https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/1609 en-us Dark and neglected 'that's the kind of derelict space that lurks below most highways and elevated roadways. Cities in the process of densifying, however, can no longer afford to ignore such concrete underbellies. Toronto, which has been busy completing 70,000 residential units between 2008 and 2012'mostly condominium apartments'recently opened Underpass Park, a gutsy template that repairs a previously marginalized urban zone in the city's East End neighborhood.

]]> 1308-underpass park-pfs-studio.asp Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7958-underpass-park Underpass Park What had been a dark area separating the Don River from downtown now attracts skateboarders, basketball players, and other active people. The 2.5-acre park also includes a playground for small children and places for people to just sit and relax.   Photo © Doublespace Underpass Park Colored lighting on the highway's structural columns enlivens the area at night.   Photo © Doublespace Underpass Park In the evening, light is projected onto the soffits of concrete arches, slowly running through the color wheel. The effect of the light is subtle but helps give the underpass more allure than it had before.   Photo © Doublespace Underpass Park An art piece entitled Mirage by Paul Raff Studios hovers overhead, reflecting light and color in its mirrored surfaces.   Photo © Doublespace Underpass Park   Image courtesy PFS Studio