T
tudararms
Guest
Re: PCL: Metropolis Update June 1/06
I think the actual 'square' itself is beautiful: I love the granite, and the fountains and light standards etc. As a bustling urban plaza it works just fine, in my opinion. At the same time I can't help but think that a more stereotypically traditional 'european' style square would have been inappropriate and disappointingly derivative for downtown Toronto. What we have instead feels modern and minimal, using a new vocabulary to translate the features so loved in more traditional squares into a language that feels rights for a new and growing city. It will be a nice added touch when the trees on the southern edge mature. The downfall, to risk a little negativity here, is not the square itself but the surroundings. Not all, but certain examples of private development taking shape around the square have not been up to the standards set by the square, and I think that even the average Torontonian senses this on some level. That said, the square will work regardless. The people, the noise, the flashing lights and the action will make this an important hub which is great addition to Toronto's main thoroughfare, any how you cut it.
I think the actual 'square' itself is beautiful: I love the granite, and the fountains and light standards etc. As a bustling urban plaza it works just fine, in my opinion. At the same time I can't help but think that a more stereotypically traditional 'european' style square would have been inappropriate and disappointingly derivative for downtown Toronto. What we have instead feels modern and minimal, using a new vocabulary to translate the features so loved in more traditional squares into a language that feels rights for a new and growing city. It will be a nice added touch when the trees on the southern edge mature. The downfall, to risk a little negativity here, is not the square itself but the surroundings. Not all, but certain examples of private development taking shape around the square have not been up to the standards set by the square, and I think that even the average Torontonian senses this on some level. That said, the square will work regardless. The people, the noise, the flashing lights and the action will make this an important hub which is great addition to Toronto's main thoroughfare, any how you cut it.