A "raincoat" designed to protect pavements during harsh weather is among a series of design prototypes that Alphabet company Sidewalk Labs has revealed for its new smart city in Toronto.
An awning, hexagonal pavers, and interactive works that use lighting and projection mapping are among the ideas developed for Sidewalk Toronto ? the city that Alphabet subsidiary Sidewalk Labs is developing with partner Waterfront Toronto.
Revealed at an event earlier this month, the new prototypes are intended to respond to the harsh weather endured in the city's winter months.
"It's cold," said Sidewalk Labs in a project description. "The weather plays a big role in determining how much time we spend outdoors."
Sidewalk Toronto unveiled the Building Raincoat prototype earlier this month Among the designs is the Building Raincoat that Toronto architects Partisans has designed with British environmental engineering company RWDI and Italian firm Maffeis Engineering for structural design.
With much of the Sidewalk Toronto development intended to be wooden construction as part of its environmental and sustainable strategy ? these adjustable and protective structure are intended to protection to the buildings, as well as pavements.
"The raincoat was just one of a series of design innovations we'd been exploring to make sidewalks and other public spaces more comfortable, with the goal of drawing people outdoors year-round," said Sidewalk Labs.
The whi...