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Architecture & design studio  
in New York led by Sasha Topolnytska.

Rise Up

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Proposal for 2024 Toronto Winter Station  Competition

Architecture installation design, activism

For the 2024 Toronto Winter Stations Competition, proposal Rise Up takes a critical yet constructive approach to address a long-standing issue within the annual festival: the lack of winter accessibility. Although the proposal exceeds the outlined budget, its activist spirit and emphasis on inclusivity offer meaningful value to the event. At a public installation of this scale, ensuring access and visibility for all communities is not only timely—it’s essential. 


Recognizing the need for all public spaces to be accessible for people with disabilities and low mobility, the installation offers an opportunity for everyone to experience the Winter Station celebration in person and rise above the lifeguard stand, which is often not accessible to many.

The installation’s colorful and playful pattern makes it fun and visible from afar, inviting everyone to come closer and directing visitors to go up the ramp to enjoy the view above the lifeguard stand. Designed with inclusivity in mind, Rise Up has three accessible ramps with landings that lead to the extended observation deck. From there, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the beach and other Winter Station installations. 

The installation is constructed with wood bracing and columns to support the ramp, which consists of a wood deck and plywood guardrails. With a strong commitment to designing for people with disabilities, Rise Up is an installation that strives to promote design for inclusivity in all public spaces.