Modular Park Bench Parklet
Additional Info
Award Winner : PCL Agile
Architectural Excellence : PCL worked with IBI Group to create an installation for the City of Toronto’s design-build competition in the heart of the Toronto International Film Festival to promote the pedestrian experience on King Street. Constructed in PCL’s offsite facility, the durable destination park-let is comprised of interlocking hexagonal modules at varying heights, accommodating a diverse program for both individuals and groups. The modules composed of acrylate benches contained battery operated colour changing LED lights, concrete planter boxes, and concrete benches, with the floor constructed of Brazilian Ipe wood to ensure durability throughout harsh Canadian winters. During the day, it is a place for pedestrians to sit and relax while taking in the bustle of the city. The illuminated crystals have a dichroic quality, reflecting and transmitting an infinite colour spectrum. No two views are the same, creating a dynamic user experience while animating Toronto’s urban streetscape.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Utilizing PCL’s offsite manufacturing capability reduced the overall cost of the project by an estimated 25 percent. Had the unit been built on-site, the cost could have easily escalated by 50 percent, not to mention the major pedestrian, traffic, and transit delays due that would have impacted the city due to its location.
Design Firm Name : IBI Group
Engineering Firm Name : Kerico Engineering Ltd
Installer Firm Name : PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
Occupied Date : 4/28/2018
Owner Firm Name : IBI Group
Production Start Date : 3/23/2018
Project Location City : Toronto
Project Location State Name : Ontario
Technical Innovation : The park bench has utilized battery operated LED lights which were on timers in the Acrylate seats to give the bench some colourful lighting for night time use. Hexagon shapes were repeated throughout the design and reflected in the seats, planters, and benches. These components were installed within our fabrication plant and tests were done at that stage to reduce the amount of work required on site. The unit was being installed on the right lane of a four-lane street, the only other lane in that direction that was to remain open is primarily used by streetcars. Due to the overhead streetcar wires, a crane could not be used to offload the truck. A large forklift was shipped with the unit and used to offload the platform from the side of the truck and then lower it into place. By using this method, traffic was impacted for less than half a day to allow for full installation.
Total Square Feet : 312