Bachelor of Architecture 2006

Richard Yiu Cheong Li

 

 

The need for food is certainly among the most basic, primary needs of mankind. Over the millennia, the activity of satisfying this basic need has been one of the key ingredients in the formation of human civilization. This is true on a macro level, where large- scale patterns of agricultural production have been - and continue to be - primary forces which determine, in large part, the rise and fall of great civilizations. As Ronald Wright discusses in a short history of progress, for example, over farming and irrigation turned what was once the most fertile region on earth - the fertile crescent - into the Iraqi desert. On a micro scale, the rituals developed over the course of millennia around sharing food - breaking bread - incorporate in minute detail an understanding of how the particular society functions. There are few, if any, activities more precisely culturally encoded than eating dinner.

 

 

Site

 

The site is located on the Toronto Island south of downtown Toronto. To access the site from Toronto, it will require approximately 30 Mintues by water. The new building is to be located just to the east of the existing Gibraltar point complex. The design of a new building for the Gibraltar point centre for the arts housed in the former Toronto Island public and natural sciences school. It is now a thriving, multi-use arts venue on Toronto Islands. The centre currently houses a retreat centre, the artscape lodge, and an artist residency program. There will be an upgrade to focus on improving and expanding the facilities for long-term residency at Gibraltar point. The long-term plan envisions new facilities to house twenty artists. The project will consists of the design and construction of a key common facility: a Dining Hall, in which all artists-in residence can share common meals; a kitchen, in which these meals can be prepared; and a greenhouse, in which some of the food can be grown. 

 

 

Design Concept
 

The concept is to harmonize the built with the beauty of the natural aspect of the site by preserving what is found to be unique to the site. During the site visit, one of the most precious existing feature of the site is the existing vegetation that has been naturally grown on the site. One of the initial idea was to preserve the existing vegetation and integrate it as part of the design. Another element that's found on the site is an existing sculptural wall made out of wood sticks. This sculptural wall was later used as the gateway to access into the site. 

 

GARDENER/ CHEF’S SUITE

To have close connection with the Gibraltar residence and have privacy from separating with the common house and green house

 

COMMON HOUSE

It is situated in axis with the existing pier, it is also connected with the greenhouse to allow for food to be delivered easily.

 

GREEN HOUSE

All the growing area and seeing area are located on the south side to allow for maximum sun exposure. It is also attached with the common house. There will be broad walk built in front of the building to allow people to enjoy and view the site before walking into the building.