A labour of Love
Construction photographs can be an integral component of a project story
Construction process photography is one of the most underused tools in the promotion of architecture, engineering, and landscape architecture. Most firms focus on finished images, but that final moment only shows part of the story. Value lies in showing how the project was built.
Designers often talk about intent. Construction photography shows their ability to execute it, within real conditions. This is especially critical in landscape architecture, where timing, site conditions, and installation methods are integral to the outcome.
Process photography captures the translation from design to reality. It shows structure, sequencing, materials, grading, planting strategies, and decision-making in ways that completed images cannot. It makes the work understandable. It also changes how clients engage. Instead of a single reveal, the project unfolds over time. Clients see progress, gain context, and stay connected to the work.
A good example of construction process photography is Love Park in Toronto, designed by CCxA. The imagery doesn’t just show progress, it reveals how a complex public space is assembled, from subsurface work and grading to hardscape installation. It gives clients and stakeholders a transparent view into how design is realized on site.
For firms looking to stand out, this is an obvious opportunity. A strong process archive adds depth to proposals, presentations, and marketing. It turns a finished project into a credible, complete story.
Your final photographs show what was built. The construction process photographs show how it was achieved.
Love Park in Toronto was designed by landscape architecture firm Claude Cormier + Associés (CCxA) in collaboration with gh3 architects. The team created a 2-acre, heart-themed urban oasis featuring a red mosaic water feature.
Love Park opened in June 2023.
Core Design and Project Team:
Landscape Architecture: Claude Cormier + Associés (CCxA)
Architecture: gh3*
Water Feature Design: DEW Inc. (Dan Euser Water Architecture Inc.)
Engineering & Sustainability: Arup
Lighting Design: Ombrages / Éclairage Public
Construction Manager: Somerville Construction
Pergola Fabrication/Installation: Eventscape Inc.
Mosaic Tile Fabricator: Mosaika
Public Art Curator: Lesley Johnstone
Public Art (Animal Sculptures): Tyler Balko and Marina Guglielmi
The park was commissioned by Waterfront Toronto and the City of Toronto
Awards (CCxA)
AZ Awards | People’s choice – Landscape Architecture | Love Park, Toronto
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) | Award of Excellence – National Award | Small-Scale Public Landscapes | Love Park, Toronto
Grands Prix du Design | Platinum Winner, Gold Certification – Landscape Architecture, Landscape Architecture – Public Space | Love Park, Toronto
Grands Prix du Design | International Grand Winner – Landscape & Territories | Love Park, Toronto
All photographs © Industryous photography