In an effort to foster a greater sense of community, the unused space beneath this Toronto highway is being transformed into the Bentway -- a new park that's complete with a public ice-skating rink.
The project was developed by urban designer Ken Greenberg and the architecture firm Public work. The linear park will be built on the mile-long stretch of land underneath the city's Gardiner Expressway. The park is still under construction but the skating rink opened to the public at the beginning of 2018, offering the city's inhabitants a 220 meter-long path that's been built around the concrete beams that support the highway above.
After the snow melts, the skating rink's path will serve as a path for pedestrians and rollerbladers.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Community Revitalization
- The transformation of unused spaces into vibrant community gathering places presents opportunities for businesses in architecture, design, and urban planning to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable environments.
- Repurposing Infrastructure
- Repurposing existing infrastructure, such as highways, to create new recreational spaces like the Bentway, opens up possibilities for businesses in construction, engineering, and landscape design to reimagine and optimize urban environments.
- Multifunctional Spaces
- The trend of creating multifunctional spaces, like the Bentway Park's skating rink and pedestrian path, offers opportunities for businesses in the recreation, entertainment, and hospitality industries to provide diverse experiences and attract a wide range of visitors.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- Architects can take advantage of the trend of repurposing infrastructure to design innovative and sustainable community spaces.
- Construction
- Construction companies can capitalize on the trend of repurposing existing spaces to develop new recreational areas and enhance urban landscapes.
- Hospitality
- Hotels, restaurants, and event venues can leverage the trend of multifunctional spaces to create unique experiences and capture a larger customer base.
