Newer and better building, fabrication, and communication technology is dramatically changing the modern workplace. This cultural shift is allowing people to have more freedom and flexibility, resulting in more creativity and a better work environment. Industropolis aims to embrace and expand upon this idea.

Industropolis is located in a constantly transforming area of Toronto, where industrial and residential uses clash. This project aims to take both of the advantages of industrial and residential programs and combine them into a seamless live-work space allowing for cross-pollination of creative minds and potential to evolve on its own.

The lower floors of the building continue the relationship to the street of the surrounding buildings. The typology of the adjacent building (a series of light industrial businesses) is continued and the importance of the loading bays is reflected in the façade. The atrium on the west side of the building is used as a gallery space, to engage the community in the activities happening above.

The upper floors utilize this industrial language of precast concrete, shipping containers and exposed piping. The piping is colour-coded for each service, and acts as wayfinding for the building. The simple access to the services make it easy to provide each unit with exactly what it needs, as the programs in each unit will vary.

A single module is constructed is a similar way as shipping containers. It uses welded HSS columns and beams with corrugated steel for the exterior facade. Windows and insulation is placed in wherever needed. Each living unit has all of the basic furniture and appliances prefabricated and moved efficiently to the back of the module. The finished module is 3m x 9m. These dimensions allow it to be transported by truck from the factory to the site fairly easily. On site, the containers are lifted by crane and stacked using connecting pieces similar to the Vectorbloc system. Each unit is made from 2 or 4 modules.