Market 707 in Alexandra Park, Toronto and The Museum of Innocence in Istanbul

"One of my most memorable experiences was visiting Market 707 in Alexandra Park, Toronto. It's a stretch of sidewalk near Dundas and Bathurst lined with upcycled shipping containers offering sweet and savoury foods, and everything in between. What sets this place apart is the immediate sense of being part of a community with a strong entrepreneurial vibe. As a visitor, I couldn’t help but be inspired by the sense that there's more to the space than just tasty food. I felt like I am part of a story where people are trying to make food accessible and provide opportunities for foodies and entrepreneurs to share their stories. What really drew me in was not just the vibrant colours and creative use of the space, but the deep sense of community that's woven into every aspect of it. It's an experience that truly connects visitors to the place and makes them feel like they are a part of something bigger. There are so many small things to discover, from the enticing smells to the amazing tastes, it is like a journey of discovery and connection that leaves a lasting impression. It's a prime example of how a positive experience of quality in the built environment can go beyond just design and aesthetics, to create a space that fosters community and human connection. Visiting The Museum of Innocence in Istanbul was an unforgettable positive experience that left a deep impression on me. What really made this experience stand out was how it breaks the stereotypes of a traditional museum experience, converting it to a scenario in which visitors play an integral role. The whole design and narraiton and flowof the space  allowes visitors to step into the story, creating a sense of being part of something bigger. As I explored the exhibits, I felt like I was being transported to the time and place described in the novel. The exhibits themselves were carefully curated and meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of the story, from the objects and artifacts to the lighting and sounds. The intimate and human-scale experience that the museum offers is unexpected, and goes against many of the assumptions about what a museum should be. In fact, there is nothing in the entire experience that makes you feel like you're just a user or a spectator. The museum was not just a place to look at objects, but a place to feel the emotions and stories of the characters." (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.156).