Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension

Toronto, Canada

David Pearl

The Toronto Transit Commission extended the subway further out of Downtown Toronto; creating a transport hub linking Subway and Bus. As part of the development, three areas of glass art were installed; an oval sky light for the subway, escalator cladding and the main curtain walling for the bus station.

The Government believed that, by putting money into public art, it would give the public a sense of ownership and respect of their space, helping to reduce vandalism.

David Pearl’s hand painted artwork was digitalised by Proto Studios in order to create screens for printing the final colours at this much larger scale.

By using transparent enamels, the hub is flooded by dramatic light, which also creates a stunning reflection on the black floor. The backlit escalator cladding was designed to bring calm to a potentially intimidating experience descending into the underground.

Total size: XXX sq m
Glass Specification:
Techniques used: Screenprinting, Transparent enamels

Photos: Ian Trites