Repurpose Urban Spaces of The Plazapops

We live in a constantly changing city; evolving with thoughtful urban design over time, bending to best practices of the current paradigm, and trying to achieve multiple goals. Sometimes though, we have a space that is either underutilized, programmed for only part of the day or week, or is in a planning or approval cycle that will take time. Toronto needs more projects that can repurpose our urban spaces to make better use of them and are scaled, as well as programmed, to the specific needs of the neighbourhood.

The plazaPOPS project seems to do all of the above. It does so in a thoughtful way, that sets a good example for the city. We need more spaces that act like this, and we need more designers promoting temporary uses of spaces. Beyond that, there is something whimsical, playful, and vibrant about the design of this space. So, while the idea is award-worthy already, it is the specific execution here of design elements and expressiveness that added up to an award for this exciting, temporary project. We look forward to seeing it live on and be redeployed in other urban neighbourhoods.

Project Information

Landscape Architect: ERA Architects

Artist: Magic F WonG (Street Mural)

Others: Albion Islington Square BIA, Rexdale Hub, University of Guelph Landscape Architecture, plazaPOPS

Developer/Owner/Client: plazaPOPS

General Contractor: Building UP

Photographer: Tupac Espinoza, Duane Cole