Fort York's Fluid Landscapes

In the spring of 1813, an overwhelming number of American troops landed west of Fort York in Toronto. Today, evidence of battle scars are erased. Rough slopes along the original lake shore have been smoothed out by infill and carpets of grass. Now as a historic museum, Fort York protects and commemorates the heritage influencing Toronto’s origins, specifically showcasing the war of 1812. Recently, the fort demanded a new Masterplan that bridges the past and contemporary identities of its context. Therefore, the project expresses key historic moments as physical stories for visitors to experience on site. The narratives manifest in three design themes: the escapement, field of fire, and ravine. These zones are designed through a historical lens, while accommodating the needs of its evolving context. 

The Escarpment beneath the Gardiner Expressway creates new entries to the fort with the ‘Explosion Site’ as the main portal. Berms provide seating, while doubling as a sound barrier to the surrounding traffic. The Field of Fire remains open, and is activated during events. Groundcover blooms coordinate with event schedules to create a range of 90-100m zones marking the distance of musket shooting ranges. Trees and shrubs with temporal red foliage are chosen as visual cues for the battlegrounds. Lastly, the extended tree canopy connecting to the north become reminiscent of routes taken during the battle retreat. This new connection reclaims surrounding vacant spaces, unveiling a playful pedestrian experience that is optimal for children and families in the nearby residential areas.