Landscape Infrastructure Works as Catalyst in Urban Design: A Case Study Exploration of The Corktown Common Park in West Don Lands, Toronto

Abstract

The process of designing new urban infrastructure in an established urban context is described as “embedded process” in “plug-in” urban design. Due to the potential of urban infrastructure design to directly influence the quality of urban environments, embedded processes in “plug-in” urban design has become an issue worthy of consideration by landscape architects. Using an in-depth literature review of urban design theories--from both cultural and ecological perspectives-- and interviews as research methods, this thesis analyzed the effectiveness of landscape infrastructure in acting as a catalyst in “plug-in urban design.” A set of design principles was deduced from the study and tested on the award winning Athletes Village for the 2015 Pan-American games at West Don lands, Toronto. The results of this thesis provide guidance for future improvement in landscape infrastructure and “plug-in urban design” projects.