Building a Complete Community for Downsview’s The Hangar District By Applying Advanced Design Methods and Tools

The Downsview redevelopment is one of the most significant projects to occur in the history of Toronto, led by Northcrest Developments (Northcrest). Northcrest is wholly owned by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), one of Canada’s largest pension fund managers. The goal is that over the next 30 years, the 370-acre Downsview Airport Lands site will transform into a series of walkable, low-carbon communities, complete with a thriving employment hub, amenities, acres of parks and open space, and a robust mobility network, all anchored by one of Canada’s largest urban parks. Downsview’s The Hangar District, a 55.5-acre site, is Northcrest’s first district, implementing the vision for the future of Downsview, captured in Northcrest’s Framework Plan. https://www.id8downsview.ca/progress Over the next five years, the area will evolve into a pedestrian focused, mixed-use community that re-purposes the hangars which have been an industrial site for Bombardier, reimagines the Taxiway, a former active runway, and introduces an expansive public realm network to support a complete mix of uses in a predominantly mid-rise form.

Faculty Supervisor:

Robert Wright;Sara Diamond;Fadi Masoud;Jeremy Bowes

Student:

Partner:

Downsview Metro Devco Inc

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

Ontario College of Art & Design University; University of Toronto

Program: