Landscape of Ideology: How Lawns Shaped and Transformed Suburban Built Environment in the Greater Toronto Area

This research will explore how lawns became into an ideological construct in North America and, as such, shaped suburban spaces in the Greater Toronto Area. Moving beyond the physical dimension of landscapes, it will examine the cultural and social values of lawns and their influences on built environments. By reinterpreting lawns within the context of the paradigm shift to the urban-rural continuum, this study aims to uncover new insights into everyday landscapes. Ultimately, it seeks to integrate theoretical analysis and empirical evidence, offering recommendations to guide diverse planning and design initiatives toward more inclusive and sustainable landscapes.