Awkward Situations These spaces occur when streets, infrastructure, land parcels and buildings collide in an irregular way. Because of the regularity of the grid in Toronto, these chaotic situations are rare. However, when they do occur they are a refreshing change in what is otherwise a rather monotonous street layout. In this sense they are like beauty marks – blemishes, that because of their rarity, are appreciated. The public spaces created in these spaces take on unusual dimensions to fill in the awkward situation. Columbus Parkette begins as a narrow opening on Dundas, rapidly slopes downward and widens out, framed on the back end by a series of laneways and garages.
elements: playground equipment seating lighting water fountain waste bin trees and plants
name: Columbus Parkette location: 1985 Dundas Street West
size: 0.24 hectares rank: 354th smallest
looking forward Small public spaces in Toronto are under-studied. As the city grows significantly in density, these spaces will become more important as more users share the same finite public resource. Looking forward, there are several questions we need to address if we want to maximise the quality of these small public spaces. Ultimately the goal should be similar to what Atelier Bow-Wow says of creating a space where one feels all the comforts and conveniences of being in one’s own living room, even while outside. As a way forward we suggest three actions to be incorporated into the the design of small public spaces.
1 Accommodate the lives and needs of contemporary citizens, especially in the context of an increasingly large and dense city. This needs more research into what those lifestyles and needs are, as well as how different spaces and functions – not only public ones – currently respond to them. 2 Explore and experiment with different kinds of programs and amenities that can be designed into outdoor small public spaces, beyond your standard set of benches, swings and slides. 3 Provoke community stewardship, creating a situation where the community members can give the space an added-value beyond that supplied by the Parks and Recreation Department. v
1 Christopher Alexander. ‘Pattern 61. Small Public Squares’ A Pattern Language , 1977 2 Atelier Bow-Wow. Post Bubble City , 2006
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On Site review 23 Small Things
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