Krystin Seemann
Meet Krystin! After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Krystin quickly realized that true happiness was found in ways that fostered creativity, leading her to pursue her passion for Interior Design. Krystin believes that the best designs satisfy needs that are not only functional and aesthetically unique but have the ability to influence behaviour beyond the built environment. Krystin's commitment to sustainability is at the forefront of her mission as an interior designer.
Project Overview
The Humber Centre for Urban Agriculture is a community garden and food share that provides individuals with the education and resources to learn the fundamentals of urban agriculture and its contributing role on food sustainability for future cities. The center provides the physical tools and educational resources required to facilitate a service-learning approach to urban agriculture. The space is designed to prepare individuals with skills and information that transcend beyond the physical classroom, with the goal of alleviating larger social issues; in this case, environmental sustainability and food insecurity within marginalized urban communities.
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Longitude Section.
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Latitude Section.
Concept/Design Process
Exploration of daylight was central to the concept, not only for its supporting role on plant health and sustainability but also its ability to create visual interest and connect users with nature all while promoting an increased sense of well-being. Through the use of soft, natural materials and a diverse collection of both edible and non-edible plant species, the design achieves a spatial quality that is welcoming, sustainable, and conducive to a service-learning approach to urban agriculture.
Site Plan/Floor Plans
The site is located at 3120 Lakeshore Blvd West, Etobicoke ON- major intersection at Kipling and Lakeshore. The site is a mix of both residential and commercial use and represents a lower-income demographic within the New Toronto neighborhood. The building’s main level features a controlled interior growing space and various herb and trellis gardens to service the seasonal cafe menu. A build shop was designed to host workshops for small garden construction and offers tool rental for those who wish to take their learned skills home. The resource library provides literature on biodiversity, horticulture, and sustainability for both advanced and novice gardeners. A co-working area and open work zone are available for community members who require additional technology or a quiet place to study. A small flexible classroom and meeting space are also available for both staff and visitor use. The mezzanine level provides additional learning opportunities as users learn the fundamentals of post-harvest. A community kitchen can host cooking events for those who wish to teach the food of their culture, or for people to learn how to cook using the fruits of their labour. A garden log area and tool storage has also been programmed for the rooftop green space.
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Main Floor Plan- NTS.
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Mezzanine Floor Plan-NTS.
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Entrance view featuring the controlled interior growing space.
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View of the cafe area featuring custom trellis and herb gardens illuminated under the solarium roof.
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Breakout zone and flexible classroom space for staff and guest use.
3D Views
Given that the best learning happens in the garden, the idea for the interior was to create a space that would bring users a connection to nature while providing a positive learning community within. The building features both interior and exterior green spaces, giving individuals a place to grow their own food and the means to practice these skills in a hands-on learning environment.
Poster
The poster illustrates a walkthrough of the main interior space including the entrance, indoor growing area, cafe, breakout zone, and flexible classroom space. Latitudinal and longitudinal cross-sections give a sense of vertical movement with the inclusion of an extended mezzanine. A selection of sustainable materials makes up the pallet for this interior which is meant to feel soft and welcoming for a community of adult learners.
