Architecture Students Team Up with DIALOG to Help Design New “Central Park” for Toronto 3 A group of 15 students from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism recently finalized their contribution to an initiative that, according to City of Toronto Councillor Joe Cressy, could become the “Central Park of Toronto”. Over a period of six-weeks, students from Carleton’s undergraduate and graduate architecture programs took part in an intensive studio with design firm DIALOG, during which the students explored concepts and developed planning strategies for the acclaimed Rail Deck Park, an 8.5-hectare urban park proposal being considered by the City of Toronto for its downtown core. Working with DIALOG, the students explored how the vision for the park can be brought to life, ultimately developing and delivering their own master plans to Toronto’s city planners. Nourhan Zaky, one of several architecture master’s students involved in this year’s studio, relished the opportunity to work within DIALOG’s professional Toronto studio and has no doubt that the experience will help to further her program and career goals. “Being immersed in their firm and professional environment has been incredibly motivating,” says Zaky. “Just observing the way they tackle issues and arrive at a common ground is exciting.” Over the course of the studio, students benefitted from DIALOG experts who provided insight on everything from how to approach complex structural engineering challenges, to impactful storytelling and presentation best practices. The studio also included presentations from third party industry experts, who shared their understanding of the business side of development and how developers work in partnership with the city. With an estimated cost of $1.05 billion, DIALOG Principal and Architect and Carleton graduate Diego Morettin (BArch/92) believes collaboration is key to the success of the Rail Deck Park’s development. “The idea of bringing in students that are going to look at the site with a fresh pair of eyes and working with them together is really important to us,” says Morettin. “The Rail Deck site is really about city building. It’s an opportunity to look at how we can make our communities better through design.” Jeff DiBattista, Practice Principal and Structural Engineer at DIALOG, also understands the long-term vision of the project and its importance to the city. “We’re all in this mindset of 2017, but we’re trying to create something here that’s going to last for a hundred years,” he explains. “That has a really meaningful, positive impact on people’s well-being in their communities.” Photo: DIALOG