Through the lens: A photo Essay on Toronto's Public Spaces
- An ethnographic study on how people interact with their surroundings in different settings.
Abstract
Public spaces play a key role in bringing people together, expressing culture, and encouraging social interaction. This photo ethnography explores how people interact with their surroundings, focusing on everyday moments that shape urban life. By documenting these interactions, the study aims to reveal the social and cultural aspects of public spaces and how people connect with each other and their environment. Ultimately, this research seeks to improve our understanding of the relationship between individuals, their communities, and the spaces they use.
Introduction
In modern urban environments, public spaces act as essential arenas for community engagement, cultural expression, and spontaneous human interaction. This ethnographic study seeks to uncover how people in Toronto interact with various types of public environments—from serene parks to bustling streets. The intention is to examine how these spaces influence behavior, foster connection, and contribute to the lived urban experience.
Research Objectives
-
To understand how people engage with their surroundings in diverse public settings.
-
To analyze patterns of human behavior shaped by the design and function of these spaces.
-
To explore how public spaces encourage connection, culture, and community.
Methodology
To explore these questions, I conducted an ethnographic photo study across key urban locations in Toronto. These locations were chosen for their variety in design, activity, and social atmosphere:
​
-
High Park: A green sanctuary offering leisure and reflection.
-
Dundas Square: A bustling urban hub of energy and performance.
-
Bus Stops: Everyday spaces for waiting and brief social exchanges.
-
Kensington Market: A vibrant cultural hotspot teeming with activity.
-
A Downtown Street (The Junction): A corridor of pedestrian flow and impromptu interactions.
​​
​Each site was observed at different times and days to capture varied behavior and interactions. Observations were recorded through photography and detailed field notes.
Site Observations & Findings
High Park
A calm evening unfolded at High Park, where families gathered under large trees, and children’s laughter filled the air as they played with each other, made new friends and created memories. Couples sat on benches, quietly enjoying each other’s company as they watched the world go by. Cyclists glided peacefully along the park's winding paths, taking a break from the busy city to enjoy the calm beauty of nature. Joggers moved smoothly through the park, embracing the cool evening air. Photographers captured the park’s serene moments. Some visitors found peace in quiet corners with books, while some other couples strolled hand in hand, connecting with each other and the surrounding nature. As I captured these moments, I saw how the park became a place for joy, reflection, and connection—a peaceful escape from the fast pace of city life.
Dundas Square
On a cold Sunday afternoon, Dundas Square buzzed with energy, bustling with a diverse mix of activities and people. The square was crowded, with people dressed in trendy attire, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. From families and tourists to artists and street performers, the space buzzed with eclectic energy. Shoppers carrying large bags and friends catching up in casual conversation were common sights. Bright digital billboards lit up the plaza, and street performers gathered crowds, causing bursts of applause. This mix of movement and stillness made the square an interesting example of city life.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market offered a multisensory experience. The market was alive with people from all walks of life, each engaging with the space in their own way. Dressed in thick coats and sturdy shoes, fashion remained a key focus. One of the most striking features of the market was the vendors, who served as central points of interaction, offering beautiful products. Friends, families, couples, and parents filled the streets, walking together or running quick errands. People sat at cafe tables, enjoying food and drinks, with the occasional smoker adding to the relaxed vibe of the area. The smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling street food filled the air, while colorful storefronts lined the lively streets. This place, rich in culture and texture, highlighted the power of public spaces to spark curiosity and foster connection.
City Street
Early in the day, the streets of The Junction revealed slower rhythms. People were bundled up in winter coats, snow boots, and scarves as they moved through the streets. Small groups gathered at street corners, engaging in lively conversations, while others were absorbed in phone calls or scrolling through their screens, immersed in their own worlds. Outside the shops, couples paused to chat about the items they saw in the window displays. Other common sights included people seated on benches, families walking their dogs, quick errands being run, and children marveling at their surroundings. The street served as both a transit route and a stage for connection, a dual role visible in every frame.
Bus Stops
Bus stops were defined by stillness and solitude. They served as hubs where travelers came together, each waiting to continue their journey to the next destination. Passengers exchanged knowing glances or polite smiles while waiting for their buses. Spontaneous conversations would sometimes spark—usually about bus schedules or offers of assistance to those in need. Most people kept to themselves, scrolling through their phones or listening to music. Despite the solitude, the shared space of the bus stop created a quiet sense of connection between strangers.
Analysis and Trends
Each of the observed public spaces exhibited distinct characteristics and features when it came to human interaction. Notably, there were stark differences in attire and behavior across these spaces, which revealed the cultural and social dynamics at play. In parks, where the ambiance is serene and nature-centric, people tended to engage with nature and enjoy the moment, soaking in positive energy. They wore casual, sporty attire that was suitable for activities like walking and jogging. In contrast, Dundas Square presented a more fast-paced environment, with people dressed in trendy, fashionable clothing that added to the space’s vibrant energy. There was a noticeable shift in human dynamics as well—while people in the park enjoyed a slow, leisurely evening, individuals in Dundas Square, often carrying large shopping bags, appeared busy and in a rush, mirroring the movement of the vehicles on the road. Dog walking was a common activity across all spaces, highlighting the deep connection between humans and their pets. Dogs were present in parks, streets, and even at bus stops, emphasizing the role of pets in urban life.
One consistent trend, except in High Park, was the prevalent use of mobile phones. Whether at bus stops, on the streets, or in Dundas Square, people were frequently on their phones, often engrossed in screens. Interestingly, in the park, people seemed more engaged with the surrounding nature, to the point that they seemed to forget their phones altogether. The atmosphere in Kensington Market stood out for its relaxed vibe. With neighboring houses and a more community-oriented environment, people could be seen running quick errands, enjoying meals, or having casual conversations over a smoke. The attire here was similarly relaxed, fitting the nature of the space, with many engaging in leisurely browsing as they interacted with the environment.
Another noticeable trend was the reduction in group size as the scale of the space decreased. In the park, large groups of people gathered for conversation, while in the streets, the groups were smaller—typically 3-4 people chatting along the sidewalks. At bus stops, this shrank even further, with conversations often limited to just one or two people.
These observations and analyses highlight how the unique characteristics of each public space shape the social interactions and behaviors within them. The distinct ambiance and function of each space create different dynamics, offering valuable insights into the nuances of urban life and how environments influence human connection.
Discussion
This study highlights how urban environments shape human interaction. While High Park encourages reflection and connection through natural elements, Dundas Square fosters fast-paced, performative behavior. Kensington Market’s relaxed layout and community vibe stimulate informal social interaction. The difference in engagement across spaces shows how design, atmosphere, and function can either encourage or inhibit social behavior.
Personal Reflection
This ethnographic study deepened my understanding of how public spaces act as silent storytellers—shaping, supporting, and sometimes even surprising the social behaviors that unfold within them. While I initially approached the project with the intent of simply documenting the interactions, the act of observing people waiting at bus stops, walking their dogs or simply existing taught me that public space is not just a backdrop for life, but a co-creator of experience. It deepened my appreciation for urban space as a medium of connection and cultural expression.
As a designer with a background in architecture, this experience reminded me that design is more than creating products; physical or digital - it’s about shaping experiences. It reinforced the importance of observing before designing, and listening before intervening. These insights are invaluable not only for public space design but also for crafting digital experiences that are empathetic and rooted in human behavior.
