Larissa Borys
With a previous background in sculpture, Larissa has always had an interest in form, texture, and how materials/elements interact with each other, and how others interact with her work. With additional interests in traveling, this has inspired her passion to be in the hospitality, residential and retail sectors.
Project Overview
The design of “The Eastern” is explored through the "connection" of social and physical means, this was inspired by the closures of restaurants during COVID-19 and the many restrictions many restaurants faced. Including the lack of connection of people to not only others but their community. The building plays a role in the investigation of how this space could be used post-COVID-19. It is a place that displays the historic character of the location and the importance of it to the community. It is about connecting the neighborhood to its rich history and to the people currently residing there. The design shows this is through the materials, the Edwardian style, sightlines within the building, and the connection to the people, acting as a social space for those to connect with each other.
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Parti Diagrams.
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Isometric View.
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Bubble Diagrams Ground and Second Level.
Concept/Design Process
The Eastern is supported by the concept of "connection". The Parti diagrams included explains how the interior form came to be, by exploring multiple elements of form, line, and path. The design incorporates not only safe spaces for those to gather with family and friends, such as the booth dining but also functions to fit multiple layouts for dining whether it be groups or smaller amounts of people, such as the ground floor main dining. The opening within this space which can be seen in the floor plans connects the two levels together and draws attention to the detail of the eastern's structure and its rich history to the neighborhood. The feeling of the design is meant to draw attention to the main opening and roof space like an arrow guiding the viewer from a narrow path to a large open space, encompassing a grand feeling, while still maintaining the private space.
Site Plan/Floor Plans
The site chosen is 415 Eastern Ave in Toronto, located within the neighborhood of Leslieville. The building itself has 2 levels above grade and 1 below with approximately 16,000 SQ FT. This building was once home to the Consumer's Gas Company (1900’s). With Queen Street East one block north, there was an opportunity to bring more business to the growing eastern avenue. With construction happening all around this site for not only residential, mixed-use and retail buildings, there was also proof that older buildings that once had an industrial purpose were given a new chance at life. At the focus of this restaurant is the community in which it occupies, a new place for people to interact with each other while also shopping local. Both the main and second levels feature dining while the basement serves as a private space housing the kitchen and staff areas.
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Site.
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Ground Level Floor Plan.
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Second Level Floor Plan.
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Lounge/ Bar seating.
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Second Level Dining.
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Booth Dining.
3D Views
The 3d views featured give an experience of the space from the ground floor dining elements of the lounge/bar space being more laid back and relaxing to a more private space of the booth dining. The spaces are meant to serve the users as they would like, from sit-down dining to more social spaces, the upper dining includes a bit of everything with views that connect the main bar to the opening within the second floor. The booths feature built-in tablets for ordering as well as QR codes for scanning the menu, for those that may not like the digital menus, traditional ones are still available.
Poster
An overview of The Eastern Restaurant and Store, the concept, and materials. Featuring the main level dining view and focus of the main bar with views to above. While also drawing attention to the Eastern Store, Second level window dining, and second-level bar area.
An overview of The Eastern Restaurant and Store, the concept, and materials.
