Elias + was hired to rejuvenate a city sidewalk that had underground parking below. The slab needed repair due to salt damage.
A new Opera House began the process of regeneration of University Avenue, which the city has designated as the AVENUE OF THE ARTS. 200 University is a historic modernist office building designed in the 1960s style by John Parkin.
As part of the regeneration of the avenue and deteriorating parking slab, a sculpture plaza concept was proposed.
New granite pavers defined a platform for art, and enriched the plaza materially. The paving pattern created a dynamic perspective visually lengthening the plaza. A linear row of native red maples and stainless steel planters, create the edges and boundaries of the plaza. They enliven the space and add colour and texture to the stark modern aluminum building. Refinished seating steps generate social interaction and invite community participation.
To increase this participation, we suggested that city art schools contribute to a revolving display of public art pieces.
