wyliepoon
Senior Member
I've been browsing some news stories and photos of the recently-opened Canada Line in Vancouver. One thing that struck me about what I saw in the station photos is the lack of public art or stunning architecture there. The Canada Line doesn't seem to follow the traditions of the Montreal Metro and Toronto's subway (since the opening of the Spadina Subway) of building stations that are loaded with public artwork- artwork that is usually permanent and integrated with the design of the station. The Canada Line stations seem to take a no-frills approach towards design, and at best, uses the "glass and steel" style that is so typical of Vancouver. Even the signage is rather generic, unable to generate the same attachment that we Torontonians have for the "TTC Font".
I've run a Google search for "Canada Line Art" and found that except for one permanent piece at YVR-Airport, the rest are not permanent and will be rotated...
http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/story.html?id=1890252
Seems like right now many of us here in Toronto are envious of Vancouver's new line, even though the line lacks the architecture of Canada's other heavy rail rapid transit systems. I haven't heard much complaints about the design of the stations (any latest word from Vancouver?).
In light of the Spadina Subway Extension being designed by starchitects, perhaps it's time to re-consider Toronto's approach towards subway art and architecture. Is the TTC overdoing its art/architecture program (perhaps in an attempt to catch up or to beat the Montreal Metro in this regard), or is it adequate? Should the TTC be spending less on design/art fees and more on creating more stations and routes that work?
vs.
I've run a Google search for "Canada Line Art" and found that except for one permanent piece at YVR-Airport, the rest are not permanent and will be rotated...
http://www.vancouversun.com/travel/story.html?id=1890252
Seems like right now many of us here in Toronto are envious of Vancouver's new line, even though the line lacks the architecture of Canada's other heavy rail rapid transit systems. I haven't heard much complaints about the design of the stations (any latest word from Vancouver?).
In light of the Spadina Subway Extension being designed by starchitects, perhaps it's time to re-consider Toronto's approach towards subway art and architecture. Is the TTC overdoing its art/architecture program (perhaps in an attempt to catch up or to beat the Montreal Metro in this regard), or is it adequate? Should the TTC be spending less on design/art fees and more on creating more stations and routes that work?
vs.
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