Massive Change @ the AGO

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 ? =)