Founded by RAW Design, Ferris + Associates, and Curio, Winter Stations is an annual public art competition that challenges designers to reimagine Toronto’s lifeguard stations as a basis for winter art.

D&S Projects submitted a proposal inspired by the utopian vision and designs of Buckminster Fuller. The geodesic dome is a symbol of efficient energy use, innovative engineering, and harmonization with nature.

As the Earth cycles through the seasons, “Freeze/ Thaw” can express the natural energy transfers occurring in our ecosystem. As human actions continue to devastate our environment, these energy systems are changed, affecting both the Earth’s climate and us.

The imagery and design of this station brings attention to the relationships between industry, our natural environment, and humanity championed by Fuller.

The geodesic dome encapsulates the lifeguard station in triangular acrylic panels. Red, blue and clear illustrated panels are interspersed. The latter juxtapose images to compose a visual narrative of industry, the body, and nature.