A Critique of the Planting Design of Corktown Common Based on Principles of Ecologically-Informed Plant Communities in the Urban Core

Abstract

Informing planting design with ecological principles can develop plant communities that require less maintenance and resources in cities. This thesis relates contemporary literature to practice to build an understanding of the limitations and potential for ecologically-informed plant communities in the urban core. A critical review of contemporary literature surrounding ecologically-informed plant communities uncovered principles that balance form and function in the urban core. These principles were used to critique the planting design of Corktown Common located in Toronto, Ontario. While the critique revealed that Corktown Common provides multiple benefits both environmentally and socially, the ecological realities of the urban core are in opposition to the plant selection, which was based on regional habitats. Results support that designing plant communities in line with the social and environmental context of the urban core will create more efficient and culturally significant public greenspaces.