Upon entering Brunswick Bend, visitors are presented with a continuous arcing bench which frames the the park in one sweeping gesture. The bench splits to bring visitors through a symbolic gateway on the north end. Meanwhile, the bench turns its face to the bustling life of College Street, acting as an urban amphitheatre. By opening the park to face the street, it becomes a more transparent and safe environment by day and night.
Cast in place concrete benches are topped with wood, creating inviting seating while requiring little maintenance and eliminating trash collecting undersides. The benches are strategically punctuated by raised concrete tables into which LED lamps are embedded. These tables discourage sleeping, while providing surfaces for picnics or chess. Brunswick Bend introduces 50% more planting, made up of robust year-round native species, adding texture and colour even in the winter.
Through innovative and economical strategies, the Brunswick Bend is transformed into a vibrant urban parkette.
WINNING ENTRY: The Brunswick Bend received FIRST PLACE out of 27 entries submitted from around the world. To read more about the background of the park and the competition please go to: http://harbordvillage.com/bc-parkette-winners2011
To follow the park's progression into the built form click here.
The results of the competition are also mentioned here.
Designed in collaboration with Ya'el Santopinto, 2011.
