Sweeny Sterling Finlayson &Co Architects design a remarkable new landmark named “Gathering†for the City of Toronto.Gathering represents Toronto’s history, diversity, flexibility and strength. Arriving in Toronto from the Pearson International Airport is a less than memorable experience. That might soon change with the new striking landmark design by Sweeny Sterling Finlayson &Co Architects (&Co), one of the most ambitious projects initiated by the city’s Clean and Beautiful City Program. By day, Gathering will have the appearance of a beautiful grove of sinuous masts swaying in the wind in an inviting manner. At night, the masts are illuminated from within by lights that slowly change colour based on environmental conditions near the site. Described as “ephemeralâ€, Gathering’s lighting changes colour due to movement of the masts, surrounding ambient noise, and local weather conditions. Electrical power for the lighting is supplied by a combination of on-site solar panels and power generated from the motion of the masts themselves. Located at the interchange of Dixon Road and Highway 427 near Toronto Pearson International Airport, the site was one of three landmark locations identified by the Clean and Beautiful City Initiative. About 80,000 passengers pass the site every day. Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s largest airport and for many people represents the Gateway to Canada. Gathering is a marker that tells the story of Toronto in a contemporary language. On many levels, Toronto is recognized as a gathering of people whose diversity, flexibility and strength create a great city. Tracing its native and historical roots, the name is derived from the Mohawk word Tkaronto, which means where there are trees standing in the water, and the Huron word toronton which means place of meetings, plenty or abundance. Toronto remains to be a meeting place through its multiethnicity, being one of only three cities in the world without a dominant ethnic or cultural group.
