NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE REVITALIZATION

Toronto, Canada

2006

 

Architect: Kris Vassilev

City of Toronto Competition Entry

 

The Concept

As the Toronto's most important public space, Nathan Phillips Square presents a great opportunity for the city to express its uniqueness. We respect the original design and its intention to create a prestigious civic square embodying the values of democratic governance and social cohesion. However, Toronto has changed dramatically since this complex was built. It became more dynamic, more open, and most importantly - immensely diverse and multicultural, and these new characteristics of our city should find their expression through the symbolic language of architecture and other arts.

 

Main Concerns

In our view some of the existing elements of the Square are in contradiction with the above mentioned principles. For example, the convex concrete walls of the towers do not correspond with the idea of transparency and openness. In addition, the elevated walkway on the east side of the Square blocks the view to one of Toronto's landmarks - the Old City Hall, which is a natural boundary for the space. The underground level beneath the Square is currently dedicated to parking garage. We believe that it will be beneficial if this space in the hart of Toronto was dedicated mainly to the Square and is integrated into the path system. 

NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE REVITALIZATION

Toronto, Canada

2006

 

Architect: Kris Vassilev

City of Toronto Competition Entry

 

Main Ideas

Composition axes and geometry

With respect to the original design, we propose relocation of some of the existing features, as well as design of new elements in accordance with the original composition axes, as follows: location of a new performing stage at the intersection of the composition axes north-west and south-west; relocation of The Archer at the intersection of axes north-south and east-west; new restaurant building geometry to be define by the axes north-south and north-east.

 

Major pedestrian street transformation

For a radical improvement of the pedestrian access to the Square, as well as the pedestrian comfort in the downtown core, we propose the part of Bay Street starting from the Old City Hall and ending on Front Street to become a pedestrian street. Although we understand the complexity of such a proposal, we believe that there are many factors underscoring its feasibility and its benefits for Torontonians.  

NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE REVITALIZATION

Toronto, Canada

2006

 

Architect: Kris Vassilev

City of Toronto Competition Entry

 

The World's Alley

The world comes together in Toronto, which is the essence of its uniqueness. A new transparent structure called The World's Alley is proposed to substitute the elevated walkway on the west. This will be a dynamic place for interaction among cultures as it contains exhibition pavilions, spaces for performances and celebrations. Its transparency provides flowing transition between the Square and the spaces to the west, inviting rather than obstructing the view. To the south, The World's Alley is connected to the City path system, and on the north with the City Hall podium, expressing the influence which the people of Toronto bring to the City Council.

 

Visual incorporation of the Old City Hall into the Square

We propose the elevated walkway on the east to be removed. The existing columns will remain and will be coupled with flag poles. This will make the Old City Hall the eastern frame for the Square space and, at the same time, will keep the memories for the original design by incorporating the existing columns and giving them a new function and expression.