up:: [[CKLA330 - Landscape Design Studio]] x:: [[Site Character]] tags:: #source/course #on/design #on/landscape_design # CKLA330 M3 - Site Character Understanding [[Site Character]] is critical in the [[Landscape Design Process]], particularly focusing on the analysis of existing features like large granite boulders within the site. Conducting a site character study helps to identify both positive and negative aspects of the site, enabling designers to preserve and enhance its unique characteristics through their designs. This involves performing sketches to depict the varying types of character present within the project site. These sketches serve a dual purpose: they aid in observing the distinct features of the site and can be utilized as a backdrop for the final design project. [[Schematic Sketches]], which include three-dimensional representations such as perspectives, sections, and elevations, are emphasized as valuable components of the final presentation. Remember that character is a distinct and recognizable pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse. See [[CKLA400 M2 - Principles of Landscape Ecology 1#Patch, Matrix, Corridor, and Network|Patch, Matrix, Corridor, and Network]] and [[Landscape Patterns]]. #### Notable Features of Project Site - A clock tower on the Kerr Hall building that is a symbolic of the identity for the University. - The new Student Learning Centre being on the north west corner of Gould and Yonge St. (It makes a large presence in the urban fabric of the street). - Seating walls that retain the garden beds. - Lake Devonian or commonly known as Lake Devo. - The new Image Arts building which faces onto Gould St. as well as the book store and library buildings. - The open space of the Quad in Kerr Hall. **Key Points:** - Understanding site character is crucial in the design process. - Site character analysis involves identifying existing features like granite boulders. - A site character study helps determine positive and negative site features. - Sketching is used to depict the varying types of character within the project site. - Sketch work aids in observing distinct site features and can be used in the final design project. - Schematic sketches, including perspectives, sections, and elevations, are important for the final presentation. ## The University Master Plan The University Master Plan outlines key principles and goals aimed at revitalizing the campus and its surrounding community. President Levy emphasized the importance of energetic partnerships to propel Ryerson, now Toronto Metropolitan University, and Toronto forward together. One of the guiding principles of the Master Plan is to create a pedestrian-friendly campus with accessible open spaces and enhanced laneways. However, there are concerns about the appropriateness of certain existing features, such as Lake Devo, in alignment with the Master Plan's principles. See [[CKLA330 M2 - The Design Competition]]. The project site connected to Toronto Metropolitan University presents an opportunity for students to engage in collaborative, real-world experiences. Accessible for those in the Toronto area, the project encourages interaction among students and fosters a sense of pride in envisioning improvements for the university. Through class discussions and real-world engagement, students can contribute to the vision of a better campus and community. **Key Points:** - The University Master Plan emphasizes revitalizing the campus and surrounding community. - Guiding principles include creating a pedestrian-friendly campus and sustainable city-building. - Goals include urban intensification, prioritizing pedestrians, and committing to design excellence. - The project site offers students real-world experience and collaborative opportunities. - Accessible for Toronto-area residents, the project fosters student pride and engagement in envisioning improvements for Toronto Metropolitan University. ## The Bird Habitat Project The Bird Habitat Project was initiated as a student endeavor aligned with the goals of the University Master Plan, engaging various stakeholders including Toronto Metropolitan University's Architectural Science Department, Chang School Landscape Design Certificate Students, and Young Street Mission Youth. It encompassed two main stages: * Initially, collaborative exercises were conducted within the university involving both students and youth from the Young Street Mission to design bird habitat structures * Subsequently, Chang School students designed a Bird Habitat Garden at Canada Blooms to exhibit these structures. The Young Street Mission, located adjacent to the university campus, serves as a shelter providing programs, food, and shelter for homeless youth in Toronto, who actively participated in the project. Once engaged, the youth worked alongside university students in teams to construct bird habitat structures using recycled materials. These structures were then showcased at Canada Blooms, an annual garden exhibition in Toronto, where visitors voted on their favorite design, with the winning structure being a log providing shelter for birds. Subsequently, the structures were permanently installed at schools and conservation areas within the Greater Toronto Area. **Key points:** - The Bird Habitat Project, aligned with the University Master Plan, engaged Toronto Metropolitan University students, Chang School students, and Young Street Mission Youth. - The project involved collaborative exercises between university students and youth from the Young Street Mission to design bird habitat structures. - Chang School students designed a Bird Habitat Garden at Canada Blooms to showcase the constructed structures. - The Young Street Mission, a shelter for homeless youth in Toronto, actively participated in the project, providing opportunities for the youth to engage in constructive activities. - Bird habitat structures, built using recycled materials, were showcased at Canada Blooms and subsequently installed at schools and conservation areas in the Greater Toronto Area. - The project fostered collaboration among different student groups and provided an opportunity for practical application of architectural and design skills.