The Beaches (or The Beach)

Came across this interesting house today after a photo trip to take pictures of ice formations along Lake Ontario. It was a little cold... I'm not sure how this image was put together (what materials were used). If you look really close you can find a little CNTower. It reminds you of the beach only a short walk away and the famous Japanese artist Hokusai.

On the same street some homes are being torn down to make room for a new development. Seems a shame to tear down houses that add character to the neighbourhood. Most of them look in all right condition or at least could be. But design marches on and that includes urban design for a city that gets more and more congested with less space for housing. And this is one of the most sought-after areas in which to live in T.O.

Bike-sharing

So at some point soon Toronto will be getting their very own bike-share program (although we are sharing the name).

Thanks to the Bixi website 

What will they look like? Well the bixi site shows an image as seen here. All of these bike-share bikes have to have some design to them, something that makes them stand out, but also elements so that you wouldn't actually want to steal it (sometimes this is because they're heavier than most bikes and some are only 3-speed, you might as well buy your own then have your credit charged). Some of them combine an element of dorky with cool. A lot are sponsored so there are ad logos to work into it.

Saint-Etienne, France

Lyon, France

Paris 

While travelling I've seen bike-sharing programs and we have a lot to learn about the organization of it. Even a town as small at Saint-Etienne in France (pop. about 179,000) has a bike-share programme and it seems to be more extensive than Toronto's initial plan.

All need to work in some way to transport your stuff as well so there's either a back rack or a basket in front or both. Sometimes you need to look elsewhere for ideas and Europe is so far winning on this front. Montreal did get things going in Canada. I'm looking forward to seeing how the stations are designed in Toronto. Germany's programme does away with stations so you can leave your bike at any street corner or if you see one you want to rent you just call up Call-A-Bike, run by Die Bahn (German national transportation agency). Just call them back when you're done. I like the curvy rack. Almost like an old banana seat bike. Again, they are easy to spot even without a station.

Barcelona

Berlin

Bloor Street Upgrade

New Bloor Street Planter in its Fall Glory
 following photos all by Eileen Reilly

For my first post about design in Toronto let's discuss the new streetscape along Bloor Street extending slightly beyond Avenue Road to the west and beyond Yonge Street to the East. This wasn't before time. The road and sidewalks were pretty atrocious along this stretch for years. And this is where all of the designer shops are located in Toronto. The most chi-chi hotels and restaurants are also in the vicinity. It's a major destination for tourists and is a prime celebrity spotting location during the Toronto International Film Festival (although action may be shifting closer to the new Bell Lightbox but celebrities still have to shop, right?).

The city of Toronto began to replace the old water main system in 2007. One thing leads to another and it seems like other interests got involved including cellular companies, hydro etc. This has led to a much longer timeline for the revamp. The project, funded mostly by the Bloor Street BIA, is over the $20 million budget.

busy laying the granite sidewalk 

Harry Rosen's men's store ad outside poking fun at the renovations

However, it will look great. There are still some things to be done but I think it will really show its full glory come spring when the trees are planted and the flowerbeds are planted for the season. Uplights will really enhance the street with its new granite sidewalks (a little slippery at the moment). Already in the fall, some of the planters were full and look great.

Proper urban design finally coming to Toronto? Let's hope.

Humourous ads on safety pilons 

Planter awaiting planting 

Hopefully the trees flourish unlike a lot of urban trees

Welcome

Welcome to the first posting on designto. This is meant to be a blog dedicated to anything to do with design happening in Toronto from the humblest to the most elaborate. Stores will be feature as well as objects. Whole streets or just street features will also be highlighted. It's a way to showcase the talent in the city and to appreciate good design where you can find it.