Nathan Phillips Square programming proposals VUW
From CollabLandWiki
Below are reprogramming proposals for Nathan Phillips Square by second year students of Landscape Architecture at Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand, completed in July 2006.
rebecca
The space lacks sunshelters therfore creating areas of shade are important as temps reach up to 40 degrees. water feature will appear all year round in winter will appear to be large icecubes as they melt it will resume as a water fall once again.
Naomi
In reaction to the article; “In praise of modernist civic space in Canadian cities” by Derek Drummond I propose to change the way people interact with the site and with each other around the ice-skating rink (Winter) or reflection pond (Summer). I initially decided that the site did not have much to offer younger children, families or other people involved in using and interacting with this area of the square. I have discovered that different times during the week naturally bring different types of people to the area. I would like to encompass this idea.
Therefore I have proposed a sort-of river race that weaves in between a permanent path with bridges and interactive activities. In the winter when this freezes over it can be used as an extension to the ice-rink allowing people to skate in and around trees and participate in the surroundings with each other in a different way to during summer. I feel that this new programming allows for interaction to occur within the site between different groups of people.
David
James Ross
I want this park to become interactive. As people walk through the square, they will leave a trace. There will be interactive tiles on the ground which will change colour as people walk on them, leaving a trail. This will create a spectacle. Using the City Council Dome as a precedent I will create a shallow stadium-like bowl, which will inter link with the pathways and will allow spectators to watch other people interacting with the tiles.
Nathan
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My first programme design consists of a sheltered microclimate which will be located above the seats which are adjacent to the skating rink. The shelter will accomodate for both the observer and ice skater. These people will be able to watch the skating in the warmth and also get changed into and out off there skating clothes. during the months of summer these shelters can be used as shade to shelter from the hot and harsh conditions which are prevail in summer.
The second programme design consists of a network series of ice paths which come from the skating ring, and go through and around the square and beyond. This will allow the skaters much more freedom and the option of skating to shops and venues. However these paths which cross through and around the square will limit the freedom of the pedestrians so a network of paths, under bridges and over bridges will need to be installed in the square and the surroundings so that the pedestrians and the skaters can exsist safely and enjoyably.
Jarvis
I intend on leaving Nathan Phillips Square in a state that it is still possible for it to host all the existing events that it hosts but not to leave it exactly how it is. I intent to develop a skate park for skate boarders to use during the summer. During the winter months I intent to design a way of extending the area that can be ice-skated on. The ice will engulf nearly the entire square (maybe a temporary hockey rink). The ice over the square will not be very thick so it can be melted away if the space is needed for an event. I also endeavour to turn the skate park into an ice skating park by spraying the park with many thin layers of water that will the turn into ice, leaving the skate park with a thick layer of ice. To provide access across the square during winter I will create more elevated walkways for pedestrians.
Benjam'n
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early stuff
1st stage reprogramming: Create a network of paths that can easily be turned into extensions of the ice rink in winter, no longer will people be confined to the pond but will be able to explore the site in a totally new way, during the summer the paths with be a walkway that leads people into and out of the park. As the walkway will not be a boundary for the pedestrian like the ice skater, the walkway will also run past areas of interactive lighting and temporary works of art. The elevated walk ways around the site will be redesigned, planted and open to the public; these will also connect with city hall.
2nd stage reprogramming: the best way to draw people in to the site is the addition of cafes, restaurants, bars and retail shopping will be provided for in planning. As a result of these businesses the site will have increased night life and not die after the sun goes down. Although the shops in the square are a different style of program they have shown to be the most effective attraction after the initial hype of a new park dies down.
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Carl
 Original 1960 plans did not cater for outdoor living. |
 When Viljo Revell originally designed Nathan Phillips Square, café’s and restaurants were not central elements of socialising, leisure, business and pleasure as they have become today. |
 Advances in engineering means that establishing an infrastructure to support the café and restaurant industry on the plaza could be easily achieved. |
Ye Ye
 New program during night time. |
 New program during day time. I didn't draw all those camera posts because they can be done by refraction or only use four posts but maintain a camera net on top. |
I focused on the space and how people interact with the landscape space rather than anything functional or structural because I didn’t want to destroy anything Viljo Revell had designed. There is a computer programming language called “PROCESSING” now commonly used in interior and media field. It’s for people to react with programmed images, animation, and sound. The program I designed is camera projections formed Canada’s flag and showing animation and sound with people’s reactions by using “processing”. The official colors of Canada are red and white, same on its flag. Red vertical bands and maple leaf project fire and White Square project water just on the concrete slabs area beside peace garden and right in front of the new city hall. Once people walk under the camera on the “water” or “fire”, “water” starts to splash; “fire” starts to burn right under their foot. If you stamp foot hard, “water” or “fire” will splash in a large area. The only things to do are to construct all the cameras up or down (by using refraction); get ready the code (can be download from internet) and computers; hire a technician and get one office to manage and repair all procedure. The reprogramming represents the new city hall and the square itself as well as the whole Canada. They can be seen day and night during four seasons. It looks like a flag but all ages, normal or disabilities people would like to walk trough and interact with the program.
Jingjing Ma
At present the multi-function ski centre works and it improved interaction between people and civic space. However, square itself doesn't make fully function for people to use. For example, the officer need more space to rest during lunch time, kids may like play around square. During the event period, the square becomes crowed. The lacked civic space is the main problem and need to be solved. My idea is to give make multi-function of space for public. People may rest and have a coffee with friend during lunch time. The path way need to give the direction for people, so different groups of people may stay and focus on area of the sculpture and art work or ski centre. During the event period, people may not just gathered on the centre of square. The big screen can be put on the square and during the event period people can watch live on the big screen far away from square. For example, they may seat on the path way, on the entrance of plaza or even the office through window to join the events. The show on screen can be changed to suit its specific need. We can put rubber and other soft material in particularly area that children can safely play with. Depend on different period time of the day, the groups of people can be changed, so the design can be vary not just for particularly group. My design is multi-function usage through the day. For example, during noon time that space may suit for office to have fun and rest. After 2 hours, it may be good area for teenager to play after early school. What more, the landscape can be changed through the time and environment, so the lighting system is also a good point to amaze people.To touch to feel and to interact with space is what pubilc people's need and wants. In my design I am going to build the music fountain on the surface of ground. When people walk though the space, suddenly it the fountain will pump up and music is on with it.The music itself can control people's emotions and kids may love it while the water falling their head. The rythm of fountain depends on the music. It either be relax or exciting music,so works different time of day and period depends on events.
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kage-Lizuoguo
Functions of The House:
Firstly, it will be a new interesting walking PATH in the Square.Second,it is a REST place. In winter time, people will feel warm inside the house when it is cold outside. In summer,the color of these houses will be changed to cooler colors (eg: bule) to make people feel more comfortable .The color of the house can be changed to suit any events and situation. Moreover ,it is also a Mini Gallery which could help to respect and restore the beauty and dignity of the original Nathan Phillips Square. For instance,by showing the historical photos and information of the square,the process of construction.I think the more important thing people would like to know is to the PAST,TODAY,THE FUTURE of Nathan Phillips Square.Furthermore,the outside information screens are a new technology and a new way to pass the knowledge to people,it will keep the people interesting by showing the incoming events ,weather,news and all other kind of update infoemation and these screens will definitely help the outdoor performance events.
Averill
Summer:
The people on compulsory paths (dark blue) should be within the park so that they attract others and create social interaction (orange). People that want an optional agenda (yellow) should be separate from the compulsory paths so as to not interrupt or be interrupted. They will also generate social interactions. I propose that there be layers of pathways to accommodate these types of movements.
Winter: During the winter, when the ice is frozen, it turns into an optional activity space and will draw more spectators and more social interaction to the centre of the square. The compulsory pathways will not change, as people’s duties will remain constant.
Kate Instone
Breathtaking to watch, ballet on ice is a theatrical sport which has not yet grown because of its demands of the climate and talented ice skaters. The city of Toronto is already home to Canadian ballet and figure skating. The square requires a programme that will revitalise the space bringing culture and art back into this dull concrete mass. Hosting ballet on ice would lure people of all ages into the square at night. Ice sports are incredibly popular with Canadians. Nathan Philips square is the ideal venue for such an event. Because of the climate in winter there is an existing outdoor rink so no other installations would be necessary.
Sally Bishop
The area in which the City of Toronto now stands has been inhabited by people since the last ice age. Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario it served as a meeting place from pre European times to the city it is today. Canada is a destination consisting of hundreds of different cultures; Nathan Phillips square serves as one of Toronto’s meeting points for people and culture. Through this analysis a primary symbol of the human mark or settlement on the landscape has been selected as a programme in the square. The installation of tent like structures that produce heat and light in all seasons would provide a further tool for people to gather and socialise, producing a programme of its own. The structures are intended to be moved or manipulated as markers to guide the viewer to various attractions, creating a winding walk through the square.
LYDIA
Monique Fawcitt
 Block features used in certain spaces to suggest possible pathways |
 Ground air-conitioning during the summer period |
 Ground heating during the winter period |
The area of Nathan Phillips square has become a popular area within the city of Toronto, which has become inhabited by people. The temperature in Toronto can climb as high as 40°C during summer and can get as cold as -10.5°C in winter. These temperatures restrict people to their homes, so for this reason I have reprogrammed the site to incorporated air-conditioned pathways during the hot days of summer and heated pathways during the winter period, to allow for the site to be more widely used during these times of year. The installation of blocked features (which can be used as seating), have been used to cover certain areas of the space to suggest possible pathways. Certain blocks have heating/air-conditioning installed in them, as this will create an interesting feature during the snow days where squares in the snow will be melted, revealing the existing surface. The space covered by these blocks also hold square lights both in the ground and on top of the blocks which will heighten the safety at night, and make clear pathways through the space.
Further development: Blocks could be developed into a game where they can be slid around to change the formation, bringing another form of reprogramming to the space.
Kylee O'Connor
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Mitchell Walker
From my research and the readings, I have taken points from the text, "Life Between Buildings - Using Public Space", by Jan Gehl, and I have incorporated this into my design.
One point which stood out was a point made that the meeting between two people is commonly unplanned therefore making Nathan Phillips Square is the ideal place for this. I have added sets of stairs and a new bridge to the currently unused elevated pathways, as the program and as a continuation of the current PATH and elevated walkway systems.
The stairways connect the unused elevated pathways, the ground, and the City Hall roof top. The PATH system is now a complete circular system, around the square, and gives views down into the square and out onto the streets. The new stairways have been placed along the three sides, two per length, to make use of the elevated walkways, and the bridge connects up to the roof top, to complete the circle, and add a greater variation. The benches and planter boxes gives a nicer setting and allows for areas to relax, sit, talk, catch up with friends, or take in the views, but to be done at your own leasiure, nothing if forced upon you.
All of the new elements force more decisions to be made, and add to the PATH system, while allowing people to meet up or enjoy the area alone. These ideas correlate to the Toronto brief, and ideas I received from the readings. The creation of a new way, a new path, and a whole new area.
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Simon White
It’s important to consider the needs of children in the urban landscape for recreational use and also keeps them interactive with outside activities.
The playground is situated around the reflecting pool and utilises the pool as a swimming pool.
This simple addition to the space will attract people with the interactive space solely designed for children contact with other children. It’s influenced from the readings “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces”, William H.Whyte, where it talks about children playing habits, where the needs for an environment for children within a adult dominated area.
This programme changes the perspective of the space when introducing a different element to within an urban area.
Martin-Yaxin LIU
My conception is based on the word "modernisim" .After reading completed of "In praise of modernist civic spaces in Canadian",I do believe that highly use public space like civic square of huge cities should be one of the most(or leading) modern part in cities.However,not only the using facilities,aesthetic elements are necessary to be considered in design of these projects,no mind how much of cost because they would be maintained for generations.I strongly agree with Mr Derek Drummond that unlike European,important buildings in Canada tended to be simply located on a street.The design of architect Viljo Revell well concerned the public use space and open entrences.In my opinion,the Peace Garden,grass and ice rink will be stayed.In order to reduce the Bird crap,I will remove the trees in square to outside of it,so do benches.The most significant change is from the under walkway open entries.Although open to all the street has been kept for many years,half open square is better feeling.I use white(symbol of snow,morden and newly good looking material)glass to creat the walls and new entries,not only for Pedestrian,but also an aesthetic element for the whole square.In addition,I think Viljo Revell's upper walkway design is better for people to enjoy the picturesque view and relax,a small cafe is needed on the end of walkway.
Victor-Ting Mao
Basically,installation of lights with in benches could creating the certain mood for many possible situation which may happend in nathan philipis square.Because the color stimulates a response and creates an atmosphere of assertion and strength. And these Led networks could provide many possible colour combinations.For instance,During the winter, these lighting benches will have the colour gradient from blue to white. And they will saturated into red and white which is the colour of canadian flag when the country celeberate his national days.Therefore, these series of lighting benches are not only provides a place which aesthic and entertained,It also indicated the atmosphere of toronto cities in a particular moment.
Furthermore, these form of lighting benches are inspired from the contour of otario state.
Ny Khat
• A Seasonal Art competition
• For the public to watch artists while they work.
• winning sculpture is displayed for the season (3 months)
• For selected artists in toronoto
• four competitions a year; Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring
• sculptures will be displayed in different areas of the park, depending on the season...eg: spring = peace garden, winter = frozen lake...etc...
vivian shao
why: widen green area , provide outdoor living space, attract people resting,view and admire the square lanscape from upper place.
how: roof garden design including plant collocate, urban furniture(sitting, private space etc.), idiographic solution for irrigate,drain,soil and so on.
inspiration: Landscaped Architecture- the city of the future will be green http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden_product/sustainability/landscaped-architecture.htm
Shigeru Ban square design of Shigeru Ban in china yunnan.
Echo Liu
PROBLEMS EXSITED
- This central square is an extreamly busy area, a lot of people go through this site or stay in it. The currently design made the square be a closed space, there are not enough passways on the ground to bear tha high-flow of people.
- One of the most important design in this square is the 'bridge' sculpture, named 'Freedom Archs'. But this design idea just be used once, the alone 'bridges' group make people feel monotonous.
SOLUTION
- pathways --- It's connection of the central pool/rink and the outside of the square. It gives people a direction to entry and exit.
- benches with shulter --- The same idea as the 'bridge' sculpture is used for the bench design. The interesting curve element is designed for the shulter and it is also the holder for the benches. The benches are in changing shapes and different sizes.
- plants --- Ivy is climbering around/on the curve shulter.
- lighting --- The lights are on the edges of the shulter, lighing is during night.
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Liam Hosford
Nathan Philips square hosts many concerts and events but doesn't have a permanent stage. I propose to place a permanent stage with amphitheater type seating. In doing this it should made it easier to host more lower budget events such as, plays & arts. The hosting of more events will also require other programs such as food & beverage selling. Also because of the extremes in temperature the programs in winter will be towards ice skating and so it would be beneficial to extend the skating rink in winter.
Alfred Chan
My first proposal derived from the idea of creating free paths and movement within the site. This program proposal is a Wheel day, intended for the summer season. This Wheel day allows people from Toronto to come together and socialize with different modes of transportation, for example bikes, skateboards and rollerblades. Having this program establishes the modes of transportation in the Toronto area, from cars on the street, pedestrians on the footpaths and cyclist etc in this City Hall area.
This program is intended for the upper ramped up area the City Hall Podium roof. Having the program in this area will allow for multiple programs to run in Nathan Phillip square at the same time, for example Market day and Wheel day allowing the parents to shop and the children socialize and exercise at the same time. This will allow a mix of different ages to uses the site from families to teenagers.
My second proposal is more of a complimentary program that compliments the very strong existing winter program, this winter program being the ice skating rink. This proposed program uses heated poles these poles keep you warm, they can be moved around and positioned around you. These poles are like solar panels, absorbing the day’s heat and distributing a low warm temperature at night. This program allows freedom, freedom to manipulate and change public areas making it the users own space. This will allow Nathan Phillip square to be constantly renewed and unique.
Sarah Livingstone
Currently, the reflection pool isn't allowed to be 'waded' in. My programme will turn this reflection pool into a wading pool and have a beach atmosphere. The canadian summer is very hot- getting up to higher temperatures than 30 degrees C. During lunchtimes, afterschool or after work people can stop, relax, cool down, paddle in the wading pool, have a refreshing drink or just chill out. My programme will focus not only on business people in lunchtime, but also to the youth of Toronto. This 'beach' will have live music playing, ice creams and beverages to purchase, BBQ's available to hire, and even a game of volleyball in the wading pool could be possible. In response to "The Social Life of Small Places", William.H. Whyte. he says- 'On a good day there would be people sitting, sunbathing, picnicking, schmoozing-idly gossiping, talking 'nothing talk'....it's known as swingers plaza because of the young crowd that populate it.'
Susan Anderson
I wanted to increase to use of the reflection pond in summer so that it is utilized all year round. As the temperature in Toronto can get up to around 35°C the pond is a perfect place to have a paddle and cool off. I decided to place a few steps down into to pond so that I would encourage people more and also not dramatically effect the ice rink.
Steven Zhao
Problem: Currently Nathan Philips Square has a large space in the center for people to stand and gather when there is a concert or an event. But what happends to that space when there are no events or programs on?
During midday, people from surrounding buildings gather with friends and workmates to have lunch and a break. Seats are located around the park and the water pool.
The problem with having seats around the water is that people have their backs facing away from the pool. The pool is not very interesting during summer, only ducks and rubbish ocupy it.
If there were a place to have seats that people would get the most out of the park, it would be the center of the park. But the problem is that when there are big gatherings and parties, the seats would be in the way.
Solution:
The solution to this problem is as show in my proposal.
I have designed these blocks of squares that rise from the ground by machines.
These squares rise during lunch time hours or any other time that maybe busy. They can be used to sit on or even played on. To ensure safty these rise extreamly slow, approxmatly one hour to rise to full hight. Full height is 1m. These "squares" rise and lowers daily.
During the night the squares will be lowered so skaters dont abuse them, and also at large functions to ensure maximum space.
This can be fun for children to see it rise slowly, and it's not high enough for a fall that will harm someone seriously.
but overall the rise and fall of these squares can be put to use when ever needed.
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Laura Pyne
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"...activities are themselves architectural in the sense that performance gives form to space.... treating an urban space as a stage set...."
Everyday Urbanism - John Chase, Margaret Crawford, John Kaliski.
Many studies have been carried out in regards to the success of design in the urban environment. In one way or another, the conclusions of these studies all tie down to the same fundamental element: People.
Urban spaces are social spaces. Simply walking through an urban space involves the individual in social activities. Through seeing, hearing, experiencing other's presence, one is participating, though at a low degree of intensity, in the surroundings.
To enhance the space of Nathan Phillips' square, I wanted to accommodate for this 'participation" of the public by introducing the aspect of mass seating. By increasing the opportunities for seating, people are encouraged to sit down, rest, and reflect on the activities happening in the square.
An old Scandinavian proverbs explains it all: "people come where people are."
The levelling aspect of the seating reflects that of a stadium design. Providing for a growth in numbers within the space at different times of the day/year. The square already accommodates for numerous events and public activities - so by conveying a 'theatre' atmosphere with the introduction of mass seating, people are attracted to observe and be a part of a colourful show of activities and happenings.
Ben O'Brien
Homeless people are a given in any major city. They gather mainly in public places such as Nathan Phillips Square. In some cities they are a problem, in others they are not. For many, being homeless is a choice, a way of life. Despite the many facilities provided for them, a great deal prefer "roughing it" on the street none the less. They don't want to be accomodated, only tolerated.
It is my intention to subtley re-define the boundaries of the areas homeless people tend to congregate in, changing the dynamic of interaction between the homeless and everyday people using the Square. Homeless people tend to be rather unsightly, the view of plastic bags, trolleys, etc is not desirable for a morning walk or coffee. On the other hand, you wouldn't want to be woken up from your hangover by random folk talking about the weather either. By minimising the interaction, the space will be able to cater to the wants of both parties more efficently.
These designated homeless areas will be strategically placed at "low useage" pockets around the site, places that everyday people can do without on a day to day basis. These areas could contain longer benches, less intense lighting, etc, features that may appeal slightly more than other popular areas of the park such as a fountain or a restaurant. This will not be a segregation, there will be no fences or obstacles to inhibit view. It acts more on a subconcious level.
A successful public space caters to the wants of all members of the public, so why not include those that sleep there?
Yu Zhang
User: Yu Reopen the elevated walkway so that different activities happen at different levels of Nathan Phillips Square.
Have more accessways to the walkway.
Connections to underground and the podium roof.
Propose Cafe and art gallery on or underneath the walkway.
Laura A
Nathan Phillips Square is busy all year round and changes to suit the people. Foriegners visiting Toronto also stop off at Nathan Phillips Square for a glimpse. Jan Gehl once said "People com where people are" in a review abouot "Life Between Buildings". This quote is very true as people gathered in a circle is always intriguing to people passing by.
By adding a video conference satelite in speakers corner Toronto will be connected with many other areas/countries in the world. This will allow people to come to Nathan Phillips Square and interact with people from around the world,, listen to government speeches and other community events, and even be entertained by the likes of ballet which is being performed in another area or country.
This will help bring people into the square and keep them there for a period of time and through the gathering of people in the speakers corner will people will slowly follow and make use of this technological landscape.
Tessa Cox
