On September 20, we joined the annual global Park(ing) Day movement by transforming our parking lot at 672 Dupont Street into “MUTABLE SPACES,” a playful and thought-provoking commentary on urban transformation. Park(ing) Day invites designers and citizens worldwide to reimagine parking spaces as mini-parks and public places, encouraging dialogue about the use of urban space and the need for more accessible green areas in cities.
Our installation was a team effort, with BNKC staff showcasing their creativity and commitment to rethinking urban space. Staff member Junho Yim set the scene with live guitar music, bringing a warm ambiance, while Sara D’Amato’s contemporary dance performance added an expressive layer to the event. Special recognition goes to Shengjie Qiu, who took charge of construction, assembly, and photography, beautifully capturing the day’s highlights.
Adding to the event’s playful spirit, we introduced a “Free Advice” Booth, staffed by an anonymous BNKC principal in a cow mask, sparking laughs with a humorous twist: “You get what you pay for, I guess.”
The Design: A Space That Adapts and Engages
Our team’s design for MUTABLE SPACES was inspired by a desire to spark curiosity and engagement while questioning conventional uses of parking areas. By creating flexible structures that transformed throughout the day, we invited the community to consider how adaptable spaces could benefit the urban landscape. Six cube structures, each crafted from sustainable materials, were easy to assemble and transport, reflecting our commitment to thoughtful, eco-friendly design.
These structures were more than just visually engaging. Positioned in different configurations—from lining the parking lot to facing Dupont Street—they provided shade, seating, and even platforms for live performances, offering a unique way for onlookers, commuters, and neighborhood dog walkers to experience our space. The overhead baffles, made from tracing paper hung from sturdy cords, created an inviting shaded area while adding a striking visual element to the installation.
Exploring New Ways to Use Urban Space
For BNKC, MUTABLE SPACES wasn’t just about changing our parking lot for a day. As a firm focused on urban design and sustainability, we see Park(ing) Day as an opportunity to question how we can repurpose urban areas to foster community, support public engagement, and integrate sustainable practices. Our installation explored how these reimagined spaces can influence adjacent activities and create new connections within the neighborhood.
Looking Ahead
Park(ing) Day, coordinated locally by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, challenges everyone to envision new ways to use urban space. As we reflect on this year’s event, we’re already excited to build on our MUTABLE SPACES concept for next year, bringing more opportunities for community interaction, creative expression, and thought-provoking design.
Thank you to everyone who engaged with us during Park(ing) Day! To learn more about this inspiring event, visit parkingdaytoronto.ca, and check out our Instagram page for videos and photos of this year’s installation.
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