NEXUS - Architecture as an expression of creativity and design intersecting in a physical experience.

In Southern Ontario there are two distinct components that make up the fabric of our society, the urban context and the rural context. This nexus that I created seeks to link these two very different aspects of the nature of our province. This was the initial concept of this thesis project. In order to create an environment that could combine the two features together it became apparent that it was necessary to use athletics as a platform to base the design on. The sport of climbing is frequently practiced in urban settings, but the gyms that feature this are almost exclusively warehouses or boring strip-malls. Serious climbers will admit that there is no urban setting that is conducive to legitimate climbing and that the only way to truly climb, is to venture out of the city and experience a real rock climbing excursion.

I wanted to create a unique architectural experience while attempting to meet the needs of serious climbers and bring a one-of-a-kind climbing adventure into the urban fabric of Toronto. I chose the site at 60 Mill St. because of the demographic of clientele that my project meets. The Distillery District is a site that is packed with historical buildings as well as new build condos and apartments. This is an excellent site for a facility specializing in climbing and recreation. The primary program of this building is a climbing facility as well the facilities that correspond with high fitness. The secondary program is retail and restaurant. The Retail aspect of the facility is focused on goods relating to the sport of climbing, as well as fitness apparel and equipment.