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STAFF REPORT

November 15, 1999

To: Planning and Transportation Committee

From: Acting Commissioner of Urban Planning and Development Services

Subject: A unified Architecture and Urban Design Awards Program for Toronto 2000

Purpose:

To develop, for 2000, a unified Architecture and Urban Design Awards program for the City of Toronto to replace those that have existed in the former municipalities of Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and Toronto. The new combined competition will capture all the best elements of previous programs. It's objective is to promote the excellence in architecture and urban design and create a beautiful City.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The Inaugural Architecture and Urban Design Awards competition to be organized in the year 2000 will require funding of $65,000 in the Departmental Operating Budget. In the following years, $45,000 will be required to continue this program.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) a unified Architecture and Urban Design Awards program be established for the City of Toronto;

(2) Urban Planning and Development Services staff be requested to develop in detail a program for the 2000 Architecture and Urban Design Awards; and

(3) funds in the amount of $65,000 be prior authorized for scheduling purposes and be added to the Urban Planning and Development Services 2000 Operating Budget.

(4) This report is to be forwarded to the Policy and Finance Committee for consideration.

Background:

For the last several years the former municipalities of Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and Toronto have undertaken Architecture and Urban Design Awards programs. With amalgamation, the opportunity exists to combine these into a unified program that will encompass and showcase the whole City. The significance of initiating the first unified awards program in the Year 2000 is that it provides an opportunity for the new City to emphasize the importance of design excellence in its built environment for the next millenium and encourage building of the beautiful City.

These awards programs have successfully motivated and rewarded excellence in architectural and urban design projects undertaken in the City. They have also increased the public and private recognition of the positive role good urban design and architectural excellence have to play in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in Toronto and its contribution to economic development.

Comments:

The purpose of an Architecture and Urban Design Awards program for the City of Toronto is to encourage and recognize good architecture and urban design throughout the new City. This program will identify projects which are outstanding examples of city-building, acknowledge the foresight of the development industry or public institutions, and recognize the skills of its architects, landscape architects, engineers, artists and designers.

It is recommended that the program occur as an annual event. Considering the potential increase in the number of entries due to the size of the amalgamated City, the program would be easier to administer as a yearly event and the momentum gathered could be maintained. It is important to note however, that this event will evolve over time as a better understanding of the specific demands and needs for the unified program become apparent.

Because Toronto looks its best from late May to October, the judging for the awards should take place in June 2000, the jury report and exhibition would be prepared over the summer, and the exhibition and ceremony would take place in September.

The purpose of the Architecture and Urban Design program is to recognize projects which demonstrably enhance the public domain. The emphasis is on the integration of art, architectural, landscape and/or heritage elements which make a positive contribution to the public realm.

It is recommended that the following four categories be used in awarding outstanding architectural and urban design projects.

(1) Element

A single piece of architecture contributing significantly to the City of Toronto, such as a bridge, doorway, facade, gate, fountain, lighting fixture, monument, sign, tower, or work of art.

(2) Small Place or Project

A single space or (park, square, plaza, lane, gas station, courtyard, garden, etc.), or an arrangement of buildings providing public access and amenity.

(3) Large Place or Project/Streets

A large space (park, square, plaza, ravine etc.) complex or system providing public access and amenity; the related public space of a street or a set of streets and the accompanying elements defining the street(s).

(4) Theoretical/Demolished Project

A design proposal, visionary project, public art project or thesis (as a temporary installation or unexecuted work on paper); a significant element, place no longer existing; a temporary event.

These categories have the potential to recognize projects that differ in scale and budget. The jury will be awarding projects in the four categories for both a suburban and an urban context. Criteria will be established which deal with the projects fit into the urban and natural context and its contribution to design innovation, quality, functionality and cultural qualities of developments.

Two levels of awards are recommended: Award(s) of Excellence and Honourable Mention(s).

An approximate budget of $65,000 has been developed which includes the costs for pamphlet/entry form and brochure designs, printing, mailing, jury expenses, photography, exhibition, awards and reception. The budget is broken down into start up costs (logo design etc.) of $20,000 and ongoing yearly costs (jury, reception, exhibit, brochure etc.) of $45,000.

In past years, the various Architecture and Urban Design Awards programs were funded primarily through municipal capital budgets, and in some instances additional funds were raised by corporate sponsorships.

Conclusions:

The Architecture and Urban Design Awards programs undertaken in the former municipalities of Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and Toronto have encouraged excellence and recognition of good urban design and outstanding architectural achievements. By initiating the first unified awards program in the Year 2000, the new City of Toronto emphasizes its commitment to building a beautiful City through design excellence in the new millenium. This report requests authority to establish a unified Architecture and Urban Design Awards program for Toronto and that funds in the amount of $65,000 be added to the Urban Planning and Development Services 2000 operating budget to implement the program. It is necessary to secure prior authorization for these funds in order to meet the proposed project schedule.

Contact:

Alka Lukatela Robert Glover

Program Coordinator, Civic Improvement Director, Urban Design

Tel: 416-392-1131 Tel: 416-392-1126

Fax: 416-392-1744 Fax: 416-392-1744

Email: alukatel@toronto.ca Email: rglover@toronto.ca

Reviewed by:

Paul J. BedfordJames Ridge

Executive Director and Chief PlannerActing Commissioner of

City Planning DivisionUrban Planning and Development Services

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