Each micro-adaptation of the large-scale becomes, in the re-evaluation of modernism, a political statement
Francesca Ferguson, Talking Cities
Welcome to St. James Town
Type:
Regeneration
Project:
Exhibition
Location:
Toronto, ON
Site:
14,700m2
Program:
Amphitheater 1,950m2; Event Space 650m2; Clubhouse 900m2
Credits:
Stuart Sakai - Photographer
Lee Dares, Nick Butler - Models
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Inspired by Le Corbusier's tower-in-the-park, St. James Town presents an uncompromising vision of social progress. Borne from modern planning theory, such neighbourhoods have invariably become low-income enclaves.
One of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in North America, it is a paradox of isolation in the midst of visibility. To promote a diversity of use in the neglected park areas, public spaces were defined with sculptural interventions derived from the existing palette of materials. The decaying towers recast modernism as a beautiful monument to flawed ideologies. A series of photo composites mimic original ad campaigns promoting the towers as an urban singles paradise.
Click here to check out an original ad.
