Don Mills
[Toronto, Ontario]
Instructor: Jon Cummings
Integrated Urbanism Studio III, Fall 2020
University of Toronto
Don Mills is a housing proposal that introduces medium-density development into a neighbourhood currently dominated by single-detached homes. The project reimagines the area’s “yellow belt” (land primarily zoned for low-density residential housing, such as single-detached and semi-detached homes) as a more self-sufficient and communal environment by integrating commercial and civic spaces within the residential fabric. These additions allow residents to work close to home, support shared spaces for leisure and civic events, and foster a stronger sense of community—countering the isolation and individualism often associated with condo living.
Densification Strategy
City-level actions include raising the floor area ratio (FAR) of each lot to permit denser development, gradually replacing some of the single-family homes in the area. The new buildings will incorporate commercial space on the ground floor, public space between the buildings, and residential space on the second and third floors.
City-level actions include raising the floor area ratio (FAR) of each lot to permit denser development, gradually replacing some of the single-family homes in the area. The new buildings will incorporate commercial space on the ground floor, public space between the buildings, and residential space on the second and third floors.
Tight-knit Neighbourhoods
Part of this proposal is to address the problems associated with outdated suburban designs, such as "cul-de-sacs" and "loops," which mean longer walking distances between blocks. New public spaces between buildings and within the newly proposed development would connect streets, creating shorter distances between blocks and tighter-knit neighbourhoods. Green spaces or raised "lawns" are also part of the proposal to maintain the integrity of the neighbourhood and provide residents with more private outdoor spaces.
Part of this proposal is to address the problems associated with outdated suburban designs, such as "cul-de-sacs" and "loops," which mean longer walking distances between blocks. New public spaces between buildings and within the newly proposed development would connect streets, creating shorter distances between blocks and tighter-knit neighbourhoods. Green spaces or raised "lawns" are also part of the proposal to maintain the integrity of the neighbourhood and provide residents with more private outdoor spaces.
