Toronto has become really good at two things: celebrating our artistic talents and celebrating our waterfront. In its second year, the Winter Stations Design Competition aims to combine the those things once again while also attempting to make our cold winters a bit more bearable.
In the Belly of a Bear by Caitlind r.c Brown, Wayne Garrett, and Lane Shordee
This year there are seven lifeguard stands “participating” in the event, stretching across Scarborough, Balmy, Kew, and Ashbridges Bay beaches. The idea behind the competition is to turn unused lifeguard stands (during the winter) into works of art. The competition calls upon artists to design an installation with the requirement that the lifeguard stand is used as the base. There is no limit on the size of the installations as long as designers stick to the theme of Freeze / Thaw, don’t damage the lifeguard stands in any way, and that the installation withstands the judging criteria surrounding durability and constructibility. The theme was meant to entice the designers to respond to the changing climatic conditions and transitions of Toronto winters – something we have definitely experienced this year!
Floating Ropes by Elodie Doukhan and Nicolas Mussche (MUDO)
Lithoform by Ryerson University
The winning designs were finally announced on January 11th and we’re really happy with the results. With three designs coming from teams at Ryerson University, OCADU, and Laurentian University, it’s exciting to see students participating in such a great event that celebrates both their art and the city they’re studying in. The remaining four entries come from designers near and far from Toronto and are all fantastic as well.
Aurora Borealis by Laurentian University
This year’s installations will be up from February 13th to March 20th, so be sure to head to the eastern beaches and check the designs out for yourself!
The Steam Canoe by OCADU
Cover photo via Lithoform by Ryerson University