Sunday, May 29, 2005 - Doors Open Toronto Weekend
After missing this great event last year, there was no way that I would let myself miss this year's Doors Open Toronto event. Doors Open Toronto is an annual event when buildings with architectural, historic or cultural significance open their doors to the public. Many of these buildings are normally not opened to the public. It's an opportunity to explore some of the most well known (or lesser known) historical landmarks in Toronto.
Eddie and I made plans to go check it out months ago, and after some planning, I drafted a route that would take us from Roy Thompson Hall all the way to the St. Lawrence Market. Braving through heat, rain, and exhausation, we managed to visit about 5 or 6 buildings within one afternoon - not bad I would say. Most of the buildings were really neat to see (Roy Thompson Hall, Metropolitan United Church), while some were just so-so (St. Lawrence Hall, Old City Hall).
Doors Open Toronto is definitely one of the best events of the summer. Before Doors Open, historic buildings were something that we passed by and looked at. Now, we get to experience these buildings - we get to see the interior, feel what it's like to work or live inside, imagine those who used the building as part of their everyday life. It's both an educational and entertaining opportunity (on a side note, I was very surprised by how many Mandarin-Chinese families showed up).
The funny thing about architecture is that we don't really learn to appreciate them until it's too late. In the 60s and 70s, planners demolished many 19th century buildings, destroying much of what we would call today as "heritage buildings". Old City Hall and Union Station were all slated to be torn down. Imagine if that happens today ? It would definitely spark an outcry - but back in the mid 20th century, people were willing to do away with these buildings.
Yet planners and architects today continue to demolish buildings as a way to get rid of what they call "mistakes from the past". An example would be the modernist-style buildings built in the 50s and 60s. Who wouldn't agree that some of these buildings are an eyesore (think U of T's SS, LM, MP and RW) ? Few people shed tears when these rectangular, Le-Corbusier style buildings are torn down. But 100 years from now, will we regret the destruction of these buildings, or will we celebrate these modernist structures like we do now with the classical and Victorian heritage buildings ?
Every generation has its own unique style of art form and Doors Open Toronto gives us an opportunity to explore the past through architecture. Toronto is lucky to still have many of its heritage buildings preserved and events like Doors Open will ensure their survival.
Thursday, May 26, 2005 - Massive Change !
Jason and I had the chance today to check out the Massive Change exhibit at the Art Gallery. I first heard about this exhibit in my ecosystem planning class and had originally planned to see it with Natasha (who has since left me for Sweden!). So when Jason volunteered (!) to go with me, I jumped at the offer...(thanks Jason)
Massive Change examines the key influential designs that have changed our world. The idea was conceived by Toronto designer Bruce Mau, who through the exhibit, argues that design is one of the world's most powerful forces to shape human civilization. The exhibit itself is divided into several "design economies", including one for urbanization. Mau argues that we still conceive the city as separate entities (i.e. rural/urban/suburban) - but new technology has created a global city that links us all. There is a need then to think of our urban areas as part of a broader system.
This system approach to thinking our urban areas is definitely not new. We've been taught at Planning school (particularly in environmental planning) to consider our communities not as a separate entities defined by artifical boundaries, but as an interconnected living ecosystem. While this sounds good in principle, we must realize that it's hard to put into practice. Take the 416-905 divide for example: sure, we're all part of the Greater Toronto Area, but yet we're still divided into a dozen municipalities, defined by artifical boundaries. This makes it extremely difficult to get any region wide (or system wide) initative going. Each separate entity within this broader system will continue (for political, financial reasons) to look out for itself first and foremost. Screw the system they would say ! Look at the problems the provincial government have in getting all the local municipalities on board for the Greenbelt Plan.
Anyway, back to the exhibit. Can our urban systems survive if we continue our individualistic ways ? can smarter, more sustainable design help ? My opinion: Yes - but it will take a very long time and will require a lot of political will and effort. Sure, architects and planners can go on and on about greenroofs, intensification, and smart housing design, but there is a need for political will and financial incentives to create policies to facilitate these design principles. Urban design can go a long way !
Other parts of the exhibit: The Movement Economy was equally interesting. My favourite was the wall of pictures showing traffic congestion around the world. I also liked the Image Economy with the probably infamous room filled with pictures on the walls, the floor and the ceiling (Jason was quick to point out that some of the pictures were indeed pornographic ! hehe...) I thought the Military Economy was neat as well - did you know M&M was originally invented for the Army ?
Overall, I thought the exhibit was awesome - definitely worth the ticket price - and it raised some interesting questions as well. And of course, it gave Jason and I another excuse (well more like another opportunity) to hang out - what more could I ask for right ? =)
May 17th, 2005 - So I've finally made a decision. Is it a good decision ? I don't know. Will I regret it ? Perhaps - but I also know that regrets will get me no where. Am I happy with it ? Surprisingly yes - I think it has to do more with the sense of relief that it's over.Well whatever it is, it's time to move on...both parties took my decision quite well - so at least I'm happy about that =)The last thing I wanted was to hurt the people involved in this decision. I'm sure feelings were hurt already - but I think my decision also minimized the impact of what could've happened. See these things don't usually happen to me...let's hope I won't be in another one of these situations anytime soon.
May 13th, 2005 - Why does life have to be so complicated ? well no duh Avril - your song ain't helping much. So yes, I have a problem with complicated situations - I'm just not very good with making big decisions, particularly ones that deals with people's emotions. This could be attributed to my low EQ levels - or maybe it's part of my immaturity.Whatever it is, decisions like the one that I'm facing currently sucks - especially knowing that no matter what you do, someone will get hurt.Do you follow your heart ? or do you follow your head ?The agony drags on...
May 4th, 2005 - I got the call today ! yay ! Yes - that's right ! I got that 2 year internship job with the provs ! yay ! well..the pay isn't that great - but it's not like I have managed to find anything else...so it's all good. The best part about it: if all things work well, I'll get to live and work downtown ! no more travelling out to the boonies everyday !!! The sense of relief that I'm feeling is great - no more nagging from mom, no more wondering what I'm going to do, and of course, now I won't have to move to Ottawa (and thus dashing any dreams I might still have of becoming a teacher !).I got the call just after marking a whole bunch of first year exams - man...those kids...did they even study ? I don't remember marking exams that were as poorly written as those that I've marked today. Oh well, at least my TA duties are finally over !Eddie surprised me at lunch today with a whole bunch of food ! he even brought over a bottle of wine - talk about being considerate =) anyway, we had fun hanging out in our office...heheheFelix the Policy Analyst...I like the sound of that ! haha...so next on the list: get an apartment !
May 2nd, 2005 - So with no job and no school, what have I been doing to keep myself busy you say ? well dvds/books/tvs and sleeping in can only go so far...so I have been playing a computer game called Sim City. I grew up with the game - have been playing the earlier versions of it since I was a kid. I still think to a certain extent that it influenced my decision to be a planner ! haha..but anyway, since I now have (or will have in a few weeks) my M.Sc.Pl, I thought I would put my "professional" planning skills to test by planning the latest version of the game. The latest version (version 4) is pretty awesome - great graphics (down to the street level..you can actually see people walking around, waiting for the bus etc), lots of tools (subways, zoos, even a courthouse), and lots more responsiblities. However, after spending several weeks on my city "Fairview", I've come to the conclusion that: 1) You cannot win the game2) Theoretical Planning Principles don't work - forget about using environmentally friendly power plants - you'll go bankrupt. Public transit ? forget it...the Sims perfer their cars. Mixed Use neighbourhoods ? forget that as well - segregated zoning is what they prefer. Trees are extremely expensive and parks/greenspaces are also pricey. The end result: pro-1960s rational comprehensive planning !3) No citizen participation - you get a whole bunch of advisors, but where are the citizens ? forget those stupid headlines as well.Though of course, the game is still very addictive. As of today, I have just installed a new (very expensive) subway system for my city. Now I will have to fight keep my budget balanced and try to make sure my hospitals/clinics are better funded...Will the game prepare for the real world of planning ? probably not...but hey, it's fun and it kills time ! hehehe...
