| Title |
Developmental Process and Causes of the Toronto Underground Pedestrian Mall System: 1959-1990 |
| Keywords |
Underground Space ; Toronto Underground Pedestrian Mall System ; Toronto Dominion Centre |
| Abstract |
This paper will not concentrate on identifying the physical factors of the Toronto Underground Pedestrian Mall System(TUPMS). Instead, it intends to take a detailed look at the background and development of TUPMS through an examination of its origin and growth. This approach is of prime importance in explaining the physical factors of TUPMS. In other words, the architectural values of TUPMS - such as use, size and design - can best be appreciated from an historical perspective. As a result of the research, the study focuses mainly on three areas.
1) Through a chronological research (phaseⅠ 1959-1974, phaseⅡ 1974-1990), the study unveils the mega structure of TUPMS, which has taken an arbitrary shape that is quite different from an aboveground grid pattern.
2) The study shows the formative factors of TUPMS. It makes an effort to assess the overall characteristics of TUPMS by finding out not only physical influences on TUPMS - i.e. subway access, Montreal Place Ville Marie, and the Toronto Dominion Centre - but also examining an ideological and institutional concerns - i.e. urban boom, separation between pedestrians and vehicles, and codes and bylaws -.
3) The study reveals some physical and sociocultural problems of TUPMS such as uncomfortable indoor air quality, isolation from an outdoor environment, a horizontal and narrow world, little natural light, few places to linger, and a relatively unaware general populace. |