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Ontario College of Art and Design: Table Top and Legs

Toronto
Ontario

A view to the underbelly of the table top.

A view to the underbelly of the table top. Looking north up McCaul Street at the completed building. Bicycles sit among the legs. The exit stair connects the fifth floor to the old building. A view from the freshly painted Art Store at the corner. The southerly legs touch down in a park space. A view looking north on the sidewalk in front of the school entry. Looking down the access ramp to the main entrance to the school which is a half level below street level. A view towards the park from McCaul Street. Looking up the legs at the front of the building. Inside the building the deep wall that encases the steel of the truss creates deep colourful "window seats". Inside one of the main exhibition spaces. Only a trace of the truss can be seen. Light enters through the selection of window openings. A view to the exposed steel ceiling. Exposed steel in one of the main studio spaces. Looking up at the ceiling of the Great Hall. The HSS tubes that run up the front face of the lobby also carry heat to the glass facade. Closer view of HSS support columns. Exposed steel connections on the interior. The interior during Open Doors Toronto, May 2005. A view up the colourful curtain wall facade at the main entrance.

Project Description Project Team

Project Description

The Addition to the Ontario College of Art and Design - the "table top and legs" - was the first of the "Star Architects" projects to be completed. It has engendered much discussion and controversy, but has indeed resulted in an increased awareness of the significance of architecture as a cultural factor in the City of Toronto. The building design is intrinsically linked to its innovative use of steel.

photos: Terri Meyer Boake

The Ontario College of Art and Design: Sharpe Centre

The completed Addition to OCAD has become a major feature in the Queen Street neighbourhood surrounding the Art Gallery of Ontario, as it awaits its Frank Gehry renovation.

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