What inspired the design?
Located in Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood, the design of the new DuEast Condominium residence represented both a challenge and an opportunity for Mason Studio, who were engaged to develop common amenities and suites within the development to create a sense of place that feels familiar and new (welcoming to former neighbourhood residents returning to the community) and yet attractive enough to new homeowners moving to the area.
Through thoughtful consideration of history, cultural differences and lifestyles, the goal of the project was to create a place where residents would feel a sense of ownership and would be proud to call DuEast their home.
Mason Studio’s considered design approach created a building with its own unique character, while also integrating within a larger development, responding to the vibrant culture of the community, while evolving to reflect the future of this significant master-planned redevelopment by Daniels Corp.
What are some elements that are forward-thinking in the design?
For many residents at DuEast, the condominium experience is a new type of home, having been more familiar with lowrise development with outdoor spaces. Beginning with a thoughtful evaluation of the needs of future residents, Mason Studio worked with the local community to create a sense of place within the building that feels both reflective and aspirational. The studio’s unique approach was to think of public spaces as if they were an extension of private space, not merely decorative, but areas reflective of the full spectrum of a person’s life.
Focusing on fostering community, Mason Studio considered the types of spaces that would create opportunities for living for a diverse group of people and lifestyles. The public spaces are meant to be flexible, with a range of areas that cater to different interests. From crafts and hobbies to gardening, health and wellness, social gatherings and large outdoor areas, these spaces encourage both social connection and individual expression.
Artwork is also an essential element that helps reinforce a sense of place throughout the building. Instead of art as a passive aspect of decoration, the art program at DuEast is reflective of the exceptional talent of artists in the community. The building becomes a gallery and an extension of the neighbourhood, showcasing the talented artists who live and work in the area and is reflective of the issues they care about.
What continues to inspire your creativity every day?
Here at Mason Studio, we find inspiration in everyday life, being mindful of the routine and everyday things we do. The more we pay attention, the more we can make small changes in our designs to bring value to people’s everyday lives.
Nature is another source of inspiration. It is the closest thing to perfect, and almost all our answers can be found there. And finally, human science articles – learning more about the human mind and body – provides us with so much value. It creates a better understanding of how and why we respond to external stimuli in a certain way, and allows us to respond through design.
How have you seen projects change over the years?
Effective design can be leveraged to improve mental and physical health in the home, and with wellness top of mind right now, we’re seeing a greater appreciation of design as people focus on enhancing their homes in a way that promotes positive well-being.
Additionally, we’re witnessing shifting buying habits of consumers and how that impacts our retail and residential spaces.
Do clients request new things now that were unheard of 10 years ago?
We believe that things are not ‘new’ but an evolution and compilation of past ideas to respond to our changing world.
We’re seeing ideas and trends of the past resurge but reinterpreted into a contemporary context. Ideas that were not as popular 10 years ago are now making a transition into popularity. For example, Victorian interiors with segregated rooms with very clear definitions turning into open concept, now turning back into more delineated and private/semi-private spaces in homes. OD