Publica was commissioned by Wittington Properties Ltd as a part of the process of realising a high-quality design for a new mixed-use development in Midtown Toronto, Canada.

Drawing on on-site fieldwork studies and desk-based research, Publica provided guidance on spatial and urban integration, sustainability and cultural impact, all critical elements of the client’s vision for the site.

Masterplan review

Publica conducted a review of the current proposals for the site, framed within the overarching goals and objectives set out in the client group’s vision document.

With a special focus on the development’s approach to the public realm and its integration with the wider neighbourhood, the review addressed the challenges of creating a whole city block that has the same level of quality and diversity in character and place as neighbourhoods that have developed incrementally over time. The analysis from the research culminated in a series of considerations and six key recommendations, which have informed the priorities and proposals set out in the next stages of work.

Masterplan identity

Based on the issues and opportunities identified in the review, Publica set out a series of options and proposals for the programme, character and identity of each major element of the masterplan.

The proposals were developed through a series of workshops with the client and consultant group, interviews with experts and a review of international precedents. Emphasis was placed on a holistic approach to sustainability as a key priority in the site’s development, embodying a broad social, cultural and environmental perspective.

The Masterplan Identity report was developed to provide a roadmap for future design briefs within the overall masterplan, and a clear rationale for the selection of design collaborators.

Sites for collaboration and list of potential collaborators

Publica curated a list of design architects for the masterplan design, landscape and cultural elements, and set out a process and timeline for selection for the client group to take forward into the next stages of the development.

Publica was commissioned by Wittington Properties Ltd as a part of the process of realising a high-quality design for a new mixed-use development in Midtown Toronto, Canada.

Drawing on on-site fieldwork studies and desk-based research, Publica provided guidance on spatial and urban integration, sustainability and cultural impact, all critical elements of the client’s vision for the site.

Masterplan review

Publica conducted a review of the current proposals for the site, framed within the overarching goals and objectives set out in the client group’s vision document.

With a special focus on the development’s approach to the public realm and its integration with the wider neighbourhood, the review addressed the challenges of creating a whole city block that has the same level of quality and diversity in character and place as neighbourhoods that have developed incrementally over time. The analysis from the research culminated in a series of considerations and six key recommendations, which have informed the priorities and proposals set out in the next stages of work.

Masterplan identity

Based on the issues and opportunities identified in the review, Publica set out a series of options and proposals for the programme, character and identity of each major element of the masterplan.

The proposals were developed through a series of workshops with the client and consultant group, interviews with experts and a review of international precedents. Emphasis was placed on a holistic approach to sustainability as a key priority in the site’s development, embodying a broad social, cultural and environmental perspective.

The Masterplan Identity report was developed to provide a roadmap for future design briefs within the overall masterplan, and a clear rationale for the selection of design collaborators.

Sites for collaboration and list of potential collaborators

Publica curated a list of design architects for the masterplan design, landscape and cultural elements, and set out a process and timeline for selection for the client group to take forward into the next stages of the development.