gxn and ha/f stack toronto’s construction leftovers into pop-up public space
On Toronto’s newly formed Ookwemin Minising island, the Waterfront Neighbourhood Space has been created using bricks from demolished homes, leftover concrete blocks, and other salvaged materials. Developed by GXN, Ha/f Climate Design, AKT II, and Arcana Materials, this outdoor gathering area repurposes construction and demolition waste into functional public space.
The project reverses traditional architectural processes by first assessing available materials, such as early 20th-century bricks and concrete from utility works, before designing the space. A stacked-and-strapped system holds the mismatched materials together, allowing for flexibility and non-destructive disassembly.
Opened on July 4, 2026, the installation is intended to be temporary, with connections designed for easy disassembly, promoting a circular material process. Located on a 39.6-hectare site surrounded by Biidaasige Park, the pop-up space aims to highlight the potential of reusing construction materials while providing seating and space for informal activities.
Source: www.designboom.com
