NTRODUCTION: Coronation Park stands as an emblematic urban enclave, deeply entrenched in both historical significance and cultural vibrancy, nestled within the beating heart of a thriving city Its narrative unfolds as a testament to the fluidity of societal values, land utility dynamics, and environmental mindfulness across time Emerging onto the canvas of history during the early 20th century, the park's genesis was anchored in commemorating regal coronation, its initial conception as a formal garden setting a stage for the passage of time and the unfolding of various epochal junctures From joyous civic festivities to impassioned protests, this verdant expanse bore witness to a myriad of historic chapters As a pivotal juncture for diverse communities, Coronation Park has transcended its role to unite neighborhoods of varying socio-economic strata and cultural hues This oasis of accessible, open spaces nurtures an authentic sense of affinity, attracting individuals from multifarious walks of existence to forge connections and partake in shared experiences The park's strategic locale not only beckons as an alluring urban haven but also presents an unprecedented opportunity to incubate a sustainable sanctuary, a crucible for recreational pursuits, cultural immersion, and knowledge dissemination A renaissance of the site holds the promise of fortifying communal bonds, kindling local entrepreneurship, and elevating the collective standard of living Within its embrace, a delicate choreography of native flora, diminutive fauna, and microcosmic ecosystems coalesce to construct a tapestry of biodiversity The equilibrium between safeguarding these enclaves of nature and orchestrating urban evolution necessitates avant-garde stratagems Evolving through time, Coronation Park has gracefully hosted an eclectic montage of engagements, transitioning seamlessly from regal ceremonies to leisurely interludes like al fresco repasts, harmonious concerts, and spirited athletic spectacles Yet, the journey forward is not devoid of obstacles The fulcrum of preserving historical authenticity, honoring ecological sensibilities, and fusing contemporary conveniences with the park's ancestral character presents a complex puzzle In this metamorphosis, inclusivity becomes paramount a compass guiding changes that celebrate diversity and respect the tapestry of park patrons
Site Observations Coronation Park beckons with an atmosphere of openness and warmth, extending a welcoming embrace to all who enter Navigating its expanse is facilitated by interpretive wayfinding maps and granite markers, imparting a rich tapestry of historical context The park's restoration endeavors have been astutely directed, catering to contemporary user preferences while preserving the cherished heritage attributes of the site The pathways that crisscross this haven offer a multiplicity of avenues for leisure, whether it's walking, cycling, jogging, or more A deliberate design ethos ensures a harmonious balance, effectively averting overcrowding during gatherings, fostering an environment where expression and adherence to park rules coexist From its vantage points, Coronation Park unveils breathtaking vistas of Lake Ontario's splendor and the bustling boat docking area, a feast for the eyes and senses alike Canine companions find their realm within the dedicated dog park, while numerous seating benches and inviting picnic spots encourage relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings With an eye toward the future, the park harbors the potential for a transformative redesign that promises to augment its intrinsic value Nestled along Lake Ontario's northern shore, Coronation Park is ensconced amidst a constellation of landmarks such as Exhibition Place and Ontario Place, infusing its surroundings with cultural resonance Its strategic locale makes it readily accessible by car, public transit, or on foot, a gateway to an array of entertainment venues and recreational delights The allure of nearby attractions, including The Bentway, Liberty Village, Toronto Music Garden, and the iconic CN Tower, further enrich the vibrant tapestry of experiences woven into the fabric of Coronation Park's narrative
The two suggested enhancements, namely the Aqua node and the Shaded Seating Concept, are geared towards addressing distinct aspects of the park's functionality The Aquatic Initiative endeavors to enhance ecological diversity along the waterfront, recognizing the proximity of Lake Ontario This proposal involves crafting artificial habitats and sheltered zones, benefiting aquatic life and park-goers alike, thus strengthening the park's affiliation with its aquatic surroundings Conversely, the Shaded Seating Concept aims to mitigate the discomfort caused by direct sunlight surrounding the Victory-Peace Monument By introducing shading mechanisms that respond to temperature thresholds, this proposal improves the practicality of the monument area, encouraging a more profound engagement with its historical significance While these proposals offer promising possibilities, they must navigate several site limitations Environmental concerns take precedence, demanding thorough evaluations to ensure any alterations do not adversely affect the delicate equilibrium of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems Preservation regulations of historical value must be upheld, respecting the site's heritage even as enhancements are introduced in proximity Social and community dynamics warrant consideration, underscoring the significance of upholding spaces for relaxation, picnicking, and communal gatherings. Considering the proposals' careful incorporation of existing site dynamics and the equilibrium between safeguarding historical heritage and instigating future improvements, Coronation Park is on the brink of transforming into an even more enriching urban sanctuary By fortifying its affinity with the aquatic environment and providing shaded retreats for contemplation, the park can continue to stand as a testament to Toronto's past while embracing the needs and aspirations of its contemporary community
PREVIOUS TRANSFORMATION: A significant transformation took place on the site as a former car park was repurposed and integrated into Coronation Park, adding recreational value to the space The once-used car park area, encompassing around 46 000 square feet, was converted into a baseball ground, featuring three dedicated baseball courts Today, Coronation Park serves as a serene haven for relaxation, picnics, and leisure activities However, its history dates back to a time when the land was submerged beneath Lake Ontario until the 1930s The reclamation of this land for the park not only provided a scenic retreat but also generated employment opportunities during a time of economic hardship The park's significance is deeply rooted in remembrance, with military plaques dedicated in 1938 to honor veterans of Canada's Expeditionary Forces who fought in World War The park served as a poignant gathering place for veterans to pay tribute to fallen comrades The park's history has been marked by challenges, including the threat of demolition on two occasions Efforts by community groups and historical societies thwarted plans for both the relocation of historic Fort York and the conversion of the park into an amusement park during the 1970s The perseverance of these opposition efforts ensured the survival and preservation of Coronation Park's historical and cultural significance
Taking a first look at the new proposal you can notice that it’s a very open space that has a lot going on area, one side has Multi-Use Pathways, and the other side is a floating Dock with Shelter Embayment The overall spacing and sizing of the spaces were to ensure that there was enough space for everyone just to accompany the amount of volume of people that currently pass through the area daily Water Zone, is where people would be doing “Scuba Diving” training which could be their first time or just practicing to be a professional People would also be allowed fish in this area, but they must ensure that they don’t hook the divers which is why the real fishing zone is on the other side of the docks facing Lake Ontario and not Coronation Park
The site also has a stepped Boardwalk that descends downwards towards the floating docks which are guarded by a railing system for safety purposes Other than that, it’s a good design addition to the current built environment of Coronation Park which would add value and even fishing vendors may set up POP Shops along the stretch of the Multi-Use Trail to sell their goods, like a fish market for example
With how the current area is when approaching this section of the park, there is already a welcoming vibe that it gives off due to the open nature of the trees in the area overlooking Lake Ontario This area will be more than just an area where people would walk by and visit, it will now be a space that allows people to do more activities while being closer to the water body
People who are making use of the newly added floating docks will notice that there are these big “Shelter Embayment” which allows local fishing activists to make use while them being there during the hot summer's months, more like a shading component to better suit the people to make them feel comfortable In this area, there are plenty of seating spaces which allow individuals to rest after walking for a long time or just wanting to enjoy what’s there in front of them
& AFTER
Making use of this newly added " Aqua Node” will not only add a new identity to Coronation Park but it will also give people a better reason to experience something that they would find outside of the city near most lakes where people tend to go and do fishing activities When in the area and want to head closer to the docks there are stepped Boardwalk Pathway which declines towards the Floating dock accompanied by a railing for safety Boaters also have the chance to dock their boats along the Floating Dock during certain hours during the day since it’s not entirely being used as a docking station
GOALS
To enhance recreational spaces: The floating deck at the waterfront will create an inviting and dynamic recreational area that provides residents and visitors with an attractive waterfront destination for leisure activities, relaxation, and social interaction. People like to do sunbathing, yoga, and relaxation at the coronation park Ontario, so the floating deck will further invite people to do those activities at the waterfront in a more managed and comfortable atmosphere.
To add economic benefits: Adding more paid recreational activities like fishing, and boating, will bolster the economic resiliency of the park and the floating deck project. Some more fun activities like catching fresh fish on site and eating fresh grilled fish on the deck by watching the astounding view of the lake will help to increase the revenue for the park authority.
To Connect with nature: Seamlessly integrate the floating wood deck with the natural environment of the lake, ensuring that users can enjoy panoramic views, calming water features, and a sense of tranquility while engaging with the urban space.
To engage the community: Foster community engagement by involving residents in the design process and incorporating their preferences, thus creating a sense of ownership and pride in the newly developed public space. The huge open space at the front of the waterfront and within walking distance from liberty village and king west village will make a good location for community-driven activities.
Divide the floating deck for a specific activity: The floating deck will be divided into specific task locations to make it more manageable and user-friendly. Seat and other elements will be arranged strategically for each section of the seating area, recreational amenities, and viewpoints along the deck to optimize the user experience and interaction with the waterfront setting. The fishing and boating section will be placed at one end of the floating boat so that they do not disturb other recreational activity which needs a silent environment.
OBJECTIVES
In this image you can see how far the new addition stretches outwards into the Lake, it more or less wraps around the existing edge of Coronation Park along the current trail that is there The proposal also has 3 entry points with the use of a platform bridge that connects to the floating docks Some of the new activities that people may partake in would include having the chance to try out “Scuba Diving” as there is an area that is designated for them which is located in the middle of the new proposal on the longer part of the dock which is between two of the bridge connectors
Material Selection & Sustainability:
The project will focus on utilizing sustainable wood materials and finishes that not only offer durability and aesthetic appeal but also harmonize with the surrounding environment, reinforcing a sense of unity between the urban intervention and the lake. Sustainable practices will be implemented such as incorporating native plants, promoting water conservation, and utilizing energy-efficient lighting, which will buttress the endeavor of connecting with nature and also contribute to the deck's long-term environmental and economic viability.
Public Engagement: Workshops, public meetings, and design charrettes will be organized to involve residents and stakeholders in shaping the deck's design, programming, and overall use, fostering a sense of community ownership during the project development phase. After completion, the stakeholders and locals will be given responsibility for the weekend meetup, and discount on the amenities fees to have more engagement on the deck for the long-term benefits and to keep the maintenance and upkeep.
Design Elegance:
The design of the shading structure will incorporate the aesthetic values of the place. Developing shading structures with bold and innovative architectural designs is expected to make a statement, capture attention, and inspire a sense of wonder. Also, the seating area, which is already present there will be renovated without touching the monumental structures to captivate extra attraction.
SHADED SEATING REDEVELOPMENT
The proposal for the revitalization of Coronation Park in Toronto is intricately woven with insights derived from extensive on-site visits that have afforded us a profound understanding of user behavior Through astute observations, we have identified a pivotal opportunity to enhance the park's utilization and appeal by introducing a shaded seating area that not only addresses the comfort-seeking tendencies of parkgoers but also resonates harmoniously with the park's inherent identity At the heart of this visionary undertaking lies an innovative concept the integration of a dynamic tensile roof system that stands as a testament to modern design and functionality This forward-looking structure has been thoughtfully conceived to infuse the park with an immediate sense of allure, offering adaptable shading solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its visitors The versatility of the proposed system ensures its ephemeral yet impactful presence, allowing for swift assembly and disassembly, ensuring its convenience and readiness for deployment as and when needed Beyond the immediate practical benefits, the aesthetic allure of the tensile roof system is an embodiment of our commitment to marrying contemporary design with the natural splendor of the park Its clean lines and modern architecture coalesce seamlessly with the park's surroundings, adding a touch of sophistication while maintaining a harmonious coexistence with nature By introducing this novel feature, we envision not only an augmentation of user comfort through shelter from the sun's intensity but also the creation of an inviting hub that encourages community interaction, artistic expression, and leisure activities As the shade provides respite, it also fosters an environment conducive to longer stays, prompting visitors to explore the array of activities Coronation Park has to offer In essence, our proposal encapsulates a symbiotic relationship between functionality and identity each enhancing the other to create an enriching park experience In pursuit of environmental sustainability, the temporary nature of the tensile roof system is a testament to our commitment to minimizing ecological impact As it can be erected and disassembled with ease, the park's natural ecosystem remains intact, and the proposed structure itself is crafted from recyclable materials, aligning seamlessly with the park's ecological ethos As guardians of inclusivity, we have not overlooked the imperative of creating spaces that cater to the needs of all individuals The proposed shaded seating area and its surrounding infrastructure will adhere to universal design principles, ensuring barrier -free accessibility for people of all ages and abilities Through this proposal, we aim to transform Coronation Park into a multifaceted haven where aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity converge to craft an immersive experience that caters to the diverse tapestry of visitors it welcomes In this endeavor, we invite a collective vision that redefines urban spaces and harmonizes modernity with nature's splendor
GOALS OBJECTIVES
Versatile functionality:
Victory peace monument already has a central open area and sitting area around it. Optimizing this programming, the place with the shading will be used for different programs like small gatherings, art events, and other outdoor events.
Material Selection & Sustainability: The temporary standing structure will be made up of recyclable material which will also promote the sustainability of the place. The objective is to Incorporate sustainable materials and design techniques to minimize environmental impact and ensure the shading structures align with the park's ecological context. Since the monument somehow connects with World War 1&2, the texture of the materials can be given in such a way that they give the theme of that era.
To enhance aesthetics
The victory peace monument is already a conspicuous structure in the park. Adding a shade structure will add to the park's overall appeal, becoming a focal point and contributing to a unique identity. Being only one shaded structure on the whole coronation park will add significant value to the monument, which will attract people from a distance.
At the heart of The proposal for the revitalization of Coronation Park in Toronto lies a comprehensive understanding of user behavior, meticulously gleaned from immersive site visits and thorough observations This depth of insight has driven us to envision a shaded seating area that seamlessly blends user preferences with the park's intrinsic identity Anchoring our proposal is the innovative concept of a tensile roof system a dynamic solution that not only caters to immediate comfort but also honors the delicate balance of the park's ecosystem With its swift assembly and disassembly mechanisms, this structure minimizes environmental disruption, while its use of recyclable materials exemplifies our resolute commitment to sustainability However, the true essence of the proposed concept lies in its multifaceted impact Beyond the practical provision of shade, the tensile roof system introduces a contemporary design element that elegantly complements the park's natural beauty, inviting longer stays and encouraging meaningful community interactions Its presence redefines open spaces, offering a haven where park visitors can engage in a variety of activities, from leisurely picnics to cultural gatherings, all while being shielded from the sun's intensity Inclusive design principles further elevate the proposal's significance, embodying a commitment to social equality By ensuring barrierfree access and comfortable facilities for people of all ages and abilities, we aim to create a space that truly belongs to everyone This echoes the core values of community, diversity, and inclusivity that Coronation Park embodies As we envisage the transformation of Coronation Park, we see not just a shaded seating area, but a convergence of sustainable design, aesthetic elegance, and thoughtful functionality We envision a place that will stand as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of urban life and nature, a space that not only caters to the evolving needs of its visitors but also nurtures the essence of the park itself Through The proposal, we strive to create an enduring legacy one that enriches lives, fosters community bonds, and reflects the park's identity for generations to come
To add functional comfort: The park has many trees which provide enough shade on hot days. The open space on the victory peace monument repels people from enjoying the place. The new shading solutions will provide respite from the sun while accommodating diverse park activities, encouraging extended stays, and promoting community engagement.
To make it accessible to all: The temporary shading facilities will Ensure the shading solutions are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, offering equitable usage and promoting social inclusivity. The shading and maintenance of the monument will give equal opportunities for all types of disabled and abled people who come to the waterfront.
To integrate sustainability: The temporary standing structure will be made up of recyclable material which will also promote the sustainability of the place. The goal is to Incorporate sustainable materials and design techniques to minimize environmental impact and ensure the shading structures align with the park's ecological context.
