Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square | ?m | ?s | City of Toronto | Perkins + Will

[MisterF]

It's disappointing to say the least that after all that time and work, the worst parts of the square - the interfaces with Bay and Queen Streets - are completely unchanged.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/09/13/toronto-sign-staying-at-nathan-phillips-square.html

"the sign will stay in place (at Nathan Phillips Square) until at least the end of its current projected lifespan, which is late 2016, and that the city will look into ways between now and then to expand its lifespan or to replace it.

Tory also announced that the city will consider producing a smaller, more mobile version of the sign that can be taken to events across the city, such as TIFF or Pride."

Sounds like they're going the smart route and making it permanent at NPS. A mobile version is a great idea too. Toronto seems to have stumbled across a great branding opportunity...which, let's face it, has eluded our marketing people for years (remember Toronto unlimited?).

The TIFF signs look sharp too.

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/09/13/toronto-sign-staying-at-nathan-phillips-square.html

"the sign will stay in place (at Nathan Phillips Square) until at least the end of its current projected lifespan, which is late 2016, and that the city will look into ways between now and then to expand its lifespan or to replace it.

Tory also announced that the city will consider producing a smaller, more mobile version of the sign that can be taken to events across the city, such as TIFF or Pride."

Good to see that Tory is moving on this file, recognizes the potential of the sign and looking at the possibility of replacing it with something more permanent. Interesting though that the projected lifespan has gone significantly down.

It's disappointing to say the least that after all that time and work, the worst parts of the square - the interfaces with Bay and Queen Streets - are completely unchanged.

It is disappointing, but the recent popularity of the square will only serve as a call for further improvements in the future. The current scheme is far too limiting when they should have been aiming for a neighbourhood public realm redo along the lines of Bloor/Queen's Quay.

AoD

 

[Tewder]

Would forumers be open to the addition of native plants instead of tropical? Surely some greenery would be welcome by all; and not just the trees on the periphery?

Yeah, I think the square could stand some 'decorating' and colour too. Plantings, baskets, banners etc. are all good. All this can change seasonally, but whatever's chosen should compliment the square, the design and the architecture.

 

[kotsy]

http://globalnews.ca/news/2255353/norm-kelly-wants-more-3d-signs-to-reinforce-cool-toronto-brand/

 

[salsa]

http://globalnews.ca/news/2255353/norm-kelly-wants-more-3d-signs-to-reinforce-cool-toronto-brand/

Not sure why some people call Toronto "The 6". Never heard this before.

 

[interchange42]

Here's how Nathan Phillips Square looked on Thursday, with preparations for Nuit Blanche under way.

I'm picturing the building above with a Dollarama sign on one of the gables. Meanwhile, in the Peace Garden…

…while south of the Peace Garden, grading was under way.

42

 

[junctionist]

Not sure why some people call Toronto "The 6". Never heard this before.

Drake coined the nickname based on the 6 in "416" and "647". He uses it in his music.

 

[AHK]

Not sure why some people call Toronto "The 6". Never heard this before.

The Six - the original Six Metro Toronto municipalities that were amalgamated: North York, East York, Scarborough, York, Etobicoke, and the original City of Toronto

 

[ksun]

The square looks just fine. No need for plants. It's modern and that's the way it's meant to be and look.

It's comforting to know Toronto has such low standard when it comes to the city's most prominent public square.

A few plants are not going to save it. It is not horrible but shall I say mediocre, unimpressive by any means. The square, the garden, the arts. Everything is bland - and yes maybe it is what us meant to be, just like every other public space in Toronto.

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

Whatever done to the square MUST respect the original design intent - and it doesn't really need saving - it needs good maintenance, attention to details and selective but sensitive improvements.

AoD

 

[Armour]

I'm all for ordering up 3 more Toronto signs, but let's refrain from cheesy hip hop inspired lingo. T-Dot, The 6? Seriously? That sounds so immature and classless.

 

[Tewder]

T-Dot's been around for a while though, right? It's sort of our Chi-town. Where's the harm? Own it!

 

[junctionist]

The 6 is a good name for its simplicity. It's neither trying too hard to be meaningful nor silly. It rolls off the tongue.

 

[Adjei]

Let's have more signs at the Airport, Dundas Square, and the Waterfront.

 

[arvelomcquaig]

I like the Six because it reflects the fact that Toronto is an amalgamation of six former municipalities, but yeah, T-Dot is embarrassingly hip(-hop)-sounding.