My project is a tribu te to one of the most successfulltalian artists in the contemporary art scene of Toronto, Giampietro Filippetti. Thanks to the transfiguration of one of his works within the urban context in question, the residents of Toronto can get a space in which to find relax and at the same time be unaware of the protagonist of a work of art. The square alternates a series of combinations of four different finishes that stand up around the green spaces becoming benches, and slowly descending towards the West facade of the Kensington Health Centre following the current gradient. Through these flooring treatments, 1 used the warm earthy tones because 1 wanted to bring the people of Toronto to a careful awareness of nature. At the center of the square stands a sculpture by Jeremy Guy (another contemporary artist very affirming in Canada) located within the fountain.
(Competitor's text)
A simple (maybe too simple, insofar as it is completely open) design that is uncluttered other than by its banded pavement of contrasting materials and colours which might or might not be suited to the Toronto climate and the foot traffic which crosses this corner. The concrete benches may or may not be too narrow to sleep on but they have no dividers which would make sleeping impossible. They are also backless, which means they are uncomfortable for sitting on. They have under the bench lighting, which attracted many visitors, although it is hard to imagine this will provide much in the way of useful lighting. And they have uninterrupted edges which makes them ideal for skateboarding - a positive for some, a negative for others.
Seating and lighting well done but encourages sleeping and hiding
(Excerpt from the jury's comments)
