EVALUATION
6.4.2 CONTAINMENT
There is a continuous line of condominium buildings from Spadina through to York that back onto the Gardiner. The only option is for the future development to the north to do the same.
Urban Design Approaches
Between Spadina and Yonge there is even less flexibility than between Bathurst and Spadina. The present configuration of ramps, including the split ramp of the York St. exit that descends down to Harbour St., makes it difficult to imagine vibrant street life next to the Gardiner.
6.4.3 PHYSICAL LINKAGE: BAY
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Between York and Yonge, the Gardiner veers north to rejoin the rail corridor. Here, the Air Canada Centre (A.C.C.) is a prime example of containment. By matching it in scale, and establishing a strong street wall on Bay, the A.C.C. also turns the Gardiner into an archway to the space beyond. (See Figs. 70 and 71.) This gateway effect could be strengthened by installing something like Ferguson and Ferguson’s freestanding arch. (See Fig. 72.) Similar arches could also be erected at York and Yonge.
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[ 45 ] Figure 71. Looking east from the CN Tower: The Air Canada Centre spans the gap between
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Union Station and the Gardiner Expressway.
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Figure 70. The Air Canada Centre matches the Gardiner in height.
Toronto Island Airport
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Figure 69.
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Figure 72. Left: The Gardiner meets the Air Canada Centre. The street wall turns the Gardiner into a gateway. Right: Rendering: A strong street wall points the pedestrian to a gateway.
Living with the Gardiner Expressway
6.4.1
ZACK TAYLOR
6.4 Spadina to Yonge