“The walkway that I mention was a nondescript passage – part path, part road – that connects St. George Street to the main campus of the University of Toronto. Last fall, it was suddenly closed off for reconstruction… However, it has recently been reopened and the transformation is remarkable… banks of Birches have turned what was perfectly functional and perfectly ordinary into something beautiful… I was struck; as I stood watching the passers-by take pleasure in the shimmering play of light on the birch trees.” -David MacFarlane, Globe and Mail These secondary entrance walkways into the historic central green of the University of Toronto campus became the connection between the historic campus and the newer campus built in the 1960’s. The client requested that the walkways which were back end delivery routes become true pedestrian walkways. The major objective was to increase pedestrian circulation. The concept of a Birch Walk would provide a respite from the density and noise of the busy adjacent arterial roadway. The new walkways would increase the pleasure of walking and become an inviting entrance into the center of the historic campus.
Award – Annual Best of Canada Design Award, Canadian Interiors (2007)
