a community garden that provides some of the produce used in the kitchen, along with green space and casual seating. These elements work together to create a supportive place for the community that can become their third routine. ”