Design and features Yonge-Dundas Square

yonge-dundas square l.e.d. pixelboard showing heart of city on dundas square logo.

the square on slight incline, architects brown , storey have said intended evoke theatrical stage. made modular raised square textured 35.125 35.125 inches (892.2 892.2 mm) granite slabs (each slab costing approximately $1,500: $1,000 materials plus $500 labour), features diagonally running zinc canopy along northern hypotenuse of square , movable plinth serves stage concerts , other performances, row of lighted fountains set directly pavement, row of small trees along southern edge, transparent canopy on plinth, , new entrance dundas subway station below. series of low, circular stone planters added western side of square in summer 2005.

because dundas street bends @ square, not square, irregular pentagon. angled northeastern side of square known hypotenuse, features structure supported 11 concrete pillars of type used make overpasses on highways. creates industrial urban aesthetic, which, being north, casts no shadows on rest of space. other 3 sides square (i.e., @ right angles 1 , yonge , dundas streets). well, there road traverses square known dundas square. small street leading yonge street dundas street.

yonge-dundas square on saturday evening.



dundas square showing 600 ground nozzles arranged in 20 groups, in middle of main walkway.

the surface of yonge-dundas square not level, because sloped upward away yonge street. allow sufficient height provide clearance toronto parking authority garage entrance. architects planned slope of surface make interesting , accommodate necessary clearances lies underneath. level p1 houses washrooms , changerooms, green room stage performers, , various utilities rooms, custodial , supply closets, , water treatment plant , pump rooms fountains.

dundas square @ night.



the newest screen @ yonge-dundas square; installed in 2017

the centrepiece of square array of fountains designed dan euser of waterarchitecture. 2 rows of 10 fountains spread out across square s main walkway, visitors have opportunity walk through or around fountains. unlike many other city fountains, dundas square fountains meant waterplay, , include sophisticated filtration system (according both of architects) keep water @ or above pool quality water. according euser, water treated maintain health standards waterplay. according facility administrator christine maclean, granite chosen entire space has non-slip properties safety of running through or playing in fountains. each of 10 water fountains consists of stainless steel grille 30 ground nozzles (arranged in 3 rows of 10) under it.

the entire rock surface of dark (almost black) colour , absorbs sunlight, creating warm surface on rest. water runs under dark rock slabs , heated them, fountain water solar heated. 3 curved lighting masts along south edge of square, made of hollow structural steel, have high-gloss white finish contrasts rough non-slip texture of black granite, , each support 6 mercury vapour arc lamps create evening light comes approximately same directions natural sunlight during day (i.e., various southerly directions).