quote:

Originally posted by m2j yup, 401 is the same building we had the show in. oooooh yea! the OAA! Thats like a 3min drive from my house, I have work from 1:30-5. What hours are they open for viewing? I may go to check it out quickly b4 work. What time are u going there, alex?

im going to the OAA later on in the day.

i first have to go to the four seasons, then the royal york, then the 401.

here are the oaa hours.

Open:
Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Last admittance to building: 3:30 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
Last admittance to building: 3:30 pm

so you can try to make it in the morning.

quote:

Originally posted by dEsidEL trying to be as unbiased as i can, i agree with you. i mean TO does have its gems like any other city, but nothing that totally blows my mind either. can't really fault the city for it tho given how young it is and the fact that most of the rapid development occurred in the 70's and 80's not to mention the lack of natural vistas like mountains. Tho it's still no reason why we can't get better which I think is the important thing. there are signs tho.. now all we need is a better public transit system ..

having just visited new york a few weeks ago, i was amazed by how bland and plain the buildings there were. compared to toronto, we have a much more vibrant and modern style of architecture. now i dont know if thats just because of the many condo buildings going up, but toronto has also become a hot spot for many famous architects1. the rom, the ago, and the waterfront are just some of the new things we are getting. there have also been many more in previous years like city hall. imo, we are moving in the right direction. in the next decade or so, even in the next few years, the main form of architecture will be about sustainability. hopefully these new designs will reflect the nature of the building and how it responds to the environment that it is put in.

with transit as well, we are moving in the right direction. with the new chair of ttc, there has already been tremendous change. just look at todays open doors with lower bay being one of the sites. and with the new light rail proposal, it finally seems that things are heading in the right direction, even if they seem ambitious.

quote:

Originally posted by FunkyCrew great pics Alex, shite I should have joined you today but woke up late and all the stuff and with the boat cruise tomorrow, seems like I'm missing it next year for sure!

i woke up at 8.20. that was too early for me lol!

waking up at 8 tom.

___________________
Deviant Art - Smuncky
My Photos on Flickr
If anyone wants to share their clubbing/nightlife pics go to Toronto Nightlife
"The best car-related innovation we have is not to improve the car, but eliminate the need to drive it everywhere we go.” -Alex Steffen

The main problem with Toronto in general is instead of setting standards, developers simply follow them.

Cities such as New York are famous because they were the first of their kind. Skyscrapers were virtually born in that city and it was the first guinea pig of a modern metropolis.

Right now cities like Dubai and Tokyo are putting Toronto to shame with amazing structures both in terms of design and technology. In fact if you catch some of the construction/development shows on tv (such as Frontier's of Construction on Discovery) there is rarely any mention of North American architecture, let alone Canada.

To build truly revolutionary ideas, developers need to take risks. And Toronto is just not there yet. It's easier to go with the tried-and-tested clone condos that will make them money rather than take a risk on something new.

Even something like the Lee-Chin Crystal at the ROM, although it does look pretty cool, and I agree its a step towards the right direction, its still the typical deconstructivist museum design-fad already found in several other cities.



Don't get me wrong, Toronto does have some great buildings, but on an international level, I don't think it holds up.

___________________
-M2J

For set downloads, event details and radio schedule visit:
http://www.vitalevents.net/

Last edited by m2j on May-27-2007 at 08:17

quote:

Originally posted by m2j Even something like the Lee-Chin Crystal at the ROM, although it does look pretty cool, and I agree its a step towards the right direction, its still the typical deconstructivist museum design-fad already found in several other cities.

agreed.. Libeskind is goin with the a la "Guggenheim" Frank Ghery look

___________________
Palm Trees > Pine Trees , Sand > Snow

Day 2 Review

1. Four Seasons Performance Arts Center
- Got there early in the morning and was suprised at how many people where already there. The building I must say is really well done. Now I see why it was so highly acclaimed and why all the reviews were good. Diamond and Schmitt really did a fantastic job.


Skylight


Skylight with the Canada Life building in the back



I loved the connections on the vertical and lateral supports for the glazing.


Part of the glass staircase and wood panelling that almost runs the whole length and height of the building


CN Tower encapsulated by the fog


Glass Staircase


The detailed connection of the stairs.


Underneath


Inside



2. Canada Life Building
- After that I went here since it was along the way. I finally now konw how to read that beacon that tells you the weather forcast for the day. Quite a nice view as well. The inside is beautifully decorated and looks really upscale, especially the ceilings.


First floor ceiling, while waiting for the elevator


Southwest view


Southeast view


Glass Room ceiling

- While on the way to the car, there was a parade going on or something. I have no idea what it was for but it seemed it for the paramedics. Here are some antique ambulances that were present.




3. Fairmont Royal York
- When we got in there was a huge lineup. We waited for just over an hour but it was worth it. They led us through all the back end service areas which a normal person would never see. This included the kitchens (they gave us free cookies/pastries ), laundry room, and their huge garbage and recycling facilities. I'm also going to have to go back and get a more detailed tour of the hotel which includes the garden that they have.


Floor mosaic


Kitchen


One of the banquet halls


Another banquet hall



4. 401 Richmond St.
- I've been there before but have never seen the roof garden. When we got up there it was really neat since this garden was huge. I really envy the people who work there and can just sit and chill whenever. The building itself was really cool too. So much greenry,I loved it. This is how all buildings should be.



Awesome stairs






I really enjoyed Doors Open this year and can't wait for next years.

More pics here

___________________
Deviant Art - Smuncky
My Photos on Flickr
If anyone wants to share their clubbing/nightlife pics go to Toronto Nightlife
"The best car-related innovation we have is not to improve the car, but eliminate the need to drive it everywhere we go.” -Alex Steffen

^^^ nice pictars

___________________
Palm Trees > Pine Trees , Sand > Snow