Second Place Neighbourhood Choice Winner
Location: Toronto, ON
2011
Brunswick-College Parkette has the potential to serve its community and complement its surroundings in a way not realized in the current design. Improved seating and a central focus will vastly improve the usability, joy, and sense of place one would experience in the park. The new design utilizes simple and affordable benches that weave in and out of existing trees, crossing with new tree planters of native species, creating a peaceful place of meeting and relaxation.
A new cafe to the east of the park would enliven the corner, while allowing the park to double as a patio. A new employment centre would address the issue of homelessness, while speaking to the park’s past.
The central feature is a solar tree, comprised of photovoltaic panels on a steel tree frame. It would collect energy to light the park at night, while reminding us of the urgent need for sustainable energies.
steve socha 