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As an event that takes place solely outdoors in the expanse of the beach, Winter Stations will be moving forward with the design competition portion of their annual programme, in anticipation of mounting a safe, socially distant exhibition in 2021.
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 24 November 2020 with winners announced 6 January 2021.
The star of Winter Stations has always been the beach, and the unique winter setting it provides. We’re hopeful, with the openness of the landscape, and the distance between each lifeguard stand, that we can provide a safe outing for the people of Toronto to enjoy. Now more than ever, it’s important to embrace the outdoors and the seasonality of our city.
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 on the 15 February 2021, and will be available for viewing until 31 March 2021.
Important information
Competition Deadline: 11:59pm EST 24 November 2020
Winners announced: 6 January 2021
Opening Night: 11 February 2021
Public Exhibition: 15 February - 31 March 2021
Where: Kew and Woodbine Beach, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
For more information, follow here.
Having worked with leading Canadian postsecondary institutions Ryerson University, University of Toronto, OCAD U, Laurentian University, University of Waterloo, Humber College, University of Guelph to give young designers a platform to showcase their work, Winter Stations is partnering again with Sheridan College this year.
The competition is open to all entries around the world. There is no fee to enter. Winning teams will be rewarded CAD$3,500 and may have the opportunity to visit Toronto during the last phase of construction and participate in activities surrounding the opening; more details on launch events to come. To register as an applicant, follow here.
2021 Theme
For the Winter Stations 2021 edition, the theme is ‘Refuge’. 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 previous years:
“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?"
Sponsorships will also cover the cost of materials and labour that are sourced locally and sustainability, supporting local businesses.