architecture

Our interest in architecture includes a penchant for the unusual and an abiding interest in pragmatic design.

Living in Toronto, we see extremes in design but we are overwhelmed by mediocre, mundane buildings.

Toronto’s architecture is undergoing an era of unprecedented progress, most notably in its cultural and artistic buildings. The development of great architecture rising up in the city brings to mind the world-class urban centres I’ve visited in my travels, and envied for years.

 

 

A building can be a sculpture – a monument to the philosophy and realization of a concept. In Toronto, with its social and stylistic roots in the Victorian era, architectural conservatism is the norm. We believe that this city needs architecture reflecting a new urban confidence; Toronto’s new vision should not rely on the use of major design elements from the past.

I still admire the classic architecture created in the time of Queen Victoria and later. But what about the uninspired new buildings that limply refer to those styles. Enough with the references to neo-classicism: Allow people to make more of a statement with their projects. Let's see more architecture that opens horizons.

 

Maybe this but please not this

 

Builders and homeowners too often think they can design a house without an architect or other design professionals. Think of how many bad stucco renovations there are in places like Leaside, East York and North Toronto. The hot Toronto market has allowed these people to profit from bad design. When considering the purchase of a resale home, buyers think about property values. Shabby rebuilds and uninspired designs will eventually bring down property values. We understand the limitations of time and budget, but heartily believe that smart, quality construction can continue on time and on budget, with consideration and planning.

Exceptional buildings need not destroy the continuity of a neighbourhood. Communities like Cabbagetown, Rosedale, the Annex and Wychwood Park have all been able to create and maintain a respected consistency with the help of their neighbourhood associations yet they all have modern, smart houses or more subtles renovations within their midst. These are groups made up of area residents who work within the city by-laws to maintain a certain level of quality in the neighbourhood, occasionally pushing for changes to the by-laws if the alterations make sense.

Many neighbourhoods in the downtown area are made up of a mix of housing styles mostly derived from the classic Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Colonial, and neo-classical variations on the theme. A small segment of homeowners choose to be inventive with their renovations, and create “open concept” living spaces. Architectural idealists push the boundaries of acceptance – and this is a good thing if these "radicals" shift the norm.

In closing I have copied the declaration from the Slow Home website, theslowhome.com, which seems to sum it up so well. "...We believe that our homes and neighborhoods (sic) should be healthy, vibrant places that uplift the spirit and gracefully fit our needs. We call for an end to poor construction, bad design, misleading marketing, unfair lending practices and environmental neglect in the housing industry. We acknowledge our collective responsibility to create Good, Close, Light places to live that leave a positive legacy for future generations. ..."

(thanks for this, John Brown, publisher of theslowhome.com )