Winter Stations 2027: Monument
Registration:
15.10.2026
Submission:
15.10.2026
Prize pool:
$2,000 CAD per winner + $500 CAD per runner-up
Competition Brief & Overview
Winter Stations is an international design competition inviting artists, architects, designers, and students to reimagine lifeguard stations as interactive public art installations on Toronto's beaches. The 2027 theme is 'Monument,' challenging participants to rethink what deserves to become a monument today and what monuments can represent in contemporary society. Winning proposals will be built and exhibited for six weeks during winter 2027 at Woodbine and Kew beaches. Designs must use lifeguard stands as visual anchors without structural dependence, work on both sandy/snowy beach and flat urban surfaces, and stay within a 10 square meter footprint if enclosed. Installations should be designed for close and distant viewing, assume minimal security, and avoid electricity or fire. Budget constraints are $5,000 CAD for materials and $10,000 CAD for labour. Submissions must include a project summary, technical drawings with specifications, and cost estimates in a single PDF. The competition aims to build 4-6 winning proposals, funding dependent. Jury evaluation focuses on creative vision (30%), design concept (30%), and design feasibility (40%).
Eligibility & Target Participants
Open to all: artists, architects, designers, students, and enthusiasts from any country, at any age, and with any level of experience
Submission Guidelines & Full Rules
Participation Type:
free
Total Prize Fund:
$2,000 CAD honorarium for each winning built proposal (4-6 winners expected), $500 CAD for runners-up. Funds typically processed via wire transfer. Winning designs will be fabricated and exhibited for six weeks on Toronto's waterfront.