Why is the City of Toronto holding a design competition?
Revitalizing Nathan Phillips Square is part of the City’s effort to beautify and restore its public spaces. Major design attention is needed to areas of the Square, which have been underdeveloped, underutilized and poorly used since the Square was originally designed. Many of the structures and facilities on the Square have fallen into a state of disrepair, some have been closed and some no longer meet the needs of today’s users and programs. Examples include: the closed Podium Roof; lack of food services; inadequate pedestrian access at Bay Street and Queen Street West; undignified streetscapes; and underutilized green spaces. Modern-day modifications are required to meet the new functional requirements of the Square and enable the hosting of a greater number and variety of activities and special events.
