Architectural Politics

by Courtney Meagher

With Toronto’s municipal elections just recently behind us I found my mind wandering to civic architecture and issues of architectural politics. Specifically, I wondered what happened with the debate over protecting the viewshed of the Ontario Legislative building? The issue, which was brought all the way to the Ontario Municipal Board in May of this year, was this: buildings erected to the north of the Legislative Assembly, if built too tall, will ruin this historical and civic monument’s prominent silhouette against the sky. Should the viewshed of such a symbolic building remain unobstructed?

If asked, "what are some of Toronto’s most notable buildings?" the Ontario Legislative building would no doubt cross many peoples’ minds. Forming a terminating vista at the north end of University Avenue it was built in 1893 and designed by the architect Richard A. Waite. It is one of Toronto’s best examples of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, a style characterized by its overall massive quality: heavy, rusticated masonry, geometric massing and monumental proportions, it became a popular style for important civic buildings in North America in the late 19th century. As one of Toronto’s key civic and historical monuments, does the viewshed of the Ontario Legislative building deserve to be protected? This is what historical advocates, namely the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO), have been fighting for.

 

I am Going to Buy a Groovy Condo Downtown

By Astra Burka

Architect and Filmaker

"Dreaming of Space"
Réunion, view of Indian Ocean
Photo by Astra Burka

Recently I decided to take a tour of the latest über kül condominiums by Freed Developments. Why? Because I am thinking of downsizing at some point and wanted to see what was available in the price range of $445,000 - $600,000 (approx. 900-1200 square feet). I was guided by a tall condo hostess to 75 Portland, interiors by Philippe Starck. The lobby was über white with a long diagonal table that continued in the outside space. Along with oversized white planting pots, these white objects dominated the interior court. The courtyard space, long, narrow, and 8 stories high, was claustrophobic.

I first thought the space I entered in the 1st unit was a large mudroom. I did not know that a “den” is defined as a windowless space. Or how would I have guessed in the 2nd unit that a 4 feet by 3 feet space with a column in it, was called a “den”. I went to look at a 3rd unit in the new Thomson residences and said: “Oh, what a huge walk-in closet with opaque glass sliding doors”. I was told this space was “the second bedroom”.  Can you imagine putting a child or guests in a windowless room? For the price, I was disappointed that Frigidaire stainless steel kitchen appliances were chosen instead of European products like Bosch and Miele. From the balcony, I could even reach into the open window of one of the Thomson Hotel rooms.