The Tenor (10 Dundas St E, Ent Prop Trust, 10s, Baldwin & Franklin)

[tudararms]

Re: PCL: Metropolis Update June 1/06

I think the actual 'square' itself is beautiful: I love the granite, and the fountains and light standards etc. As a bustling urban plaza it works just fine, in my opinion. At the same time I can't help but think that a more stereotypically traditional 'european' style square would have been inappropriate and disappointingly derivative for downtown Toronto. What we have instead feels modern and minimal, using a new vocabulary to translate the features so loved in more traditional squares into a language that feels rights for a new and growing city. It will be a nice added touch when the trees on the southern edge mature. The downfall, to risk a little negativity here, is not the square itself but the surroundings. Not all, but certain examples of private development taking shape around the square have not been up to the standards set by the square, and I think that even the average Torontonian senses this on some level. That said, the square will work regardless. The people, the noise, the flashing lights and the action will make this an important hub which is great addition to Toronto's main thoroughfare, any how you cut it.

 

[TdotTrickyRicky]

I think the fundamental problem with the square to date is the lack of massing and interest on the east side, not issues of design quality or square programming. What I mean is that most of the traffic viewing the square is along the north-south Yonge axis and the view to the east is the squares least interesting. Metropolis will go a long way to address this issue regardless of it's architectural quality. If there was one more visually interesting structure (regardless of architectural quality) on the east in addition to metropolis and torch, say at or behind the Hakim store then the square would look fine. Increased traffic on the Dundas axis is also important.

 

[samsonyuen]

I agree, the south and west sides are busy, and the north will soon be. The east side is drab and a bit depressing.

 

[blixa442]

The square is not the issue, it's more like what's around the square that's problematic (particularly on the east side). I too think this square is beautiful... It's very Toronto, and that's precisely what I like about it.

 

[livesquid]

I took some photos of metropolis earlier this evening. I also did a little exploring in and around the new Ryerson building - they're in the Ryerson thread.

 

[ganjavih]

Oooh... hot-lookin' glass on Metropolis.

 

[Greg29Toronto]

I really like the square too. I enjoy cooling off there on my way home after cycling during the day and just taking in the vibe, and most nights it's buzzing with something interesting going on.
Two things would really do it for me. I think there are 7 trees along the south side, perhaps 3 or 4 more would really hit the "green" mark and second, a more attractive multi-functional stage instead of the tent that they have setup now.
Once Metropolis comes to life I'm confident the square is really going to explode with even more activity and street life.

 

[billy corgan19982]

I always thought a green roof for the canopy would do wonders for the square.

 

[interchange42]

The final stage has not yet been built - maybe it's still budgeted for the future. In any case, what is there now was not meant to be permanent.

Green on the canopy roof sounds interesting... I wonder how much more weight it could take without being entirely re-engineered?

42

 

[building babel]

Once the London plane trees are fully grown they will provide plenty of greenery and shade.

 

[Archivistower]

I think the square has been quite successful. I would like to see the street beside the Hard Rock closed and turned over to imbibers, and I would have wished for a crazee cool canopy like something from Barcelona, but more or less it's a good thing.

I noted today when I was there that the newer buildings that help define the square - Atrium on Bay / Metropolis / Eaton Centre - are all quite similar in massing and scale. With taller buildings sticking out around, you get a bit of that bowl feeling. It will be good when Metropolis is completed.

 

[Ed007Toronto]

photos by cassiusa

Metropolis

 

[tudararms]

Archivist: " noted today when I was there that the newer buildings that help define the square - Atrium on Bay / Metropolis / Eaton Centre - are all quite similar in massing and scale. With taller buildings sticking out around, you get a bit of that bowl feeling. It will be good when Metropolis is completed."

I agree Archivist, and with newer highrises popping up in the distance and making their presence felt like the Met and RoCP, and other more recent existing ones like Pantages, the backdrop to the square is feeling even more dense. One major really cool project on the east side of the area would be the cherry on the cake.

 

[billy corgan19982]

More pics from today:

East side (Victoria St.)

Second crane

North side (Gould St.)

Eaton Ads back up:

New OLG video screen:

 

[MetroMan1000]

^^ The Atrium's redevelopment by opening up to the sidewalk is commendable and an example to be followed (better) by the Eaton Centre.

The Eaton Centre's opening to the street is void because most of the doors are locked.

Metropolis' massing is looking good, but I'm very afraid of what we'll see in terms of finishings. At least they're covering up the concrete poles, unlike Torch.