Vacant to Vibrant: Reimagining Windsor’s Built Environment Through Community-Focused Design

Abstract

The “hollow city” phenomenon affects many urban centres worldwide. The downtown core of Windsor, Ontario has struggled to deal with its many vacant buildings, surface-level parking lots, and underutilized spaces. Despite a strong local identity of artistic expression and agricultural availability the downtown lacks engaging, year-round public spaces for people to enjoy. This thesis proposes the creation of a permanent cultural anchor at the heart of downtown Windsor to counteract the “hollow city” effect and promote a sustainable urban future. By integrating an all-season farmers’ market with public art, and residential spaces, this centre will be the starting point for the city of Windsor to rebuild its downtown community. The project aims to foster community connections, revitalize the area, and showcase the transformation of a vacant space into a hub of continuous public interaction.