Waterfront Projects Honoured at Toronto Urban Design Awards

September 12, 2013, Toronto, ON—Two waterfront projects have received Toronto Urban Design Awards for 2013.  Sherbourne Common and the George Brown College Waterfront Campus – located in the heart of Waterfront Toronto’s emerging East Bayfront neighbourhood – were each honoured with an Award of Merit.

The City of Toronto’s Urban Design Awards acknowledge the significant contribution that architects, landscape architects, urban designers, artists, design students, and city builders make to the look and livability of our city. Sherbourne Common was honoured in the ‘Large Places or Neighbourhood Designs’ category and the George Brown Waterfront Campus earned its award in the ‘Public Buildings in Context’ category.

“Great design is a hallmark of waterfront revitalization,” said John Campbell, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto. “These projects have set the stage for the remarkable transformation underway on the waterfront and we’re thrilled that they are receiving such high praise.” said John Campbell, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto.

Designed by Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg, Sherbourne Common spans more than two city blocks and features a striking zinc-clad Pavilion, designed by Teeple Architects, and stunning water channel with three dramatic art sculptures, called “Light Showers” by artist Jill Anholt. It is also the first park in Canada to integrate a neighbourhood-wide stormwater treatment facility into its design.

“Sherbourne Common sets a high standard in urban park design through its sophisticated integration of design, art and engineering,” noted the jury in its comments. “As more residential buildings emerge around the park, Sherbourne Common will serve an increasingly important role as an oasis in the heart of the city.”

Sherbourne Common is an ideal neighbour for the George Brown College Waterfront Campus where students spill out into the park’s large open lawn and enjoy views of the park from its three-storey glass podium. The jury noted that the campus, designed by Stantec Architecture/KPMB Architects in Joint Venture, “is a bold and expressive addition to the Toronto waterfront.”

Since 2005, Waterfront Toronto has received ten Toronto Urban Design Awards and more than 30 design awards overall. Design excellence is part of Waterfront Toronto’s vision of transforming the city’s waterfront into beautiful and sustainable new communities. To help achieve and uphold its standards for design excellence, Waterfront Toronto hosts international design competitions, works with some of world’s top architects and landscape designers and incorporates urban design as an important component in its environmental assessment process.