thePlains is a mixed-use building located on a strong thoroughfare directly linked to the city centre. With the ground level at street holding retail/office space and the rear covered parking along the existing laneway. One-storey above grade a new ground plane is introduced providing cover for the parking and commercial space, and a fresh sheet for the residential space. In separating the residential units into two clusters, a social pedestrian street is created, which sheltered from the noise of St. Mary’s, provides a comfortable outdoor space to inhabit. The pedestrian street also acting as a solar window, drawing sunlight into the space and into the units providing natural daylighting and ventilation. The new ground plane constructs a new social space for the residents to occupy and interact along their paths of travel or rest. Along with the ground plane a rooftop acts as an outdoor green space for the residents, providing vistas into the surrounding area. By folding semi-private space through the building yet maintaining strong visual public connection to the neighbourhood thePlains engages social space as an extension of the neighbourhood fabric on a micro scale. http://www.theplains.ca