Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension: Finch West Subway Station

As part of the six-station Toronto-York-Spadina Subway Extension for the Toronto Transit Commission, Pioneer Village and Finch West help form a crucial gateway to York University and the City of Vaughan in disparate areas in northern Toronto. For the TTC, the extension to Line 1 marks the first new subway project in almost a decade and the first project to cross into new municipal boundaries. The new line expects over 23 million travelers this year, boosting growth and mixed-use development in the areas surrounding each new station and along the line.

IBI Group is the architect of record for both Finch West and Pioneer Village Station, based on the scheme developed with British designer Will Alsop, in joint venture with LEA and WSP.

Finch West Station integrates architecture, engineering and art. This modern, exuberant and colourful station incorporates a bus terminal and immediate street access to the Keele & Finch intersection with artwork developed by station artist. IBI’s design of the subway entrance buildings and bus station will bring an upgraded streetscape and heightened pedestrian experience to the surrounding area – revitalizing a disparate, mixed-use neighbourhood.

The ceiling has an open, double-height effect, connected by a flying beam that encloses the substation and transformer yard on the second floor. Graphic patterns, dynamic shapes, innovative materials and an artistic vision all work together to transform the practicalities of mass transit design into public art.