Location: Toronto, ON, CA
Year: 2023
Program: Pavilion
Floor Area: 60.7 SF / 5.64 m²
Status: Unbuilt
Dragon Watch
In resonance with the themes of Migration and Resilience, our project pays homage to Toronto’s vibrant Chinese community. As the Year of the Dragon approaches this February, this winter station transforms into the ‘Dragon Watch,’ beckoning the guardians of clouds and water to invoke protection and prosperity for loved ones across seas and borders—a reflection of the enduring spirit of togetherness inherent in the Lunar New Year. Dragon Watch’ features the traditional joinery technique, dougong (斗拱). The design highlights the beauty of Chinese architecture through the interlocking dougong expression, creating a lightweight, and structurally independent wooden assembly with minimal nails. A draped fabric roof diffuses the sun, casting soft shadows accentuating the intricate formwork. Flanking three sides are dragon scale inspired handrails, subtly nodding to the Year of the Dragon, while maintaining access on the fourth side via the existing ladder.