I don't think that the Dufferin design is bad, I just don't think it's the best design… and I always want the best design to win, that's all!
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Toronto Garrison Crossing (was Fort York Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge) | ?m | ?s | City of Toronto | Pedelta
- Thread starter AlvinofDiaspar
- Start date
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Bogtrotter
Senior Member
I quite like it to be honest. While the others may have more of a visual impact and continuity in terms of the humber bridge I do applaud the chosen design. I think it's an appropriate nod to the industrial past for the railway lands and the rust finish is terrific.
Adjei
Senior Member
Probably chosen because it was the cheapest to build.
NBGtect
Active Member
Where is the rust finish? I thought that this was designed with stainless steel...
salsa
Senior Member
I think you're talking about the ED/Public Work proposal, which was not selected.
Bogtrotter
Senior Member
Ah- what a shame, I was just looking through the pics and thought it quite nice.
stjames2queenwest
Senior Member
Maybe they are mistaking the Ellis don proposal?
Any bridge is better than no bridge, but ya, this was in my opinion the least exciting option.
Any bridge is better than no bridge, but ya, this was in my opinion the least exciting option.
Our reporter Stefan Novakovic is at the event now, and he is confirming that the Dufferin proposal was chosen because it is the cheapest to build and to maintain. We'll have a full story later.
(And Bogtrotter, you're right on about why the Ellis Don proposal was the best one.)
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(And Bogtrotter, you're right on about why the Ellis Don proposal was the best one.)
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smuncky
Senior Member
I don't know why some are comparing the chosen design to Humber Bridge. If anything, it's much closer to the Calatrava designed Mimico Creek bridge.
smably
Senior Member
https://twitter.com/dmrider/status/669179712929996801: "Fort York Bridge's simple design is not supposed to dominate the skyline but be an added feature."
Basically: "we deliberately chose the boring design". I wonder whether the result would have been different if Waterfront Toronto had managed this.
Basically: "we deliberately chose the boring design". I wonder whether the result would have been different if Waterfront Toronto had managed this.
MetroMan
Senior Member
I had to turn it off when Shiner came on.
The original bridge was truly iconic, something that would no doubt be featured in architecture magazines and fashion photoshoots in Toronto. The Dufferin proposal is essentially a cheap knock off of the DNA design. We're getting a MADE IN CHINA (no offence to China) rip off. Hopefully this is the last we'll see of Rob Ford's destruction.
On the bright side, I was happy to see Tory's pro public realm comments and his kind words to Councillor Mike Layton and MP Adam Vaughan. I get the impression that he's pulling back on his right leaning stance that saw him stack his team with Rob Ford loyalists at the beginning of his term.
Hopefully the stainless steel construction of this bridge will help us all forget what could've been.
The original bridge was truly iconic, something that would no doubt be featured in architecture magazines and fashion photoshoots in Toronto. The Dufferin proposal is essentially a cheap knock off of the DNA design. We're getting a MADE IN CHINA (no offence to China) rip off. Hopefully this is the last we'll see of Rob Ford's destruction.
On the bright side, I was happy to see Tory's pro public realm comments and his kind words to Councillor Mike Layton and MP Adam Vaughan. I get the impression that he's pulling back on his right leaning stance that saw him stack his team with Rob Ford loyalists at the beginning of his term.
Hopefully the stainless steel construction of this bridge will help us all forget what could've been.
Tuscani01
Senior Member
There is absolutely nothing preventing us from getting something iconic somewhere else. Lets keep in mind that the intention of this bridge, first and foremost is to connect neighbourhoods across the railway. Design comes second in this case. There are many more areas that can benefit from connections over/under the rail corridor as other obstacles throughout the city. Plenty more opportunities for icons out there.
*cough* new connection over Lake Shore from the Ex to Ontario Place*
*cough* new connection over Lake Shore from the Ex to Ontario Place*
Ehhh, Waterfront Toronto doesn't do everything right either: they chose a too-safe Jack Layton Ferry Terminal design.
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smuncky
Senior Member
Design should never come second. Design and function should always work with each other, not compete.
The problem with "something iconic somewhere else" is that the same logic could be applied to the next site, and the next, and the next. And in the end, nothing of substance is ever built.
I feel we always make excuses for watered down designs instead of calling them out for what they are.
