As placemakers, we’re always on the lookout for inspiring projects that push the boundaries of urban design, community engagement, and adaptive reuse. During a recent trip to Toronto, we had the opportunity to explore some incredible spaces that embody the principles of placemaking—spaces that create connection, celebrate culture, and transform the way people experience the city.
Stackt Market
Stackt Market is a masterclass in how to transform an underutilised site into a dynamic cultural destination. Built entirely from repurposed shipping containers, this modular market has become a thriving hub for local artisans, designers, and creators. The layout encourages exploration, with open courtyards and container-based structures seamlessly integrated into the site.
What makes Stackt so exciting is its ability to evolve with the seasons. It hosts a wide variety of events, from interactive workshops to curated markets and pop-ups that draw a mix of locals and visitors. This flexibility is a testament to the market’s design ethos—an adaptable, ever-changing space that champions creativity and supports local economies.
RendezViews
RendezViews is proof that placemaking doesn’t have to be permanent to have an impact. This outdoor social venue transforms with the seasons, offering vibrant summer gatherings and cozy winter retreats. From its signature hut-style booths to its outdoor screenings and live events, RendezViews excels at creating a welcoming and adaptable space.
The venue’s backdrop—Toronto’s iconic CN Tower—adds to its charm, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Its ability to evolve and stay relevant throughout the year speaks to the power of flexible design and programming in creating spaces people love to return to.
Toronto’s placemaking projects demonstrate the transformative power of thoughtful design, programming, and community engagement. Each space we visited serves as a reminder of why we do what we do—creating places that bring people together, celebrate local culture, and inspire new ways of connecting with the city.
The Bentway
The Bentway is a bold reimagination of urban infrastructure, transforming the space beneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway into a linear park and public realm. Once a forgotten corridor, it now serves as a gathering place where art, culture, and community collide.
The thoughtful design includes pedestrian pathways, community spaces, and art installations that inject life into the space while honoring its industrial heritage. Seasonal programming, such as the iconic ice-skating trail, ensures year-round activity and reinforces The Bentway’s role as a cultural anchor for the city. It’s a powerful reminder of how underutilised spaces can be activated to create moments of connection and discovery.
The Well
The Well stands as a testament to the potential of mixed-use developments to create fully integrated urban experiences. This precinct seamlessly blends luxury retail, curated dining, residential living, and office spaces, all framed by thoughtfully designed public walkways and plazas.
What sets The Well apart is its attention to detail. The public spaces are not an afterthought—they are integral to the design, inviting people to linger, connect, and explore. With its focus on creating a holistic lifestyle destination, The Well embodies the idea that placemaking is about more than just physical spaces—it’s about crafting a sense of place that resonates with people on every level.
