In the Footsteps of Others: Planning the Pilgrimage Church

A colleague is currently posting on social media about his pilgrimage through Northern Spain, and I am reminded of the enduring lessons of Romanesque pilgrimage churches in that area of the world, especially how the built environment can be shaped to support ritual and user experience. Today there are many people who undertake a pilgrimage … Continue reading In the Footsteps of Others: Planning the Pilgrimage Church

Talking About “Gauguin: Portraits” at the National Gallery of Canada

During a recent trip to Ottawa, I toured the National Gallery of Canada’s feature show – Gauguin: Portraits. I was with my 14-year-old son and we were both impressed. Not only did the exhibition invite us to re-consider what can be considered a ‘portrait’, especially in the context of Gauguin’s artistic project, it featured engaging … Continue reading Talking About “Gauguin: Portraits” at the National Gallery of Canada

Re-view: How Furniture Defines Interior Space at the Broadview Hotel Café

Last summer (August 2017) saw the opening of a newly-renovated and expanded Broadview Hotel, situated on the North-west corner of Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue in Toronto’s east end. At that time, I stopped in for a visit and was prompted to write a series of posts about the design of the café interior … Continue reading Re-view: How Furniture Defines Interior Space at the Broadview Hotel Café

Heritage Toronto Survey

Heritage Toronto – a charitable agency of the City of Toronto – has issued an open invitation to participate in its online “State of Heritage Survey.” (Follow this link) I recently attended a tour that Heritage Toronto facilitated as part of Doors Open Toronto 2018, and I enjoyed the experience. I’m interested in heritage not … Continue reading Heritage Toronto Survey

Beesley’s Question: Can Architecture Come Alive?

Last week, I attended a lecture given by Philip Beesley as part of the ROM Daytime Lecture series. Beesley spoke about his long-standing experimental architectural practice with the Living Architecture Systems Group. Beesley and his collaborators investigate the possibility of a living architecture – next generation interactive environments – by combining artificial intelligence with a … Continue reading Beesley’s Question: Can Architecture Come Alive?

My Top Five Interiors to Visit at ‘Doors Open Toronto’ 2018

Doors Open Toronto provides architecture enthusiasts with a yearly opportunity to experience interiors that are not usually available for public access. For May 26-27, 2018, organizers have devised a particularly photogenic theme “Film: the Great Romance.” (link: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/) While the destination list includes some new opportunities to gather insight into Toronto’s creative film industry, there … Continue reading My Top Five Interiors to Visit at ‘Doors Open Toronto’ 2018