“Toronto’s new subway line extension introduces six incredible examples of artworks that are highly integrated with architecture, resulting in artworks that are spatial, experiential and interactive. The art and architecture programme is a testament to how transit design can engage citizens with a vibrant public realm that extends beyond the efficient movement of passengers.

“Ultimately, thoughtful, considered public art projects like those in this project, pay dividends for years to come. The public respects and feels ownership and agency of civic spaces that they feel were made just for them, for their commute. TTC riders have souls, and these pieces were made to move them.”

Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

Architect: Grimshaw Architects

Artist: Paul Raff Studio

“Reflective panels and skylights capture the sun at different angles throughout the day creating an amazing, sometimes spectacular, always changing ascent, from platform to grade. Toronto designer Paul Raff worked with architect Nicholas Grimshaw to create a space that literally brightens the day of commuters.”

Highway 407

Architect: Aedas

Artist: David Pearl

“The design of all of the stations in the TYSSE line allows for daylight to penetrate deep into the station, right down to the platform. Highway 407 station features a massive oval skylight, at the top of the escalator bank, as well as a 100ft long silkscreened window located at the integrated bus station. Both glass artworks are by Toronto artist, David Pearl. On a sunny day, the skylight and window send dynamic splashes of colour down to the subway platform and across the floor of the station, providing an evolving spectrum of colour, throughout the day in response to daily and seasonal variations in natural illumination.”

Pioneer Village

Architect: The Spadina Group Associates (TSGA), a joint venture between IBI Group, LEA Consulting Ltd. and WSP, in collaboration with British architect Will Alsop

Artist: Realities United/Jan Edler and Tim Edler

“LightSpell is a hybrid between art installation and the lighting of the subway station. The interactive installation consists of a suspended array of 40 light elements. Each element is made of 16 individually controllable luminaires and can produce all letters of the alphabet, as well as special characters and numerals from 0 to 9.”

York University

Architect: Foster + Partners

Artist: Jason Bruges Studio

“A wall of LCDs panels, responding to the Piston Effect created as air is moved by approaching trains, is activated subtly to reflect ambient light, when a subway enters the tunnel. Designed by UK-based artist Jason Bruges, the pixellated display of air movements is a unique way for people at concourse level to know when a train is entering, present at or leaving the station, providing a unique method communication, while activating the public areas of the station.”

Finch West

Architect: The Spadina Group Associates (TSGA), a joint venture between IBI Group, LEA Consulting Ltd. and WSP, in collaboration with British architect Will Alsop

Artist: Bruce McLean

“The two buildings and combined bus platform are a true example of art as architecture and architecture as art. An eclectic mix of zebra stripes, highly chromatic tiles and finishes, combined with hot pink and green glass. UK artist Bruce McLean’s bold, colourful vision was designed to brighten the day of every single rider.”

Downsview Park

Architect: Aedas

Artist: Panya Clark Espinal

“The key to seeing Spin, by Toronto artist Panya Clark Espinal, is to find the exact spot in the station where the massive artwork can be seen in its entirety. The design, large black brushstrokes at every level from grade to platform, activate every surface of the building to create a dramatic spatial effect as the brushstrokes enter and leave the space of the building, challenging the viewer’s perception with an interactive artwork that engages human perception rather than technology.”