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Charred Wood Accents Complementing Weathering Steel in a Community-Centric Pedestrian Link

Charred Wood Accents Complementing Weathering Steel in a Community-Centric Pedestrian Link
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Emphasizing sustainability, charred wood panels and weathering steel create a visually appealing structure that enhances pedestrian connectivity along Toronto’s waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wood panels for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
02
Incorporates weathering steel to create a natural patina that blends with the waterfront.
03
Features a cantilevered design that provides lookout points over the Keating Channel.
04
Integrates native plantings into the landscape for biodiversity and ecological balance.
05
Reflects Indigenous cultural narratives in its name and overall design concept.

### Project Overview
The Keating Channel Pedestrian Bridge, located in Toronto, Canada, enhances connectivity within the city’s waterfront, particularly benefitting the Quayside neighborhood and surrounding areas. This structure is designed to serve as both an infrastructural link and a gathering space, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and community engagement while integrating seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

### Design Concept
The bridge operates under the concept of a “living bridge,” informed by Indigenous perspectives that emphasize gathering and communal space. Named Nda-Nwendaagan, which translates to “the place where we gather,” the design speaks to the cultural significance of communal interactions. The approach incorporates Indigenous methodologies throughout the development process, ensuring that the bridge resonates with local narratives and traditions.

### Materials and Structural Layout
The material choices concentrate on durability and ecological performance. Key components include reinforced concrete for stability, weathering steel for aesthetic integration with the environment, and wooden decking to enhance user experience. Glass elements ensure safety while maximizing views.

The structural layout features a series of curves that mirror the natural flow of the Keating Channel. A gently sloping pathway accommodates multiple modes of movement, including pedestrians and cyclists. Cantilevered walkways provide vantage points over the water, while integrated seating areas promote social interaction. The design incorporates green infrastructure to address stormwater management and restore local biodiversity through native plantings.

Overall, the bridge stands as a functional element within Toronto's urban landscape while also promoting ecological stewardship and community vitality.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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