At a time when travel, exploration, and experiencing new things all look and feel quite different [read: a struggle], many of us are finding a restlessness and a desire for getting out – out of our cobbled together home offices, out of our houses, out of our neighborhoods, out of our normal – just out.
In the spirit of getting outside, we bring to you news of an event meant to do just that – and in the coldest months in Toronto.
Winter Stations is a design competition and exhibition that asks designers and architects from all around the world to transform the utilitarian lifeguard stations along Toronto’s east-end beaches into whimsical works of public art.
“Heading into its 7th year, Winter Stations remain a staple in the fabric of Toronto’s cultural scene, kicking off the new year as one of the most internationally-recognized events for the city. Launched by RAW Architects, Ferris + Associates and Curio in 2015, the competition captures the imaginations of local and international designers” and applies them to the outdoor expanse of Toronto’s winter beaches.
“While Toronto’s beaches are not typically as well-visited in the colder seasons, Winter Stations has successfully drawn city dwellers out to explore the interactive installations. In a year where outdoor spaces have never been more vital, Winter Stations is calling on the design community to submit their visions as registration opens for the 2021 competition. Submissions are due by 11:59pm EST November 17, 2020 with winners announced January 6, 2021.”
“All 2021 installations will be temporarily constructed for six weeks and must be able to withstand the rigours of Toronto’s winter weather. Winter Stations 2021 will aim to build out five-to-six lifeguard stations at Woodbine Beach in east Toronto. Installations will be unveiled on Family Day weekend in Canada (February 15, 2021) and will be available for viewing until March 31, 2021.”
For the Winter Stations 2021 edition, designers will center around the theme of ‘Refuge’. The call for entrants expands on this:
“Inviting designers to reflect back on the year we have left behind and consider what refuge means to each of us: a shelter, a place of comfort and security, a sanctuary. From the competition page: ‘As a community we may offer refuge. As individuals, we may protect one another, providing respite from danger or insulation from harsh realities. Refuge evokes discovery and the idea of exploring remote places. It reflects a renewed appreciation of the outdoors, while highlighting the importance of our safe spaces.’ The design brief also asks designers to factor in the pandemic and anticipate a more socially distant exhibition than years passed, ‘How can we evoke refuge in an exhibition that will necessitate physical distance between visitors? And how can we promote interactivity when our ability to relate with the stations may have to omit physical touch in the name of safety?’”
“The competition is open to all entries around the world, and there is no fee to enter. Winning teams will be rewarded CAD$3500 and may have the opportunity to visit Toronto during the last phase of construction and participate in activities surrounding the opening.”
In an officeinsight interview, Winter Stations founder Roland Rom Colthoff talks about how the event got its legs, its evolution, and how it’s become a beloved part of the Toronto calendar.
officeinsight [OI]: When Winter Stations was started seven years ago, what was the context you were working within? What was the driving force behind starting something like this?
Roland Rom Colthoff [RRC]: Prior to Winter Stations, we had some experience with winter themed design exhibitions. RAW Design had the opportunity to exhibit in both the Warming Huts exhibit in Winnipeg and Luminotherapie in Montreal. Both those exhibits are testaments to the importance of engaging with the outdoors all year long. We have four seasons in Canada, and there is no reason why a design exhibit couldn’t interact with the colder months.
Ted Merrick from Ferris + Associates was the one who suggested the idea to us – of bringing a competition to the beach. The beach in Toronto is lively and thriving in the summer months, and tends to be quiet when the weather changes. But the winter landscape along the beach is very dynamic, and we wanted to give people a reason to come down and experience it firsthand. We started this on our own and got a number of local developers on board as sponsors.
OI: What were the main goals of the competition and surrounding events that you were hoping to achieve when you founded Winter Stations?
RRC: We had a few goals set out. The first was to draw people outdoors and down to the beach in the winter. We wanted people to experience the landscape and interact with design. We also wanted to give a platform to designers, especially young designers. Each year we partner with at least one post-secondary school. We also make sure there are low barriers to entry in terms of the competition. That’s why we have no entry fee. We want to encourage as many people as possible to submit a design and reimagine our beach each winter.
OI: How has the event evolved over time?
RRC: One area we are focused on is programming to support the exhibit. In recent years, we’ve partnered with our local councillor, as well as the Beach BIA and a partner organization, East End Arts, on providing programming in and around the exhibits. These partnerships allow us to bring more energy and people to the exhibit.
OI: How is the theme selected each year?
RRC: Our first theme was Warmth, which was inspired directly by the Warming Huts in Winnipeg. Other themes have included Catalyst, Freeze/Thaw, Riot, Migration. Last year it was Beyond the Five Senses. The themes are meant to be open to interpretation. We try to choose something that can be interpreted in different ways, to encourage variety. We also aren’t opposed to reflecting the times and what people are currently talking about.
OI: How has Winter Stations been impacted by COVID-19?
RRC: I think, partly, that is still to be determined. We are on the beach, and the lifeguard stands are quite far apart. We believe we can mount a safe exhibit for everyone and encourage social distancing. We’ve asked designers to take these factors into account with their submissions. In years past, there has been a lot of interaction with the exhibits, and that might be mitigated somewhat.
The competition is largely held online, and we know we can ask for submissions and select winners. It’s our expectation that we will move forward and mount the exhibit as well, but we are mindful of the fluidity of COVID-19 and are prepared to adapt as needed.
OI: Who typically participates in the competition and events?
RRC: We see a lot of architects and landscape architects of various ages, but you don’t have to be a professional to enter. We encourage everyone to give it a shot. The submissions come from all over the world. We have had submissions for over 90 countries at this point. As stated, there is always at least one student design, and this year we are partnering with Sheridan College.
For those interested in participating or attending, a few important dates have been released:
>Competition Deadline: November 17, 2020
>Winners announced: January 6, 2021
>Public Exhibition: February 15 – March 31, 2021
>Opening Night: February 11, 2021
>Where: Kew and Woodbine Beach, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
To learn more about Winter Stations, head to winterstations.com. We encourage our readers to follow the competition, to participate if possible, and to seek out events like this one in their own cities.
