A Model Exhibition

The Charles H. Scott Gallery has a new exhibition up, entitled 1:26 In Study Model Wonderland From Halifax to Vancouver. The show focuses on the role of architectural models in the design process.

It's an interesting angle and one that usually doesn't get a lot of exposure. The models can be crude and simplified but are a crucial part of the creative process for many architects.

A wide cross-section of Canadian architects contributed models and were interviewed-including Shim-Sutcliffe, HBBH and Moriyama + Teshima.

The exhibit is curated by Sophie Gironnay and runs until July 18, 2010.

Shim-Sutcliffe's Toronto

An interesting article in the Weekend Post by Vanessa Farquharson that explores Toronto through the prism of city architects Shim-Sutcliffe. It's part lifestyle piece, part urban treatise and has considerable insight into the city's built environment.

Brigitte Shim talks about the neighborhood they live and work in- Leslieville- noting that they chose it largely based on an empty lot on which they could build a modern laneway house.

She further discusses the broader fabric of Toronto, comments which can easily apply to Vancouver:

"Much like Leslieville, Toronto is still in transition - it has a ways to go. So you have to think about how its buildings contribute to the landscape and community as a whole. If we're less obsessed with trophy buildings and more interested in how to build a great city, it gives people tons of reasons to want to be here."

Given the calibre of their work, more designs from Shim-Sutcliffe in Toronto (and Vancouver, for that matter) would be a good thing.