[Northern Light]

So as to avoid bumping my own posts endlessly, I'll post the TTC's latest public art concept here, from a report on the agenda for next week's TTC meeting, we see the concept for Keele Station.

https://cdn.ttc.ca/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2024/September-24/12_Approval_of_the_Public_Art_Concept_for_Keele_Station.pdf?rev=e34d6e8fcf1b4082a9e8ebeed0af2580&hash=FED6507B5303791AE24CCC3DE5D79497

From the above:

Sigh............we're spending money on this?

 

[goodcitywhenfinished]

I have no problems with quirky and weird art but this is really poorly integrated into the existing context. The money would be better spent on improving landscaping around the entrance area - granite pavers and a tree or two to the north and south of the elevated station.

 

[Northern Light]

I have no problems with quirky and weird art but this is really poorly integrated into the existing context. The money would be better spent on improving landscaping around the entrance area - granite pavers and a tree or two to the north and south of the elevated station.

I'm pro artistic flare, though in the context of the TTC I would rather see it integrated thoughtfully with the architecture, interior finishes and/or landscape/streetscape.

To me, this, as proposed just doesn't add value. Its incongruous, lacks utility, adds accretive maintenance cost, without adding value.

I like your idea; but I could also be happy enough with more attractive ceiling finishes and lighting on the grade-level of Keele Station, or, admittedly for a lot more money, delivery of the suggested picture window on the eastbound platform such that the station platforms would offer a view of High Park.

 

[Towered]

 

[Natika33]

Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman.

 

[busybeaver]

I stumbled on this public sculpture tucked away on a residential street near Coxwell and Gerrard. Sculptor Michael Irving’s bronze, quilt-like structures feature casts of hands and messages of hope from child-abuse survivors and their loved ones.

Sculpture is a monumental work of pain

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[Northern Light]

I'm plunking this here, though it could easily go in the Shabby Public Realm thread; but as I posted the POPs/Public Square re-do of the World Trade Centre Condo complex at Yonge/Queen's Quay here...........

This is why we can't have nice things:

View attachment 485975

Standing right in the middle of the planting bed, on top of the plants..........sigh.

So.....I was by here today....July 23rd, 2025...............you'll see above, I expressed concern.............about the future of the plantings..........because people and dogs were trampling them.

So I noted with interest, they are in the process of re doing all the plantings...

So I'll start by showing the planting they have yet to re-do:

Yup, pretty much decimated.

I have stated here before........if you don't want people going somewhere, you need to discourage that through design.

Did they learn their lesson?

Better, but not right....

I know they don't want to block the view of the plants, entirely, though the temporary irrigation system (a permanent one would be buried) is an odd sight..........but I digress, a curb, a small ornamental fence.....anything.

They left open the corner that is the most obvious desire line, right to the front door of the retailer.........I don't get it...

Its only money, right?