Kensington market as a Public Space

Kensington market as a Public Space

Joanna Nowosad

Kensington market is an area in Toronto that’s been around for many years and has been an accessible place for all. Depending on ho you speak to, Kensington market is a different place. Some see it as a neighborhood in which they live in, their business thrive in, their weekly market, their entertainment district. But this space was created into a place long ago when the Jewish people immigrated here and formed a small, tight community for each other. To them, it was refuge from areas they were discriminated against and was a community and a home away from home. This too happened to the Portuguese, who were next inhibiting this area. As one can observe, spaces transform into places by people who form them.

The space Kensington market is located in is a central one, right around the corner from Chinatown. With a couple steps out the streetcar, who can resist visiting the outdoor vendors utilizing the exertion of fruit smells as a trap? The many different shops illustrate diversity to the max through the different cultures and ethnic shop owners who use colours and national symbols to demonstrate that.

In ‘Project for Public Spaces’, Andrea Winkler lists several key reasons why Kensington market is so great. She begins by introducing how easily accessible it is. As this market is focused on being environmentally friendly, there are many walkers, bikers and users of the public transit that can easily enter the area.

The second point she makes is how comfortable the area is as well as the image it portrays. When one enters this place, it is hard not to notice the murals on the wall, exerting familiarity, comfort and a sense of possession and belonging; all characteristics of a dwelling of place. The mix of different sorts of places you see there, such as cafes, vintage stores; restaurants create a nice vibe to keep all different people entertained.

The uses and activities is the third mention about this place. As stated above, different areas are used by different people, just like anywhere else. What is different is that during the day, the clusters of Indie style cafes invite a political and active group of people to the area. At night, all is different as a variety of people from around the city make their way to the clubs there. These spaces during the day, transform into places of entertainment at night.

As one can observe from above, certain characteristics help make a space a place, which has been done here in Kensington Market. The idea of familiarity and attachment are main indicators of places. The community here cherishes, preserves and enhances Kensington market and treats is as something personal, rather than just a physical space near them.

Reference

Winker, Andrea. (2008) Great Public Spaces. Project for Public Spaces, New York. Retrieved on February 20, 2008.