It looks especially nasty from the Queensway, since you're viewing it from a higher level. I wish they had used a darker grey cladding, maybe a titanium-like tint that reflects the quality of sunlight hitting it. I especially hate the two boxes beside the tower, as it robs the structure of any impression of height.
It's a pretty complicated project, a new building within an old building. The old structure is relatively fragile -- despite the massive stonework, the floors are actually made of terracotta. They've had to place steel trusses inside for seismic-proofing and cast concrete around the terracotta. Technically, they could have gutted this building to the stone walls and rebuild completely new floors and it would have been quicker and cheaper, and nobody would have noticed but the heritage value dictated that some of the structure be kept. Ironically, it's all covered over in the end because the new inner walls are actually built three feet from the original walls to provide a climate-controlled buffer zone. The galleries are about 10% smaller than they were originally.
No they are not temporary. They house the building's new mechanicals. I don't think they realized the extent of air conditioning needed when they did the renderings.
I like how you can still see the original structure through the glass tower. It adds a nice touch.
__________________ Franky: Ajldub, name calling is what they do when good arguments can't be found - don't sink to their level. Claiming the thread is "boring" is also a way to try to discredit a thread that doesn't match their particular bias.
Over the years the museum had covered over many windows and architectural details. The renovation has revealed them. The third-floor salon, which had been shrouded in carpeting and heavy curtains, is now so attractive that it is envisioned as a venue for special events for up to 300 people.
Here, a skylight was discovered and double-hung windows, almost three metres high, were uncovered for the first time in 40 years.
I'm very much looking forward to the grand unveiling in May. I take the kids there 5 or 6 times a year and they already love it. They're going to be blown away when it's all done.
This reno is totally awesome. There's really nothing like retooling a heritage building for the next century to add depth to the city's architecture. Speaking of such projects, there was an article a while back in the Citizen about the plans for the West Block reno. Nothing new will be visible from the street, but the courtyard in the centre is going to be glassed over and made into a massive sunroom. It's going to be insane.
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