NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE REVITALIZATION
Toronto, Canada
2006
Architect: Kris Vassilev
City of Toronto Competition Entry
As the Toronto's most important public space, Nathan Phillips Square presents a great opportunity for the city to express its uniqueness. While respecting the original design and its success in creating a prestigious civic square, it is evident that Toronto has changed dramatically since this complex was built. It became more dynamic, more open, and most importantly - immensely diverse and multicultural. These new characte- ristics, in our view, should find their expression through the symbolic language of architecture and other arts.
The World's Alley
The world comes together in Toronto, which is the essence of its uniqueness. A new transparent canopy structure called The World's Alley is proposed to substitute the elevated walkway to the west. This will be a dynamic place for interaction among cultures as it contains exhibition pavilions, spaces for per- formances and celebrations. Its transparency provides flowing transition between the Square and the adjacent green space and heritage building, inviting rather than obstructing the view. To the south, the World's Alley is connected to the city's path system, and at the north end - with the City Hall podium, thus expressing the influence which the people of Toronto bring to the City Council.
NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE REVITALIZATION
Toronto, Canada
2006
Architect: Kris Vassilev
City of Toronto Competition Entry
Visual Incorporation of the Old City Hall
We propose the elevated walkway to the east to be removed, which will fully reveal the Old City Hall, making this prime heritage building the eastern frame of the square space. The existing columns supporting the walkway will remain and will be coupled with flag poles giving them a new function and expression while, at the same time, keeping the memories of the original design.
A new pavilion building to the south alongside Queen Street will accommodate a restaurant and changing rooms for the adjacent winter ice rink. The existing walkway on this side will remain.
