The Evolution of Waterfront Public Spaces: A comparative assessment of public use on Toronto’s Harbour Square Park and York Quay
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Authors
Grabowski, Arthur
Date
2014-07-31
Type
image
Language
en
Keyword
Waterfront , Toronto , Public Spaces
Alternative Title
Abstract
The objective of this report is to investigate the evolution of uses on two
waterfront public spaces. These case studies are located in close proximity on
Toronto’s Central Waterfront and are similar in size, but reflect radically different
planning ideals and design methods.Harbour Square Park was developed as an afterthought to a public private
partnership between the City of Toronto, the Toronto Harbourfront Commission
and Campeau Corporation. It is surrounded by high rise, high density buildings
that enclose the public realm of Harbour Square Park. The public space has
been incrementally upgraded over the years by the City of Toronto. The other
study area is York Quay, located between the Harbourfront Centre and
redeveloped mixed use Queens Quay Terminal. York Quay was originally a
parking lot for these two structures and was redeveloped by Waterfront Toronto
in 2006 as a public space designed by West 8 and DTAH. The study area is characterized by the programming and temporary markets provided by the
Harbourfront Centre.