BCP Competition Winner: THE BRUNSWICK BEND
Judges’ First Choice:
THE BRUNSWICK BEND
Ya’el Santopinto and Cleo Buster
Master of Architecture Graduates, 2011
University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
See complete submission here (pdf)
Designers' Description
Upon entering Brunswick Bend, visitors are presented with a continuous arcing bench which frames the the park in one sweeping gesture. The bench splits to bring visitors through a symbolic gateway on the north end. Meanwhile, the bench turns its face to the bustling life of College Street, acting as an urban amphitheatre. By opening the park to face the street, it becomes a more transparent and safe environment by day and night.
Cast in place concrete benches are topped with wood, creating inviting seating while requiring little maintenance and eliminating trash collecting undersides.
Judges' Comments1st choice of Overall this was my favorite submission. It is simple in design, meets the majority of the criteria and is maintainable. The seating plan maximizes space so that small gatherings could take place. In addition the seating does not encourage skate boarding or sleeping. The lighting is well thought-out and is an attractive feature. The planting plan is reasonably drought tolerant and low maintenance. 1st choice of The plan very effectively connects with College Street and uses the street life as a form of entertainment. Also, the open space links up with the Brunswick sidewalk adjacent to Kensington Gardens. This is a well thought out layout that is safe and accessible for everyone, including those with mobility challenges. There is plenty of seating for socializing and the curves create an interesting setting. Additionally the relationship between the benches and the pathway produces something akin to a promenade. The greenery is very appropriate and compliments, rather than overwhelms the location. This is a barrier-free setting where I could take my father, who is a resident in Kensington Gardens, without any problem. 2nd choice of “A good job for pure simplicity, and for providing passive, year-round use of space.” 4th choice of “Creates a strong pedestrian entry to Brunswick Avenue.” “Elegant themed lighting.” “Does not fully address the low area adjacent to the building.” “Good detailing and images.” “Significant introduction of seating could be good.” 11th choice of “Well considered and drawn, but a bit underwhelming in terms of spatial effects.” Comments from visitors to the display: “Great lighting, using cylindrical LEDs to create softlight security for nighttime.”
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The benches are strategically punctuated by raised concrete tables into which LED lamps are embedded. These tables discourage sleeping, while providing surfaces for picnics or chess. Brunswick Bend introduces 50% more planting, made up of robust year-round native species, adding texture and colour even in the winter.
Competition Coordinators' summary notes
A simple, open, uncluttered design that is well described by its submitters. Underground parking vents are sloped, to render them unsuitable for sleeping on (and blocking with cardboard, newspaper etc. )
The existing, planted, double bunker wall on KHC property is retained but lowered to bench height.
Retailers who are offered space in the west end of KHC (not shown opened for business in this submission) might be attracted to Brunswick Bend.
Caveats: wood on concrete benches might be susceptible to rotting.
Misgivings remain re resistance to vandalism of vertical lighting tubes, which are recommended in this and other submissions.
Native wild flower plantings proposed may require too much weeding to be practical. Drought resistant perennial grasses might be more suitable.
(Richard Longley)