BENYI HU, MArch

Formation Architecture: Interactive Vertical Community


High-density residential architecture under the influence of industrialization and mass production has developed a culture of design toward uniformity and standardization. This thesis deploys the parametrics approach to mass customization for a personalization culture in architecture. A systematic participatory design approach is developed to accommodate individual performance variability of the users and the changing demands of the social environment as part of the design solution. This design strategy allows the architect to balance the two separate forces of control between the collective and the individual, which transform the high-density residential living conditions from externally defined homogeneity towards individually initiated flexibility. A mixed-used vertical neighbourhood is designed to promote social intimacy and stability, and making the creation of community space an outcome of neighbourhood negotiation. The intention is to transform the monotonous and anonymous high-density residential tower into a dynamic system that always maintains overall coherence. This personalization culture can incentivize people’s emotional connection with the physical environment and making architecture more sustainable by establishing an enduring relationship with the user.


A mixed-used vertical neighbourhood is designed to promote social intimacy and stability, and making the creation of community space an outcome of neighbourhood negotiation.


Toronto Metropolitan Department of  Architectural Science Toronto, CA.