Lead Firm: Claude Cormier et Associ茅s
Completion: June 2017
The revitalization of this iconic park in downtown Toronto needed to adapt to rapidly evolving community needs that were never foreseen when the original Berczy Park was constructed 40 years ago. Next-generation needs had to be accommodated by shaping the park into three program-oriented spaces鈥攁 green area for play, a garden for dogs, and a plaza for gathering. The overall park experience is unified across these distinct spaces by a whimsical fountain at the centre of the plaza, inspired by the phenomenon and history of dogs at Berczy Park, becoming an essential agent of triangulation with universal appeal.
PHOTO:听Industryous Photography
PHOTO:听Industryous Photography
PHOTO:听Industryous Photography
PHOTO:听Claude Cormier et Associ茅s
PHOTO:听Industryous Photography
PHOTO: McConnell, Industryous Photography, Hans on the bike
"The design鈥檚 real success is its 鈥榯riangulation鈥� of multiple user groups, edge conditions, and in recognizing pedestrian desire lines. While the canine fountain is the focal point鈥攐r punch line鈥攎any underlying design moves make this park much more than the sum of its parts."
"A delightful carefully conceived public park that not only packs a lot in a diminutive space but also manages to improve the interface with its surrounding urban context, most notably in the creation of the Scott Street Woonerf, the revised circulation layout, the improved streetscape, and the visual and aesthetic rapport established between the park floor and the architectural frontage framing it.. The result is a cohesive urban living room鈥攚hose contribution goes much beyond the whimsical appeal of its central fountain. "
Jury members