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.