Stela’s thesis explores the contributive role of the genius locus, or “spirit of place”, in the identity of cities and the production of meaningful places. The research addresses the analysis of genius loci as historical phenomena as well as their modern role within suburban landscapes. Focusing on the suburban city of Mississauga, urban and architectural failures bring the agency of architecture into question in order to contest architecturally indifferent development. The design intervention embodies Mississauga’s genius locus – an urban simulacrum born from commerce, speculation, and the resistant debris of city growth – into a matrix of architectural and landscape inserts. Stela’s defence will take place on Monday February 8, 2016 at 12:00 pm in the Loft.