High Park, one of Toronto's largest public parks, has been a cherished space for residents and visitors since its opening in 1876. Its significance was further elevated in 1959 when Japan generously donated cherry blossom (Sakura) trees, turning it into a magnet for local and international visitors during the blooming season.

While the park currently contains seven public washrooms, the surge in visitors, especially during the cherry blossom spectacle in spring, prompted the City of Toronto to task SOCA with renovating and expanding the facility near the trees. The goal was to not only accommodate increased foot traffic but also transition the washrooms from seasonal to year-round operations.

Toronto’s early 20th century public park pavilions, featuring a distinctive green-coloured roof and brick facade in the Arts and Crafts style, was originally designed by the City of Toronto’s Department of Buildings for the Parks Department and has become an icon of its own over the past century. Our conceptual design for one of these renovated pavilions maintains its spirit of simplicity while introducing modern elements. The roof consolidated into a concise hip design with an extended canopy, providing shelter from the elements. The building is clad with new fiber cement panels evocative of the cherry blossoms.

The revitalized space encourages community engagement with a spacious opening and a large inviting bench, challenging the conventional perception of public washrooms as mere functional spaces. The washrooms have been transformed into gender-neutral rooms and a universal washroom, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and safety for the diverse public. The High Park washroom renovation endeavors to redefine the role of a public facility in a growing city, creating a resilient and welcoming destination that fosters a sense of community.