Parker Loche
Parker Loche's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by Azeri Abaad on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Supported a comment by Jess Foran on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Jess Foran
I am worried considering Adamson's portfolio that we will see a lot of the same kinds of buildings like we have seen in Canary Wharf and Hudson yards where all of the buildings are glass but slightly different in shape. Please ensure that are international design competitions for the buildings — If all of the buildings are typical what we have seen in the past, and if they all 'blend in' to downtown, it will not speak to the longevity of this site in coming decades. consider design as heritage, something that will speak to future generations and something that is of high importance.
I am worried considering Adamson's portfolio that we will see a lot of the same kinds of buildings like we have seen in Canary Wharf and Hudson yards where all of the buildings are glass but slightly different in shape. Please ensure that are international design competitions for the buildings — If all of the buildings are typical what we have seen in the past, and if they all 'blend in' to downtown, it will not speak to the longevity of this site in coming decades. consider design as heritage, something that will speak to future generations and something that is of high importance.
Supported a comment by David V on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
David V
How to make this site arts and culture destination rather than just employment. Should come alive at night, as well as day. Year-round events, festivals, night life, music and multi-season events are key to full-year place to experience.
How to make this site arts and culture destination rather than just employment. Should come alive at night, as well as day. Year-round events, festivals, night life, music and multi-season events are key to full-year place to experience.
Supported a comment by S. Walker on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
S. Walker
Community Arts and Culture are very important. One of the most driving factors of living in Toronto is the amazing culture and art we have in the city. This development needs to consider this an a important feature of the space. Development should also consider access to space for artists and a space of gathering and events for the public. Similar to the front street promenade.
Community Arts and Culture are very important. One of the most driving factors of living in Toronto is the amazing culture and art we have in the city. This development needs to consider this an a important feature of the space. Development should also consider access to space for artists and a space of gathering and events for the public. Similar to the front street promenade.
Supported a comment by Cairns Deleway on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Cairns Deleway
Architecture: It would be great to see a core of skyscrapers that look visually contrasting to the bland glass condos and towers we already see downtown. Future-oriented and ambitious design has an ability to attract people to a place alone. Torontonians need a place they can look at and say "This is proudly, uniquely ours." All of the massing of the buildings look so uniform and boxy, please consider different colours, materials, shapes and perhaps a couple signature tall skyscrapers to make something appealing for Toronto's east-end skyline. Please also consider timber and sustainable options too, position Canada as a leading mass-timber design leader as talked about at the Toronto mass timber institute @ UofT. -Lastly, I want to talk about culture. Culture is a 'feeling in the air', that no bureaucratic document can recreate. It would be a major disappointment walking through the streets of East Harbour and not feeling inspired. Cities like Tokyo and Seoul have vibrant neon lighting and signs that echo a kind of uniqueness and boldness. The reality is, people in the cultural industries are leaving Toronto because it is no longer affordable to have a studio space as well as rents. Arts and Culture are the reasons why we visit cities: Paris, London, New York etc. The most touristic and vibrant neighbourhoods have a thriving arts/cultural scene — Not everyone works in a traditional office setting: i.e. People in music, design, art,, they need studios.
Architecture: It would be great to see a core of skyscrapers that look visually contrasting to the bland glass condos and towers we already see downtown. Future-oriented and ambitious design has an ability to attract people to a place alone. Torontonians need a place they can look at and say "This is proudly, uniquely ours." All of the massing of the buildings look so uniform and boxy, please consider different colours, materials, shapes and perhaps a couple signature tall skyscrapers to make something appealing for Toronto's east-end skyline. Please also consider timber and sustainable options too, position Canada as a leading mass-timber design leader as talked about at the Toronto mass timber institute @ UofT. -Lastly, I want to talk about culture. Culture is a 'feeling in the air', that no bureaucratic document can recreate. It would be a major disappointment walking through the streets of East Harbour and not feeling inspired. Cities like Tokyo and Seoul have vibrant neon lighting and signs that echo a kind of uniqueness and boldness. The reality is, people in the cultural industries are leaving Toronto because it is no longer affordable to have a studio space as well as rents. Arts and Culture are the reasons why we visit cities: Paris, London, New York etc. The most touristic and vibrant neighbourhoods have a thriving arts/cultural scene — Not everyone works in a traditional office setting: i.e. People in music, design, art,, they need studios.
Supported a comment by Azeri Abaad on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Azeri Abaad
An identity of a city is formed through cultural industries. New York & London are known for their cultural scene but Toronto is just known to be a 'business city' with an arts scene that is not on the surface and is dying. In East Harbour, I'd like to see culture/arts emerge off of the surface of Toronto and finally be able to have space to grow as well as attracting and retaining talent. Creative talent is leaving Toronto and heading to more affordable places like Montreal & Hamilton.
Project team: Please stop this exodus of the creative sector, this should be a main priority.
An identity of a city is formed through cultural industries. New York & London are known for their cultural scene but Toronto is just known to be a 'business city' with an arts scene that is not on the surface and is dying. In East Harbour, I'd like to see culture/arts emerge off of the surface of Toronto and finally be able to have space to grow as well as attracting and retaining talent. Creative talent is leaving Toronto and heading to more affordable places like Montreal & Hamilton.
Project team: Please stop this exodus of the creative sector, this should be a main priority.
Supported a comment by mike gohl on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
mike gohl
Being the size that it is, this is a once in a generation kind of development for Toronto and there is only one shot to make it right. Adequate cultural facilities, entertainment, and year-round amenities and events will contribute to a successful development. Consider East Harbour as part of the 'city of neighbourhoods' identity that Toronto is most proud of. East Harbour should be distinct & should rival popular central business districts across the world and be a central spine for the east-end. Consider hosting an international design competition for buildings (being that once these are built, there is no way to go back and change it so let's aim high, be creative and perhaps a little edgy). the 2150 lakeshore development is inspiring in colour, built form and pedestrian scale.. see design as something of value and something that needs to be strongly considered. I'm trying to fit everything into 250 words here, but world-class cities have an 'it' district where all of the most exciting and groundbreaking industries, nightlife, shopping action happens. In London, you have Oxford street as well as 'shoreditch' which proves how culture can revitalise neighbourhoods and cities..in New York you have Tribeca or soho, in Seoul you have gangnam, in Tokyo you have Shinjuku or shibuya... Toronto will and can benefit from a major cultural district that will bring Toronto off of the national stage to the world stage. I like to dream big, I know.
Being the size that it is, this is a once in a generation kind of development for Toronto and there is only one shot to make it right. Adequate cultural facilities, entertainment, and year-round amenities and events will contribute to a successful development. Consider East Harbour as part of the 'city of neighbourhoods' identity that Toronto is most proud of. East Harbour should be distinct & should rival popular central business districts across the world and be a central spine for the east-end. Consider hosting an international design competition for buildings (being that once these are built, there is no way to go back and change it so let's aim high, be creative and perhaps a little edgy). the 2150 lakeshore development is inspiring in colour, built form and pedestrian scale.. see design as something of value and something that needs to be strongly considered. I'm trying to fit everything into 250 words here, but world-class cities have an 'it' district where all of the most exciting and groundbreaking industries, nightlife, shopping action happens. In London, you have Oxford street as well as 'shoreditch' which proves how culture can revitalise neighbourhoods and cities..in New York you have Tribeca or soho, in Seoul you have gangnam, in Tokyo you have Shinjuku or shibuya... Toronto will and can benefit from a major cultural district that will bring Toronto off of the national stage to the world stage. I like to dream big, I know.
Supported a comment by Cairns Deleway on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Cairns Deleway
Nightlife. Young people in Toronto want more options that don't close so early. A way to keep East Harbour afloat past 5pm is to bring in a wide range of bars, clubs and cultural options that go through the night. Knowing Torontonians, I know noise is going to be a concern, so look at ways venues can reduce noise through insulation or certain design elements. We have to remember we are in a large city, a noise is inevitable. We have lost over a dozen music venues because of the pandemic, it is at a dire situation for us in the music/entertainment industry. The cultural industries are the hardest hit industry and it expected to take the longest to recover. Ensure East Harbour can accommodate a large number of these types of establishments to position Toronto as a competitive place to 'have fun'. Unfortunately, Montreal is the cultural capital of Canada... but East Harbour should seek to challenge this. Retail should be unique, focusing on shops that you wouldn't normally find in other retail districts downtown. Perhaps local designers, or international designers looking to open a staple Canadian location. Please ensure Live music and live performance is engrained in East Harbour's DNA, as well as give opportunities to artists/buskers being pushed out of Toronto.
Nightlife. Young people in Toronto want more options that don't close so early. A way to keep East Harbour afloat past 5pm is to bring in a wide range of bars, clubs and cultural options that go through the night. Knowing Torontonians, I know noise is going to be a concern, so look at ways venues can reduce noise through insulation or certain design elements. We have to remember we are in a large city, a noise is inevitable. We have lost over a dozen music venues because of the pandemic, it is at a dire situation for us in the music/entertainment industry. The cultural industries are the hardest hit industry and it expected to take the longest to recover. Ensure East Harbour can accommodate a large number of these types of establishments to position Toronto as a competitive place to 'have fun'. Unfortunately, Montreal is the cultural capital of Canada... but East Harbour should seek to challenge this. Retail should be unique, focusing on shops that you wouldn't normally find in other retail districts downtown. Perhaps local designers, or international designers looking to open a staple Canadian location. Please ensure Live music and live performance is engrained in East Harbour's DNA, as well as give opportunities to artists/buskers being pushed out of Toronto.
Supported a comment by David V on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
David V
While I agree, a grocery store is not going to 'inject life' into this future world-class development. It will certainly be convenient and important, but it is galleries, venues, museums or lake cultural anchors, sports, shopping, bars etc that will inject life here. These social anchors will draw a crows past 5pm and inject more of a work/live balance in toronto
While I agree, a grocery store is not going to 'inject life' into this future world-class development. It will certainly be convenient and important, but it is galleries, venues, museums or lake cultural anchors, sports, shopping, bars etc that will inject life here. These social anchors will draw a crows past 5pm and inject more of a work/live balance in toronto
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
I'd also like to see TO break out of this distinct business flair and be more cultural and artistic. This is what fascinates people and makes people excited about cities. Not buildings and fast food joints...
Supported a comment by Vera Kreuz on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Vera Kreuz
Ensure there are new Shopping options that current retail streets do not offer. Think of this site as a mix, but there needs to be a uniqueness so that East Harbour isn't just a Yorkville 2.0 (think Kensington Market eclectics with vintage clothing, unique boutiques and culture). Harajuku in Tokyo is a good example because it caters to youth and is funky and unique. East Harbour should have an identity outside of what we are used to in most Toronto retail streets. It should appeal to all ages, not just a bland and repetitive Eaton centre style shopping district. East Harbour should showcase unique locally owned boutiques and create a culture where people will want to shop in places where they know and are proud of the fact it is one of a kind.
Ensure there are new Shopping options that current retail streets do not offer. Think of this site as a mix, but there needs to be a uniqueness so that East Harbour isn't just a Yorkville 2.0 (think Kensington Market eclectics with vintage clothing, unique boutiques and culture). Harajuku in Tokyo is a good example because it caters to youth and is funky and unique. East Harbour should have an identity outside of what we are used to in most Toronto retail streets. It should appeal to all ages, not just a bland and repetitive Eaton centre style shopping district. East Harbour should showcase unique locally owned boutiques and create a culture where people will want to shop in places where they know and are proud of the fact it is one of a kind.
Supported a comment by mike gohl on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
mike gohl
How to make Toronto a future leading city for arts/culture industries. There isn't another chance to redeem this, as this is one of Toronto's last parcels of undeveloped land.
How to make Toronto a future leading city for arts/culture industries. There isn't another chance to redeem this, as this is one of Toronto's last parcels of undeveloped land.
Supported a comment by mike gohl on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
mike gohl
I would also like to see this district be a world-leader in technology and sustainability. Quayside had that same spirit, the willing to go above and beyond to make a lasting impact for Toronto, but failed due to privacy concerns. East Harbour needs to be innovative and 'harbour' new and future-oriented modes of getting around, technologies and innovative entertainment.
I would also like to see this district be a world-leader in technology and sustainability. Quayside had that same spirit, the willing to go above and beyond to make a lasting impact for Toronto, but failed due to privacy concerns. East Harbour needs to be innovative and 'harbour' new and future-oriented modes of getting around, technologies and innovative entertainment.
Supported a comment by Emilie Decouer on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Emilie Decouer
As an artist, it is important that East Harbour priorities us and gives us opportunities here. Toronto has a chance to reclaim Canadian fashion. Essentially we have to leave in order to find work because fashion isn't something that is supported or even recognised in Canada as arts/culture industry. If retail and shopping is going to be an important part of East Harbour, please consider how local and Canadian designers can be endorsed and set the bar high when it comes to lifting up Toronto's art scene and cultural industries.
As an artist, it is important that East Harbour priorities us and gives us opportunities here. Toronto has a chance to reclaim Canadian fashion. Essentially we have to leave in order to find work because fashion isn't something that is supported or even recognised in Canada as arts/culture industry. If retail and shopping is going to be an important part of East Harbour, please consider how local and Canadian designers can be endorsed and set the bar high when it comes to lifting up Toronto's art scene and cultural industries.
Supported a comment by Florence Dandry on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Florence Dandry
coming from London, Uk and echoing the comments below I would care to see more support for arts. I feel like there aren't enough quirky districts in this city that celebrate and promote the creative community. Everything is too bland and polished. A few art exhibits or murals in a neighbourhood doesn't make a district arty. We need communes and retail spaces carved out for these artists, a place post-pandemic that culturally thrives and is in line with Toronto's nightlife action plan as well as other local cultural initiatives. In my hometown a neighbourhood called Shoreditch and spitalfields does this mix of art/cultural district and business/finance very well. Shoreditch has studio spaces and quirky art spaces but has nearby city of London workers (Our version of financial district) coming to these spaces as well as tourists and locals too. Please tell the project team to also take inspiration from Soho in London. It truly is a fun and dynamic place.
coming from London, Uk and echoing the comments below I would care to see more support for arts. I feel like there aren't enough quirky districts in this city that celebrate and promote the creative community. Everything is too bland and polished. A few art exhibits or murals in a neighbourhood doesn't make a district arty. We need communes and retail spaces carved out for these artists, a place post-pandemic that culturally thrives and is in line with Toronto's nightlife action plan as well as other local cultural initiatives. In my hometown a neighbourhood called Shoreditch and spitalfields does this mix of art/cultural district and business/finance very well. Shoreditch has studio spaces and quirky art spaces but has nearby city of London workers (Our version of financial district) coming to these spaces as well as tourists and locals too. Please tell the project team to also take inspiration from Soho in London. It truly is a fun and dynamic place.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Be an exciting and forward thinking centre. Focus on new, innovative & exciting industries. Particularly the creative industries & media. Everybody thinks about how a new district needs to 'fit in' to an existing context or site. What you should be thinking about when planning for this site is how it doesn't belong. Those kinds of city within a city districts are what shifts a city's culture, identity, and workforce, not the kind that blends in and feels like any other financial district in Toronto.
Followed Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 7 months ago
Mix of Uses
Artists need a place to work. People in the fashion industry need to leave Canada in order to find resources, people in Toronto's rapidly growing music sector are making a name for Canada but there is sterile resources, studio space and opportunities for growth. East Harbour needs to be a place for creative talent and creative sector to inspire visitors, interest, create an artsy ethos where people will be inspired to work, live and play at. East Harbour has an opportunity to be the 'Brooklyn' of Toronto - entrepreneurial, edgy, techie and artsy.