Architecture

It’s still winter… especially in Toronto

Now in it’s second year, Toronto’s beachfront may seem a little warmer? Winter Stations is a competition which encourages public participation as local and international designers attempt to re-imagine the lifeguard stands during the middle of winter! This year’s theme was “Freeze/Thaw” and asked participants to ponder the changing climate of winter.

So, stop hibernating and get out there Torontonians… there aren’t THAT many cold days of winter left!

Caitlind R.C. Brown, Wayne Farrett and Lane Shordee from Calgary created this enclosure.The startling effect of a dark “globe” against the bright and stark whiteness of the landscape is called, “Belly of a Bear”. People are invited to climb a wooden ladder into the interior which is lined by thick fur. A round window helps those who might feel claustrophobic. Who knew?

Image courtesy of: Interior Design

“Floating Ropes” by MUDO (Elodie Doukhan and Nicolas Mussche from Montreal) is interesting in that the lifeguard chair is surrounded by moving ropes. If you want, you can climb into the chair and get a perspective of the lake through the moving ropes.

Image courtesy of: New in Homes blogs

Perhaps our favorite, “Flow” by Team Secret (Calvin Fund and Victor Huynh from Toronto) was sure to be the hometown favorite. The art was made from wooden branches while the lifeguard stand became a single ice crystal.

Image courtesy of: Dezeen