The gateway feature at Downsview Park was created to provide visitors with a beautiful and inviting entry way from the corner of Sheppard Ave and Keele St. in Toronto, Ontario.
My role in the project was to create renderings for community consultations and help refine the design through 3D modelling and construction drawings.
This rendering of the gateway from the intersection of Keele and Sheppard was created using Rhino, Sketch Up, and Photoshop and shows an existing tree to be maintained, and the complete re-design of the entry way, featuring a new canopy structure, more accessible walkways, new benches, planting and signage.
Strong curvilinear forms inspired from the shape of a leaf were used to design the plaza. The planting is arranged to accentuate these curves.
An accessible entrance is now the main entrance to the space, with a secondary stairway entrance provided further North of the intersection.
This sketch model by others was presented to me to translate into a digital 3D model using Rhino, in order to facilitate refining the design and coordination with consultants.
The Rhino model, shown here, was sent to various consultants, including Structural Engineers and Fabricators to bring the design to a buildable conclusion, seen below.
The client desired a larger sign to face the intersection, so I created the design for this sign in Rhino. A few iterations were considered and this one was selected.
The sign is a large cor-ten sheet that wraps around the back of a dry stacked wall. The letters are individually cut pieces of stainless steel that are pinned in place.
This smaller sign was designed with pedestrian speed in mind, and lights up at night. The leaf motif floating down the side of the sign is the same shape as the canopy feature.
The pedestrian sized sign, seen here behind the ramp is also made of lazer-cut cor-ten steel.
