W O R D S B Y P M A L A N D S C A P E A R C H I T E C T S LT D.
Q u e en S t re e t We s t Stre e t s c ap e Re v i t a l i z ati o n Ph a s e 2: Sp ad in a Ave nu e to Si m c o e Stre e t Springboarding from the Phase 1 efforts toward a more welcoming and compelling public realm, Phase 2 of the Queen Street West Streetscape Revitalization is in construction from summer into fall of 2021. As part of a larger City of Toronto initiative, the project will include a landmark sculpture, heritage interpretive features, custom site furniture, and a sidewalk mural.
Queen West’s eccentric identity of being “the same, but different” • Extending the Public Realm – create interventions that are engaging and encourage curiosity, lingering and interaction; physically expand the public realm where possible via sidewalk
Resilient and Flexible. The features would have a robustness and durability that would minimize ongoing maintenance, but also serve as artful engaging placemakers and landmarks along Queen Street West. The following features were developed as part of the project:
Background and Scope of Work In 2019, the City released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit a landscape architectural team of consultants to lead the Phase 2 works from Spadina Avenue to Simcoe Street. PMA Landscape Architects was selected as the prime consultant, with a fulsome team of specialists including artists Scott Eunson and Jyhling Lee (of figureground studio), structural engineer Blackwell Engineers, and electrical consultant MJS Consultants. As part of a separate RFP, artists Catherine Tammaro and Mairi Brascoupé were selected to incorporate Indigenous placekeeping installations. The overall scope of work included the conceptual design through to construction documentation and construction management support of streetscape features. This design process included workshops and meetings with selected members of the Queen Street West Business Improvement Area’s Board of Management, as well as presentations to the Board – to review design proposals. The design process occurred from February of 2020 to March of 2021 with regular monthly to bi-monthly meetings.
Vision and Design Goals The project goals from the outset were about several key ambitions: • Placemaking – celebrating Queen Street West’s character with artistic and functional interventions, referencing cultural heritage • Site-Wide Public Art – continuing to support and implement public art by multiple local artists and celebrate 16
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Sculpture Oblique View by artist Jyhling Lee, figureground expansions and ‘bumpouts’ to maximize pedestrian flow and circulation • Highlight Neighbourhood Connections – enhance physical and visual connections both north-south and east-west beyond, to draw people to Queen Street West Through the facilitation process the vision and approach to the streetscape design were refined to the following Vision Statements:
Sculpture As a response to the Vision Statement of being able to ‘see and be seen’, artist Jyhling Lee developed a significant landmark sculpture that will reside at the northwest corner of Queen Street West and Soho Street, adjacent to the current MEC building.
All further design development and solutions would be measured against these vision statements and goals.
This artwork is a sculpture and an inhabitable environment that amplifies the energy and dynamism of this stretch of Queen Street West as a place to see and be seen. The artwork captures and kaleidoscopically reflects this everchanging environment both around and within its faceted mirror form. It is also a reference to the role of music, bands, and music venues which have defined the culture of this neighbourhood.
Design Features
Custom Seating
A collection of public art and custom furnishings were developed that would have one or all of these characterizing qualities: Eclectic, Surprising, Reflective,
PMA developed a series of custom flexible seating that would provide short perching, comfortable accessible seating and socializing in small groups. This ‘ribbon’
• Hear and be Heard • See and be Seen • Recognize the Past and Grow in the Present
