Urban Canopy

Multi-Use Residential Complex – Architectural Design Study

Client: Academic Project – Centennial College
Project Type: Mixed-Use Residential Development Design
Location: 177 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date: April 2024

Developed as a final academic requirement for the Architectural Technology program at Centennial College, this project proposes a high-density multi-use residential complex located at 177 Front Street East in Toronto. The design explores sustainable urban development strategies within a dense downtown context, integrating residential towers with ground-level commercial spaces and landscaped public areas.

The architectural concept emphasizes vertical living environments enhanced by integrated vegetation. The towers incorporate vertical garden systems along the building façade, introducing greenery into the urban skyline while contributing to environmental performance and visual identity. Terraced balconies, glass curtain wall systems, and strong vertical structural expression define the architectural language of the development.

At the pedestrian level, the project introduces retail spaces and landscaped walkways that activate the street frontage and encourage urban interaction. Courtyard gardens and open circulation areas create transitional spaces between the city and residential towers, promoting both accessibility and community engagement within the complex.

The project documentation includes comprehensive architectural drawings and development studies that communicate the building’s planning, structure, and façade systems. The design process began with detailed technical documentation produced using Revit. Subsequent stages involved SketchUp for massing studies and 3DS Max with the V-Ray render engine to produce photorealistic architectural visualizations. A project walkthrough animation was created using Lumion to provide a dynamic presentation of the proposed development.

Design Themes

• High-density residential living integrated with mixed-use retail spaces
• Vertical garden systems enhancing urban environmental quality
• Pedestrian-oriented ground level activating the city streetscape
• Contemporary tower design emphasizing glass, greenery, and verticality

The result is a forward-looking urban proposal where architecture, landscape, and sustainability converge to redefine contemporary residential living in downtown Toronto.