Concord CityPlace Streetscape Beautification Public Art Program

Concord CityPlace Streetscape Beautification
Public Art Program
Concord CityPlace with “Warm By Night” art lighting by Adrian Gollner
“The Official Plan calls for the launch of “Great Cities Campaigns” to develop partnerships, ideas, energies
and resources to accelerate the implementation of the Plan’s objectives in key policy areas, including
creating beautiful places that improve public spaces and streetscapes. This challenge has also been taken
up through the formation of the “Roundtable on a Beautiful City”, which is charged with the task of forming
an alliance with residents groups, design and development interests, businesses and others to improve the
cleanliness, vibrancy, architectural quality and beauty of the City…
Over a period of time, especially in areas of significant growth...incremental improvements can grow into a
harmonized and consistently upgraded public space…
Priority shall be given to projects which support the efforts of the Roundtable on a Beautiful City by
enhancing the quality of the public realm…”
(Excerpts From: Staff Report: The Civic Improvement Program and its Relationship to the City Beautification
Initiative, September 7, 2004)
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A. Background:
Concord Adex is building the Concord CityPlace community within the former
Railway Lands of the City of Toronto, a community that will include approximately
8,000 residential units and 12,000 residents. The community will include daycare
facilities, a community centre, retail shops and will be centered on an 8-acre
community park (see Site Plan/Map). Concord CityPlace is the largest master
planned community in the City of Toronto and played the lead role in the
revitalization and development of the formerly derelict railways.
Public art has played an important role in the design and enhancement of public
spaces throughout Concord CityPlace. Public art has taken a variety of forms
from the purely sculptural (for example, “The Barca Volante” at the foot of Navy
Wharf Court) to integrated, functional art such as Jackie Ferrara’s walls
surrounding the Optima development or the Matt Mullican art screens and fences
surrounding the bus parking area south of the Rogers Centre. (Refer to: Exhibit
1: Commissions)
A new project, The Concord CityPlace Streetscape Beautification Program will
add a new layer of art to the neighbourhood- artwork that is more intimate in
scale, useful and oriented to the pedestrian experience. This competition is being
held to identify artist designs for a series of specific functional art elements that
will be introduced into key areas throughout the development.
B. Concord CityPlace Streetscape Beautification: Public Art Opportunity
Concord Adex has demonstrated that public art has the power to create and
reinforce a sense of community. The importance of improving physical
connections with the City, enhancing sight lines, view corridors and using public
art to improve urban conditions have been central to our public art program.
The purpose of the Concord CityPlace Streetscape Beautification Project will be
to increase the artistic richness of streets and the public experience of themadding to the sense of “neighbourhood”. The works will improve and enhance the
streetscape. The works will be a key factor in protection of street landscapingespecially aiding in the survival of street trees.
The functional art program includes the following elements:
1. Tree Protection:
a. Tree pit “fences” (modular so they may be adapted to various sizes and
configurations of existing tree pits)- may be adapted as planters or as
screens
b. Tree guards (adjustable guards that encircle the trunk to protect the tree
from damage- adjustable to permit growth)
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c. Tree pit covers- modules should comprise 2 elements which make
provision for the tree to emerge and 2 optional rectangular “wing panels”
to be used on large tree pits.
d. Tree grates- similar to tree pit covers, these elements may be
perforated- generally made of cast material (e.g. cast iron)
2. Seating:
Seating should be designed so that it may attach to/form part of the tree
pit fence and/or it may stand independent of the fence.
All elements must be designed to permit fastening to the existing sidewalk or
curb/edge around the tree pit.
C. Concord CityPlace: District Functional Art
The functional art may be introduced throughout Concord CityPlace at the
discretion of the Owner working in cooperation with the City of Toronto and the
respective Condominium Corporations.
The Owner will reserve the right to extend the program into future areas of
Concord CityPlace on lands that may be owned by the City, Concord Adex
Developments Corp. or their successor, the condominium corporation for the
respective development.
D. Objectives for the Project
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•
To identify designs for a modular system of functional art that may be
used throughout Concord CityPlace in perpetuity.
•
To create a physically and visually engaging series of functional art
elements to enhance and animate the street and capitalize on the existing
pattern of street trees and planters.
•
To create modular street furniture that will be distinctive to Concord
CityPlace.
•
To create functional artwork that refers to the character and environment
of Concord CityPlace
•
To create designs that complement or are compatible with the public art
projects already been commissioned.
•
To create designs expressing a strong interpretive value with a character
and presence suitable to the development as an important new
neighbourhood within the heart of the City.
•
To improve the experience of the street by pedestrians.
•
To provide protection for street trees.
•
To introduce additional colours and vibrancy to the street.
The intent is to create elements that work with or improve existing landscaping
elements and provide vibrancy and colour, seating and protection for street trees.
E. Requirements
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•
The design will be original and site specific to Concord CityPlace. Concord
will retain copyright and the exclusive, paid up licence and right to
fabricate the designs on an as needed basis for the Concord CityPlace
development.
•
The designs will be made of durable, robust, easy to maintain materials
suitable for Toronto’s climate. Careful consideration should be made for
summer and winter conditions.
•
Designs of benches should discourage skateboarders.
•
Tree pit covers should respect concerns regarding tripping hazards and
yet be slip resistant
•
The artwork must have an anticipated long-term life span. Finish must be
graffiti resistant.
•
Provide a barrier to dogs to protect planters and planted areas.
•
Provide an amenity which may serve a combination of purposes- seating
as well as screening or tree and planter protection.
•
Bring colour to the street.
•
Respect requirement for public safety- cannot create a trip hazard- and
must not conflict with any code or regulatory requirement for a City
sidewalk. Avoid jagged or sharp edges etc. that may cause injury.
•
Placement of the functional art elements must not impede pedestrian
movement.
•
Scale should be compatible with other street related elements - must not
block views of retail and commercial entrances
•
Must accommodate snow removal in winter (future placement must be
devised to reserve a clear path for removal)
•
Load restrictions will apply so weight is a consideration.
Other Considerations:
•
Existing plantings and planters within the area may not be removed but it
is possible to remove existing, plain concrete tree pit covers provided
alternative protection of trees (fencing or tree guards) are provided. The
exposed soil should be mulched or planted with ground cover.
•
Based on future engineering review, it may be possible to fasten elements
to the existing sidewalk and planter curbs- all elements must be secured in
place to prevent theft. Hardware to secure the work in place will be
reviewed. (Subject to review by consultants).
The commissioned design will be reviewed and must be certified by a
qualified Professional Engineer licensed to practice in the Province of Ontario
as required by the City of Toronto.
F. Possible Locations:
Proposed locations for installing the functional art include:
1. A zone along the south side of Front Street between Spadina Avenue and
Blue Jays Way. This area lies outside retail store frontages and the
entrances to the Matrix and Apex condominium residences. Driveway
access to the condominium drive-court bisects the zone. The site runs
from one of the busiest corners in Toronto along one of the busiest streets
in the City. This is a key location.
2. The northern and western perimeters of The Optima development situated
on Blue Jays Way.
3. Key locations within the Harbourview Estates development project.
The extent of the program will be determined by the cost of production of the
winning designs. Placement of the functional art will be determined by the Owner
and winning artist working in collaboration. These are tentative locations and may
be adjusted. It is intended that the functional art be introduced into CityPlace
West in the future as budget permits.
G. Budget
Design of the functional art elements will be the responsibility of the
commissioned artist working in collaboration with the Owner. Supply, fabrication
and installation of the functional artwork will be the responsibility of the Owner,
Concord Adex. Up to $100,000.00 has been currently allocated for production.
Awards
Prize money will be awarded on the following basis:
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First prize:
$8,000.00
Second Prize:
$5,000.00
Third Prize:
$2,500.00
Commissioned Artist
The additional fee for contracted design services is subject to execution of a
standard Design Services contract.
Copyright in the design will be owned by Concord Adex upon payment of the full
design fee.
Additional Fee for Artist design services to shop drawing stage is:
$17,000.00
Selection
The selection will be made by a jury comprised of two representatives from
Concord Adex, one representative from the City of Toronto, one artist and one
local resident. City staff will review the terms of reference and the project will,
although administered by Concord Adex, be a cooperative one.
Concord Adex reserves the right to declare no winner.
Selected submissions may be presented in a public or semi-public display at the
discretion of Concord Adex.
Implementation
Upon execution of a design contract with the winning Artist, a project meeting will
be called by the Public Art Manager to outline the process whereby the project
may be implemented and where the public announcement of the winning
proposal will be made. This process may include meetings with representatives
of the City of Toronto and representatives of existing condominium corporations.
The Owner and Public Art Manager will work in cooperation with the Artist to
identify services, suppliers, resources, materials and methods whereby the
design and fabrication process may move forward bearing in mind the need to
meet all code requirements imposed by law.
It is expected that development of the Artist’s concept will evolve through the
detailed design stage, final design stage and shop drawing stage.
This work falls within the scope of services to be covered by the design contract
and the total prize money and fee of $25,000. Upon completion of the shop
drawing stage, the design and material specifications shall be complete and the
project may be tendered for construction. The winning artist is responsible for the
production of designs sufficient for tendering and fabrication purposes.
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CALL TO ARTISTS: IDEAS COMPETITION
A one stage, open ideas competition has been initiated for this project. The
project is sponsored by Concord Adex Developments Corp. (the Owner) who will
own the commissioned design and who will be responsible for the fabrication of
the artwork.
The purpose of this call is to invite artists to submit their ideas as part of a one
stage selection process to identify a design for functional art to be used
throughout Concord’s lands. The commissioned designer will be expected to
work with the public art team at Concord Adex to finalize the artwork design so
that it may be fabricated within the budget.
The Owner reserves the right to declare no winner.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, applicants must be professional artists, that is,
artists who have not attended an art educational institution or apprenticed for art
training in the past twelve months, who are recognized as such by their peers,
have specialized training in the field, and who have a history of public exhibition.
Applicants must also be Canadian, that is born in Canada, a naturalized citizen of
Canada, a landed immigrant or someone who has resided in Canada for a
minimum of five years and made a recognized contribution to Canadian art.
Competition Schedule
Competition announcement:
August 21, 2006
Submissions due:
3:00 PM EST, September 29, 2006
Announcement of competition results:
on or before Oct. 31, 2006.
The Announcement of the winner will be made on the Concord CityPlace
website.
Evaluation Criteria
Each submission will be evaluated on the basis of the following:
General Assessment:
Meets eligibility requirements.
Completes entry requirements of submission and signs the
Agreement to Propose & Consent Form.
Professional and experienced in working on integrated public art
projects and/or relevant equivalent experience in implementing
museum or gallery installations.
A demonstrated ability to complete projects.
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Assessment of Design:
Originality in design. Enduring value.
Design concept meets all functional requirements.
Strength of Concept: Interpretive elements and the relationship of
proposal to the site.
Compatibility with other art and design elements at or adjacent to
the site.
Modular elements are adaptable and may be used in various
configurations in future
Suitability of scale.
Durability and maintainability of materials.
Technical considerations: Building code and City requirements are
met- does not compromise public safety or impose an impediment
to site operations and maintenance.
Assessment of cost to supply and fabricate.
REQUIRED SUBMITTALS
{tc \l1 "REQUIRED SUBMITTALS}
1. Signed Agreement to Propose & Consent Form. (Submissions that do not
include a signed agreement to propose will be disqualified).
2. Design Submission: up to 2- A1 panels showing plan and elevation of each
component; materials list, scale to be 1: 50, materials list, details as noted below:
Fence- elevation (4 sides)- modular- to suit single or double tree pit
Bench- elevation and plan
Tree pit cover- plan showing basic pit cover (2 sections) and
supplementary rectangular panels for large tree pit
Plan showing possible layout on Front Street West Zone
The Artists may, at their option, include designs for the following:
Tree guard - adjustable to accommodate growth- prevent hooligans from
bending, twisting and breaking young trees Generally cylindrical in form
measuring 20” in diameter and 48” high. Purpose is to provide protection
and support growth in young trees.
Pattern for a proposed tree grate
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Eight (8) copies of a current curriculum vitae or resume on 8 ½” x 11” white
paper, unbound, unstapled not more than 6 pages in length. This must include a
design statement explaining your concept.
Your name, address, daytime telephone and fax number, evening telephone
number (including area codes), email. Name and address label to also be placed
on the back of each design panel.
The name, address, telephone number and email address of three art
professional references. If you have completed public art projects in the past, the
contact name for the commissioning body (private or public) should be included
along with the name of the project manager. Note that these individuals may be
contacted as part of the Jury evaluation process.
Submissions must be sent to:
Karen Mills, Public Art Consultant
Concord CityPlace
23 Spadina Ave.,
Toronto, Ont. M5V 3M5
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Agreement to Propose & Consent Form
Submissions that do NOT include a completed
Agreement to Propose & Consent Form will be disqualified.
Terms and Conditions
Each artist, or if the artist is forming a team, each artist team member, must
complete this form and return it to the Public Art Consultant along with their
submission. Submissions must be received not later than 3:00PM (Eastern
Daylight Saving Time) on September 29, 2006.
All submissions must be sent to:
Call for Artists: Ideas Competition
Concord CityPlace Streetscape Beautification Project
Attention: Karen Mills, Public Art Consultant
23 Spadina Ave.,
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3M5
I, the undersigned artist, hereby declare that I have read the Call to Artists: Ideas
Competition for the Concord CityPlace Streetscape Beautification Project and
that I am submitting my design idea for review. Should the submission of this
design idea not result in a commission or the awarding of a prize, I shall not hold
any agent or employee of Concord Adex Developments Corp., a member of the
Jury for the project, or the Public Art Consultant /Administrator personally liable.
I stipulate and agree that under no circumstances may I or my representatives or
others acting for me, lobby members of the Jury, Concord Adex Developments
Corp. or engage others to lobby on my behalf for advancement in the selection
or for a commission. I understand that all decisions made by Concord are final.
The commission to be contracted is at the sole discretion of the .
I understand that failure to follow these terms and conditions will result in
disqualification.
AGREEMENT TO PARTICIPATE
I have read the Call to Artists: Ideas Competition for the Concord CityPlace
Streetscape Beautification Project and agree to participate according to the terms
and conditions set out therein.
I give permission for my design(s) to be placed on public display.
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Signed
Dated
All artists or artist team members to sign
Name of Artist:
Address:
Telephone (Day):
(Evening):
Fax:
Email:
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EXHIBIT 1: “COMMISSIONS”: PUBLIC ART AT CONCORD CITYPLACE
Commissions have been awarded to a number of leading Canadian and
international artists. To date, public art commissions have been awarded as
follows:
(a) Block 21: “Orenda”, completed 2003
The glass and steel leaf bridge, landscape elements, boulders, steel willow
leaves and leaf fences are a feature of the entrance court to the Apex and Matrix
residences on Front Street. Designed by Marlene Hilton Moore, the willow leaf
motif was chosen to recall the trees that once graced the shoreline of Lake
Ontario.
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(b) Block 19: “18 Niches”, completed 2003
The courtyard of the Optima Development on Navy Wharf Court is framed by
three brick walls, painstakingly designed by Jackie Ferrara and executed by a
team of Toronto master bricklayers, this space is of itself a public artwork. The
public space to the south (CN Plaza) virtually becomes part of the public art with
the brick wall and its intricate niches forming its north edge. Each of the 162 foot
long walls is punctuated by niches featuring images that play off the notion of the
“towers” that surround the site.
(c) Block 18C: “Combination of the Two” 2003- 2005
This commission is an artist designed fencing, screen and art sign composition
surrounding the bus parking lot and open plaza south of the Rogers Centre. The
system is punctuated by 10 large, colourful panels (fabricated by a highway sign
manufacturer) depicting maps, photographs and symbols drawn from research
about Toronto as well as from the cosmology of the artist, Matt Mullican.
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(d) Block 20/23: “Barca Volante” 2003-2005
One of Chile’s foremost sculptors created the work installed in the reflecting pool
at the foot of Navy Wharf Court. Francisco Gazitua drew his concept from an
historic event that took place during the War of 1812. The dramatic 65 foot tall
steel sculpture shows the American ship, “Hamilton” at the moment before it
overturned and capsized in Lake Ontario. It was dedicated by the Ambassador of
Chile in September.
(e) Block 25 (Railway Lands West): “The Sextant”, 2003- 2007
Upon completion of the West One Development (Block 25) in the spring of 2007,
a companion installation by Francisco Gazitua will be installed on the west side
of Spadina Avenue. The “Sextant” (2004- 2007) echoes the maritime theme of
the Barca but it speaks more directly to the language of the docks, wharves and
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marine activity that took place in this site. The installation includes the “Sextant”
sculpture, two sets of steel and stone artist made stairs and a series of sculptural
lights mounted to the exterior walls. The project will encompass the entire site.
The first set of stairs was installed in May 2006.
(f) CityPlace Central: “Warm By Night”, 2002-2005
Adrian Gollner’s welcoming rooftop lighting plays on the concept of the warm
glow cast by incandescent lights from homes- a sharp contrast to the colder
tones of office tower lighting. The art lighting responds to the architecture and
enhances the roofscape. For a few hours each night, the Concord CityPlace
community connects through the rooftop lighting program- making a distinct and
unique expression of community on Toronto’s skyline. The project will extend
through Harbourview Estates at the south end of Concord CityPlace (Central)
and through the towers in Railway Lands West.
A sculptural commission situated on Spadina Avenue and within the Harbourview
Estates development is currently in the fabrication process. The artist has
designed a metal screen which conveys the words, “View, view, view” in Morse
Code.
(g) Community Park: “The Library of Canada”
The design team of PFS and artist Douglas Coupland are developing a concept
for the design of the 8 acre public park that will be a feature of Concord CityPlace
West. Land forms that recall the shapes of open and closed books, art elements
that refer to iconic images of the Canadian experience such as a canoe and
beaver dam and a running path that honours Canadian hero, Terry Fox, will all
form part of the park- an integrated artwork in its own right. Design is underway
with construction expected to commence within the next 1- 2 years.
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EXHIBIT 2: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS- EXISTING STREET CONDITIONS
General Notes
The tree pit cover on the left is made in 4 sections: two rectangular end pieces
measuring 47inches in width by 23.5 inches in length. The two central sections
also measure 47 inches in width and 23.5 inches in length and feature an
opening 8 inches by 15 ¾ inches.
Tree pit covers (above left) provide some protection from dogs. Open planters
must be replanted each year having been used as pet toilets. An artistic barrier
that has a dual purpose (such as seating) is required. Note the two types of
conditions for tree planting: open planter and covered tree pit. The current tree pit
design consists of simple cast concrete. A four part tree pit cover is shown
above. “Fences” must be fastened to the existing curb surrounding open planters
or to the existing sidewalk. Independent benches may be fastened directly to the
sidewalk. Loading restrictions may apply. Placement of these elements will
undergo review as to practicality, Owner input and code requirements.
Contrast: Note that the perennials planted behind the Marlene Hilton Moore
sculptural fences survive- unprotected areas require new soil and re-planting
each year.
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Front Street:
A broad sidewalk featuring a double row of honey locust trees define the
street. Canopies extend along the building facades.
Key areas for the functional art will be the zone following the band of trees
immediately adjacent to the condominium towers.
Note the rhythm of canopies, retail entrances, street trees and bicycle racks.
Future artwork should not pose a visual or physical barrier to business entrances.
On street parking and bicycle racks along the street must be left accessible.
Looking east toward Blue Jays Way from 381 Front Street West- note low fences
for protection of planted area. (Public art by Marlene Hilton Moore)
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Colour on the street comes from annual flower planting, and displays at the local
food market. Use of colour (provided the system is durable) is desirable.
Two large planters are situated along the east portion of the art site near the
Rabba store. Temporary signage is a fact of life.
The Optima: Blue Jays Way:
Subject to available funding for fabrication, functional artwork may be placed in
strategic areas adjacent to the Optima development.
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North side of Optima Development-newly planted area along street.
Planters situated along the west side of the Optima.
A small culprit.
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Harbourview Estates: Navy Wharf Court and Mariner Terrace:
Subject to available funding for fabrication, functional artwork may be placed in
strategic areas within the Harbourview Estates development.
10 Navy Wharf Court: unprotected planted areas.
DRAWINGS: The appended site plans illustrate the Matrix and Apex
streetscapes along Front Street. Artists should limit themselves to consideration
of the areas on Front Street for competition purposes.
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