Sean Mikhailov, a writer renowned for his exploration of Toronto's neighborhoods, and Stefano Boeri, the visionary Italian architect behind Milan's Bosco Verticale, join the discussion. They reflect on the transformative power of urban architecture, celebrating the integration of nature into city life with Bosco Verticale. Mikhailov shares insights from a decade of urban change in Toronto, emphasizing the importance of memory and heritage. They also delve into the meticulous restoration of Haveli Dharampura in Old Delhi, showcasing how architecture revives cultural identity.
Walking through neighborhoods in Toronto reveals unique stories and fosters deeper connections to urban life and history.
The restoration of a historical Haveli in Old Delhi highlights the potential of heritage revival to stimulate local commerce and culture.
Deep dives
Transformative Urban Experiences in Toronto
A recent exploration of Toronto reveals the significance of walking in understanding the city's intimate details and diverse architectural landscape. The writer Sean Mikhailov emphasizes that each neighborhood tells a unique story, which becomes evident when moving at a human pace. His retracing of steps from his 2010 book, 'Stroll', highlights both profound changes and surprising continuities in the city—many independent local businesses have endured despite rising rents and the pandemic's challenges. Mikhailov’s observations underscore how walking fosters a deeper connection to urban life, allowing individuals to appreciate the intricate layers of character and history that define Toronto.
Innovative Vertical Forests in Milan
Stefano Boeri’s Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, stands as a groundbreaking model for integrating nature into urban architecture, celebrating its 10-year impact. Designed to house 21,000 plants, these towers serve as living ecosystems, drawing not only vegetation but also a variety of bird species. Boeri shares the journey from conceptualization to execution, noting initial skepticism from developers, which transformed into a successful collaboration with botanists and engineers to manage ecological challenges. This innovative approach not only redefined the skyline of Milan but also prompted discussions worldwide about sustainable architecture and biodiversity in urban settings.
Revitalizing Heritage in Old Delhi
A significant restoration project in Old Delhi showcases how individual effort can breathe new life into historical spaces. Vijay Goyal took on the challenge of restoring a dilapidated Haveli, turning it into a boutique hotel that preserves the essence of the Mughal era. The project faced multiple challenges, including manual construction logistics and preservation of original architectural features, leading to a successful reopening that attracts both locals and tourists. The restored Haveli Dharampura not only serves as a cultural hub but also stimulates local commerce and interest in traditional arts, illustrating the profound potential of heritage revival.
We look back at snapshots of our cities as we speak to the man behind Milan’s Bosco Verticale a decade on from construction, revisit a collection of essays 14 years after they were written while strolling the streets of Toronto and see how the refurbishment of a traditional house in Old Delhi is giving a view into the city’s past.