Designing for Stages of Vacancy in Toronto's New Suburban Elementary Schools

Elementary school buildings are located throughout every neighbourhood in Toronto and hold social, environmental, and economic value. However, due to shifting contextual demands, these buildings often experience varying degrees of vacancy, including underuse during non-school hours, enrolment decline, and eventual school closure. This thesis explores how common scenarios of school vacancy can be planned for in the initial design stages using adaptable design approaches. Case studies are analyzed through the lens of relevant adaptability theories as a form of design research. The findings are then used to critique a recently constructed school in Toronto's inner suburbs. In response to the existing school on the site, an adaptable design proposal is developed, showcasing how a school's occupancy can evolve over its life cycle and extend the useful life of the building.