WOONG JAE CHOI
•
ATA JAN-AHMADNEJAD
•
NARGES MOTEVASSELI
•
DONA SHANALI TEWARAPPERUMA
•
AVITAL KNOPOV
•
LAUREN KATIE MASTRANGELO
•
PAVLO HO-LOVCHAK
•
ANGELICA MRAKOVCIC
A Journey Through Colour
Question posed: How might we situate alternative design(s)—a combination of place, events programmings, experience or otherwise—to support crosscultural learning in parkdale?
A Journey Through Colour
Question posed: How might we situate alternative design(s)—a combination of place, events programmings, experience or otherwise—to support crosscultural learning in parkdale?
PROCESS
Through an exploration of common themes and insights surrounding the community of Parkdale, it is evident that Parkdale and it’s residents are currently facing challenges pertaining to issues surrounding gentrification. The community of Parkdale displays a strong sense of solidarity that is unique for its culturally diverse population. Members support each other through organized events and community initiatives that create inclusive spaces where shared learning experiences and engaging interactions take place. It is clear that Parkdale’s identity depends on its cohesive community where cultural recognition, inclusivity, and collaboration are necessary for the community to thrive.
The problem that gentrification has revealed is the loss of Parkdale’s strong identity that depends on its unique individuals and small local businesses that are vital in their contributions to Parkdale’s rich culture and strong community identity. Thus, the problem identified is not within Parkdale itself, but is the result of a lack of recognition and support from the city of Toronto and outside sources that fail to understand the significance of the cultural exchange taking place within the community of Parkdale.
To address this concern it is necessary to raise awareness and inform others about Parkdale community. It is imperative that the significance of this multicultural community is established and that recognition towards the rich culture and strong identity is gained. By drawing people in and exposing others to the challenges that Parkdale is facing, this will not only help the community gain support, but will also help promote small businesses and gain recognition towards the members of Parkdale that make the community so great.
Actionable Problems
Parkdale is not recognized by Toronto for its rich culture, community, and identity.
How might we?
Create incentive or game to encourage the exploration of different cultural hubs in Parkdale.
Actionable Problems
Small local businesses are being pressured by increased property value/lease to move.
How might we?
Events sich as the “momo” crawl that attract “outsiders” and promote small businesses.
OBSERVATIONS & INSIGHTS
Placemaking for cultural exchange
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Themes
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Through an exploration of common themes and insights surrounding the community of Parkdale, it is evident that Parkdale and it’s residents are currently facing challenges pertaining to issues surrounding gentrification. The community of Parkdale displays a strong sense of solidarity that is unique for its culturally diverse population. Members support each other through organized events and community initiatives that create inclusive spaces where shared learning experiences and engaging interactions take place. It is clear that Parkdale’s identity depends on its cohesive community where cultural recognition, inclusivity, and collaboration are necessary for the community to thrive.
The problem that gentrification has revealed is the loss of Parkdale’s strong identity that depends on its unique individuals and small local businesses that are vital in their contributions to Parkdale’s rich culture and strong community identity. Thus, the problem identified is not within Parkdale itself, but is the result of a lack of recognition and support from the city of Toronto and outside sources that fail to understand the significance of the cultural exchange taking place within the community of Parkdale.
To address this concern it is necessary to raise awareness and inform others about Parkdale community. It is imperative that the significance of this multicultural community is established and that recognition towards the rich culture and strong identity is gained. By drawing people in and exposing others to the challenges that Parkdale is facing, this will not only help the community gain support, but will also help promote small businesses and gain recognition towards the members of Parkdale that make the community so great.
Actionable Problems
Parkdale is not recognized by Toronto for its rich culture, community, and identity.
How might we?
Create incentive or game to encourage the exploration of different cultural hubs in Parkdale.
Actionable Problems
Small local businesses are being pressured by increased property value/lease to move.
How might we?
Events sich as the “momo” crawl that attract “outsiders” and promote small businesses.
OBSERVATIONS & INSIGHTS
Placemaking for cultural exchange
Themes
Directing Circulation
Different styles of landscaping that represent different cultural groups and serve as pathways Pavilion/bench/module installations that are engaging/interactive and act as wayfinding tools
Street art as a tool to highlight focal points
Employing colour as a symbol to convey different messages
(Red + Orange + Yellow
= warmth, energetic, playful, important, happy, friendly.)
(Blue + Green + Purple
= prosperity, natural, stable, inviting trustworthy, luxurious.)
Persona/Character Development
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Different styles of landscaping that represent different cultural groups and serve as pathways Pavilion/bench/module installations that are engaging/interactive and act as wayfinding tools
Street art as a tool to highlight focal points
Employing colour as a symbol to convey different messages
(Red + Orange + Yellow
= warmth, energetic, playful, important, happy, friendly.)
(Blue + Green + Purple
= prosperity, natural, stable, inviting trustworthy, luxurious.)
Persona/Character Development
Persona
Name: Malcom
Age: 19
Background: Canadian
Malcom, born and raised in Calgary, is in his second year studies in interior design at Ryerson. He has come to enjoy his new home and finds himself well acquainted with the city-lifestyle in downtown Toronto. Aside from his work, he spends his time adventuring through Toronto finding new foods and different cuisine he is quickly developing a taste for. He hears that the “momo crawl” in little Tibet in Parkdale has had great reviews, and decides to partake one evening alone to get great food for chap prices.
Precedents
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Bench/module Proposals
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The journey through Parkdale is highlighted through the coloured pathways between “stations” where local artists’ come together to showcase their work for the area’s visitors. As seen on the site plan on the first page, the path through Parkdale is an exciting journey through the community where the rich culture and local businesses are celebrated. The coloured paths guide visitors and residents alike throughout the area to visit multiple sites where local Parkdale art and food is being shared. Our journey specifically explores the Tibetan culture: where Tibetan colours used along the streets intrigue people to come in and view the street art and taste local dishes, such as Momo’s (the Tibetan dumpling). The colours used are significant amongst the Tibetan dispora; blue represents the sky, white represents the air, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes water, and yellow symbolizes earth. The five colours come together to signify balance. These colours provide an understanding for locals and visitors alike regardless of any language or cultural barriers where one may not understand signs or layout of the neighbourhood.
Piloting
The success of our design can be tested on a smaller scale through establishing it on a smaller scale. For the trial run, a small number of food trucks and booths, selling food sourced from local restaurants can be established. The restaurants chosen will be connected by a singular pathway that will be designed and decorated by local artists. This trial will be run for a couple days and then feedback from the participants will be collected and assessed.
Objectives
Action Plan
Piloting
The success of our design can be tested on a smaller scale through establishing it on a smaller scale. For the trial run, a small number of food trucks and booths, selling food sourced from local restaurants can be established. The restaurants chosen will be connected by a singular pathway that will be designed and decorated by local artists. This trial will be run for a couple days and then feedback from the participants will be collected and assessed.
Objectives
- To predict the feasibility of establishing the project
- To identify possible issues and concerns
- To gauge the community’s opinion of the organized events
- To assess the responses and enjoyment of the outsiders visiting the community
- To assess the financial impact on the businesses within the community
- To ensure that the event is community lead and prioritizes the needs of the community.
- To bring awareness and highlight the importance of the Parkdale community
Action Plan
- To predict the feasibility of establishing the project
- To identify possible issues and concerns
- To gauge the community’s opinion of the organized events
- To assess the responses and enjoyment of the outsiders visiting the community
- To assess the financial impact on the businesses within the community
- To ensure that the event is community lead and prioritizes the needs of the community.
- To bring awareness and highlight the importance of the Parkdale community
The Journey
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Persona:
Name: Malcom
Age: 19
Background: Canadian
Malcom, born and raised in Calgary, is in his second year studies in interior design at Ryerson. He has come to enjoy his new home and finds himself well acquainted with the city-lifestyle in downtown Toronto. Aside from his work, he spends his time adventuring through Toronto finding new foods and different cuisine he is quickly developing a taste for. He hears that the “momo crawl” in little Tibet in Parkdale has had great reviews, and decides to partake one evening alone to get great food for cheap prices.
The Parkdale Community finds power through unity. There is an abundance of support from within—from organizations to events, the community has banded together in support of its struggling members. It seems the rising issues within Parkdale cannot be faced by Parkdale residents alone. The rich culture and identity of Parkdale is overlooked by the city of Toronto, and to preserve all that is great about the community, the essence of Parkdale must be recognized by the rest of the city. The target group is an outsider of Parkdale, as they are recognized as the group that is needed to join the support of the Parkdale community. Through exposure of the diverse arts, foods and activities in the different cultures of Parkdale, the disconnect between Toronto and Parkdale can be mended.