The newest exhibition at the Archives of Ontario, Architectural Dialogues: Moriyama & Teshima, showcases original records from one of Canada’s most prestigious architectural firms. The exhibit consists of concept drawings and photographs from the Moriyama & Teshima collection that were donated to the archives by the company. The firm Moriyama & Teshima Architects conceived nationally celebrated buildings such as the Toronto Reference Library and Vari Hall at York University.
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| Above: Vari Hall. Concept drawings for York's "front door" are featured among many others in the newest exhibit offered by the Archives of Ontario |
A key element in the University's Master Plan, which was developed in the 1980s, Vari Hall, with its three-storey rotunda, has become known as a signature building for York University, as well as an unofficial student centre within an academic building. Its facade of yellow brick and grey stone mediates between the Harry W. Arthurs Common and the large concrete Ross Building, which formerly dominated the University's landscape. It also provides teaching space, with four lecture theatres as well as seminar rooms, classrooms and faculty offices.
Right: David Tyler, outreach coordinator for the Archives of Ontario, tours the exhibit with architect Raymond Moriyama
The focus of this exhibit is to explore the role that the process of dialogue has played in both the construction and the experience of the structures and spaces designed by Moriyama & Teshima Architects.
Visitors to the exhibit will experience how each Moriyama & Teshima project is a holistic product of a unique environment, architectural program and design team.
Included in this exhibition are buildings for civic, academic, cultural and commercial clients including, The Bata Shoe Museum, the Science North building, the Scarborough Civic Centre and the North York City Centre.
This free exhibit is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The exhibit will run until November 2010. For more information, visit the Archives of Ontario Web site. The Archives of Ontario is located on York's Keele campus below the York Research Tower and adjacent to York Lanes.