Toronto Architectural Facadism: A Controversial Necessity of 2016

Discusses the rise of architectural façadism in Toronto, including how it has developed, common criticisms, and projection into the trend's future. At the end of the PR, the trend's relationship to BluEnt as a local, innovative CAD supplier is examined. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) October 28, 2016 - Toronto, Ontario - The rise of façadism in Toronto has been a controversial topic in 2016, particularly with the recent construction of the EY Tower featuring a heritage façade of the famous Concourse Building on Adelaide St W. To better understand local trends influencing architecture and design in Toronto, BluEnt has delved into debate surrounding heritage façadism.

The Reasoning Behind Façadism
Toronto's rich architectural history combined with its economic development have made it a fertile breeding ground for façadism. It's a natural way for local heritage conservationists and architects to work together in creating a city that meetings the needs of the future while honouring the creations of the past.

According to an article by Now Toronto, Michael Emory, president of the architectural firm Allied Reit, argues that heritage preservation strategies such as façadism can be accredited to "a growing interest in architecture old and new in an increasingly dense, walkable, bikeable and, because it's less driveable, slower city. Forced to look more closely at our streetscapes, we become more aware of our surroundings and more demanding of excellence in neighbourhoods that are rich in architecture of all ages."

Arguments Against Façadism
Many critics of façadism have complained that it has led to architecture design lacking in richness. They argue that architects have used the technique to hide generic, uninspired designs behind the face of heritage architecture, resulting in a structure that celebrates neither historic nor contemporary architectural feats.

There are many cases of façadism being used to preserve the first layer of a structure and build high rise condominiums above them. Critics have complained that many such buildings create an imbalance between the new and old eras of architecture, and urge architects to pay more attention to crafting meaningful intersections between the two.

Regarding the controversial One Bedford condominium on Bloor St. that incorporated the heritage façade of the 1921 studio that preceded its construction, Dave LeBlanc from The Global and Mail stated "…what annoys me most is that Mr. Brown's façade is set so deep into the shadows behind the new building's massive columns it looks bullied, small and sad. And although the octagonal lobby with original plasterwork and terrazzo floors has been retained, I just can't get past… how the façade just hangs there, suspended in a blank concrete wall."

The Future of Façadism
Despite its backlash, it's most likely that façadism isn't going anywhere when it comes to architecture and design in Toronto. There is no more efficient technique of heritage conservation for a city of such rapid growth. One of Toronto's most talked-about architectural developments as of recent months has been the 40-storey Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed Ernst & Young Tower, which features a replicated heritage façade of the famous 1928-built Concourse Building demolished in 2013.

What is certain is that heritage conservation requires more thoughtful, purposeful architectural design. Toronto must strategically define what elements of history to preserve, and how to marry these elements with those of the city's future. Heritage conservation services must develop new tools and systems for effective excavation, demolition and reconstruction of buildings of varying complexity and structural integrity.

Downtown Yonge Street and Queen Street are the next two areas that will be under a spotlight for heritage preservation, and as major city landmarks, Toronto cannot afford to miss the mark.

BluEnt's Response
With local offices in the heart of downtown Toronto, BluEnt Canada is in an advantageous position to work closely with such local trends while still taking advantage of our international standards and reputation as a global corporation. Our complete range of drafting and drawing services consistently follow the latest trends in regional architectural design utilizing state-of-the-art technology to draft, detail and deliver construction documentation sets with the precision and accuracy.

This is ideal for architects, builders and contractors in Toronto engaged in projects regarding façadism and other local architectural movements. BluEnt is committed to creating innovative solutions for our clients that address strategic concerns such as heritage conservation in Toronto and throughout North America.

Company's About Us:
Headquartered in Toronto, ON, U.S., BluEntCAD is specialized in outsourcing millwork, shop drawings, architectural design and drafting solutions including - BIM construction documentation, CAD services, AutoCAD to Revit conversion, and BIM consulting services with accolades in U.S., UK, New Zealand, Australia and APAC region.

Contact Information:
BluEnt
Ph: +1 647 478 5230
Fax: +1 801 991 7047
Email: cad ( @ ) bluentcad dot ca

4 Robert Speck Parkway, 15th Floor
Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1S1
Greater Toronto Area, Canada

If you would like more information about the topic, please contact Ava Smith +1 647 478 5230 or email at cad ( @ ) bluentcad dot ca

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