Date of Award

2012

Degree Type

Thesis Project

Degree Name

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Department

Architectural Science

Abstract

Well-being is a holistic concept of human health, and it is inextricably linked to environment. Built landscapes that do not service real human needs can be extremely detrimental to the growth of community. In the context of Toronto, this is no more apparent than in suburban neighbourhoods where changing demographics have left a populati on with diverse and urgent needs, but in which homogenous and auto-centric built environments inhibit the informal socializati on that contribute to both individual and urban vitality. This thesis purports that architecture has a parti cularly important role in the future of such neighbourhoods because of its capacity to intensify program and create opportuniti es for people to comingle. Drawing upon the metaphor of therapeuti c acupuncture, this thesis will explore the ways in which punctual interventi ons can acti vate places. Objecti ves of connecti vity, hybridity and porosity will be explored as the means by which this acti vati on can occur. Ulti mately, this thesis aims to assert the importance of architecture in facilitati ng more holisti c understandings of urban health.