INTERSTICE
/inˈtərstəs/
An intervening space, especially a very small one.
Interstitial spaces are the areas that exist between built forms, taking various shapes and sizes, like the laneways between buildings. This thesis specifically explores these interstitial spaces, aiming to enhance pedestrian movements within the city by revitalizing Toronto’s urban voids. The main objective was to enhance the accessibility of these laneways for pedestrians while also ensuring greater benefits for those working and residing in the buildings facing these lanes. Instead of adhering strictly to the conventional city block grid system, the areas between buildings possess the potential to be highly valuable for pedestrians rather than just serving waste disposal and ventilation functions.
The thesis site is located in Toronto’s Entertainment District. The strategies and interventions proposed for the site’s laneways and parking lots aim to convert these urban voids into appealing pathways and transitional spaces. These methods will undergo testing through a pilot study within a block in the Entertainment District. Furthermore, these strategies are anticipated to have broader applicability across other parts of the city, significantly enhancing the walking experience for pedestrians and travelers throughout Toronto.
INTERVENTIONS
