In an attempt to improve Toronto's public space, Spacing Magazine came up with the ThinkToronto urban design competition. My favourite ideas included the following:
* Giving eyes to the PATH - for those unfamiliar with the downtown financial centre of the city, the PATH is a large, convoluted underground mall that connects clothing stores, coffee shops and food courts with banks, law firms and other prestigious Bay Street offices. It's great in the winter but can be quite confusing for those who aren't regular PATH-takers. By placing convex reflective surfaces (known as oculi) above the PATH, pedestrians will have a better idea of where they are in the downtown core, as the PATH is extremely easy to get lost in. The oculi will also offer rays of sunshine to those suits & ties who don't get out much.
* 5 Minutes - this winning entry helps locals and tourists decide where to go within 5 minutes of getting off the subway. It proposes using red touchscreen signs at transit station exits, that tell users where they can find the nearest bakery, record store, park, museum, etc. I think that this concept should be connected to toronto.com's website OurFaves, which features the favourite local places of Torontonians, in order to make the system even friendlier.
* Facebook for the Subway - Springboard, is an online social network for subway riders, that would show the profiles of other passengers in your car who subscribe to the service. Their profiles would include a photo, which stop they get on & off at and their interests which can be matched up to yours, offering an easy method to chat up that cute guy you always see on your morning commute. I love this idea as it makes riding the subway more exciting and interactive.
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