Robson Street Public Plaza Designs On Display (PHOTOS)

First, there were landscaped picnic areas and giant bean bag chairs. What's next for an iconic block of downtown Vancouver's Robson Street?

Every year from Canada Day to the Labour Day long weekend, the 800-block of Robson Street is closed to vehicle traffic and opened up as a public pedestrian plaza.

The Robson Redux competition, part of the City of Vancouver's VIVA Vancouver program, invites emerging and established designers to submit design proposals for a public installation. Each design has to incorporate the theme, "connection," as it relates to people and the space around them.

This year's proposals include a giant swing set, a bright red "backbone" of tall chairs, and an oversized hopscotch game.

In total, 78 architects, urban designers, and landscape architects from around the world, including Canada, Japan, Spain, and the United States, submitted their ideas.

The designs (see slideshow below) were revealed Thursday at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

A jury will select the winner.

The public also has until April 13 to vote for the People's Choice award. Winners will be announced on April 15.

Which one is your favourite?