Entrance of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

View of entrance to exhibition

Toronto Imagined Exhibition

Exhibition plan of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Plan of exhibition

Toronto Imagined — Speculations Towards a New Cityscape is an exhibition and lecture about Toronto’s future and explores the architectural implications of the city's urban form. Over the last few decades Toronto has drastically flourished to become a dynamic global metropolis yet the politics of its planning and architecture have struggled to keep pace. 

The late 19th century and early 20th century built fabric that characterizes Toronto’s inner suburbs presents variation on the level of the city block, however in terms of its massing, use, and overall urban form, there is significant homogeneity and limitations for a 21st century city.

 
 

From a vision for Little Jamaica to a counter proposal for Alexandra Park, the show brings together the built and speculative works of the Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA), each project asking the question: How can we imagine a vibrant and culturally rich Toronto? A recurring theme in SOCA’s work is the negotiation between change and continuity. Whether in stark juxtaposition or incremental in nature the work tackles issues of density, sustainability, affordability, walkability, and heritage. Though specific to Toronto, the projects are emblematic of Canadian urbanism and beyond – an opportunity to prototype new urban forms for this era.

Exhibition view of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

View of exhibition showcase featuring Alexandra Park Proposal model and poster for the 2023 Venice Biennale

Project models for the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

View of project models

 
Entry to Paul H. Cocker Gallery of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Entry to the exhibition at the Paul H. Cocker Gallery

 
Public programming of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Public programming for exhibition opening

 
 
Model of Little Jamaica for the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Model of density proposals for Little Jamaica

Exhibition works of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Exhibition showcase featuring works from Magdalene Oduno exhibition design and Granny’s House

 
Public Opening of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Event photo from the public opening

Exhibition drawings for the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Exhibition showcase of High Park Pavilion and Alexandra Park Masterplan

 
Public engagement at the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Public engagement with the exhibition models

 
Exterior view of the Toronto Imagined Exhibition developed by SOCA

Entry to the exhibition at the Paul H. Cocker Gallery