THE TOWER AND THE FIELD: ADAPTING A MODERNIST BUILDING TYPOLOGY
Abstract
This thesis is an analysis of vertical inhabitation, looking at recent revolutions of the built
form, focusing on the modern 20th century residential high-rise as a typology. The towers
are a product of theories for mass housing developed during the modern era, specifically
the idea of placing a tower-in-the-park. This typology became an ubiquitous building form
during 20th century urban expansion, particularly in North American.
Decades after their original conception, these towers have become socially and physically
isolated from their context within the city. This paper will investigate and attempt to develop
a methodology for evolving the modern residential high rise typology, in order to define an
informed model for the future of these towers.
The site identified in this study is located in Scarborough, a neighbourhood in the periphery
of Toronto, ON.