Final+Project

media type="youtube" key="U50FNYzsK1o?version=3" height="360" width="640" Urban squares (also called civic spaces, town squares, piazzas or plazas, amongst other names) are spaces that form focal points in the public space network, providing a forum for exchange, both social and economic, and a focus for civic pride and community expression. Their significance and intensity of meaning is typically expressed through “harder” intensively used landscaping. They tend to be formal and urban in nature in contrast to parks and open space, which are typically soft landscaped, larger and less intensively used. Urban squares are typically held in public ownership and designed to be easily accessible by all. Urban squares tend to be spaces with distinct edges, they may be a square defined on each side by buildings, a terrace with one open edge overlooking the city, open space or the ocean or any other configuration of space that can be perceived by its intended users as a distinct space that is safe, accessible and welcoming. Urban squares if designed well are thriving spaces that invite people to linger and, interact and connect. They support the popularity of activity centres providing a space for a wide range of formal and informal activities that support social and cultural life for users of the centre. The Nathan Phillips square is a fine example of these characteristics and in this final project, I will explain how its design in terms of materials, structure, and interaction with its context work in this representative space in order to fulfill the needs of its users. Materials And Structure: It Features an upper level roof terrace overlooking the square; a two-level restaurant at the southwest corner of the square, with outdoor patio and terrace dining; a glass tourist information pavilion, forested landscaping along the edges with many different types of trees. the Peace Garden, wich was created as a commitment to the principle of world peace, and a reflecting pool. With three concrete arches on top; originally just an architectural feature and support artificial lighting, these were dedicated as the //Freedom Arches// in 1989, to commemorate those who fought to obtain or defend freedom. Sustainable design elements were also included as the improvement of pedestrian space, cycling lanes and the maximum use of planting areas to have perfect control over light and pollution. The square, which sits atop one of the world's largest undrground parking garages, is paved predominantly with two sizes of reinforced concrete slabs. Around the perimeter of the piazza runs an elevated concrete walkway, with a connection to the Sheraton hotel across Queen Street.
 * The Nathan Phillips Square ** is an urban plaza that forms the forecourt to the Toronto City Hall, at the intersection of Queen street west and Bay Street, and named for Nathan Phillips, mayor of Toronto from 1955 to 1962. The square opened in 1965, and, as with the City Hall, it was square was designed by architect Viljo Revell.

Nathan Phillips Square is the site of many civic activities and special events. It is the site of concerts, art displays, a weekly farmers' market, the winter festival of lights, and other public events, including demonstrations. its location near the financial and entertainment districts of Toronto, as well as railroad stations, famous hotels and many points of interest like museums and universities Make it not only a place for encounter and recreation but a key for transit and transportation of high masses of people. In summer, tourists and locals alike congregate around the reflecting pool. In winter, the pool is Its design provides a marvelous setting for people to connect and enjoy recreational activities. Outdoor chess tables are available for public use on the southeast corner of the Square. Also, the top podium area is used by district representatives to meet and discuss political and economical matters. Conclusion: Urban squares attract people because they are active, vibrant, safe and exciting places. Around the world these space have certain common characteristics despite differences in local socio-economic and geographic settings. The success of an urban square depends on the ability of people to get to the square, to populate it and once there, the ability of the square. and its surroundings to support a wide range of users and uses in a safe and comfortable environment. Successful urban squares are designed for people to walk in, stand in, sit in, dance in and to perform in and to look at other people participating in these activities. Successful urban squares convert short in-and-out trips to the centre into a longer and more rewarding social experiences.