Giant’s Navel

Formerly known as Olympic Island, Giant’s Navel is 1 of 15 small islands that make up Toronto Island.  The navel is our centering. The circle is the gathering space. The social animal is drawn to its constant form, enveloped in the hill. The island land is re-shifted, letting the water run flow and wildlife flourish. The landscape is in constant flux, and the visitor finds solace in the circle. 

The landscape design aims to improve the water-saturated mowed lawn that covers the entire island like a soggy blanket. Developing bio swales increases the surface area for water absorption and directs the flood level waters to a ‘wet meadow’ retaining pond. During different seasons the landscape will change rather dramatically. 

Buried in a made hill, the building is characterized by its inward facing facades. The community focused program wraps around the center round courtyard, with the pools pushing out of the side of the hill towards the city.