I work next door to the Royal Ontario Museum. We are really very lucky to have such a fantastic museum. If ever in Toronto, it's a must visit destination.
The museum is a gorgeous stone building dating from the early 1910's that was expanded in the 1920's and 30's. In the past few years, the ROM has been undergoing a major expansion with the addition of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. I have watched this thing being constructed from day one and since that day, I have been torn as to how I feel about it. That's why this article from the CBC caught my eye. I am all for modern architecture but I also believe in the preservation of history. I understand why the ROM needed to expand. I just don't get why they choose such a contradictory and intrusive design to accompany the stately original building. I have spent the last few years walking by this construction site several times a day and waffling about how I feel about the new addition. With the building almost complete I can honestly say, I don't like it. Honestly, I find it offensive. Call me a traditionalist, I don't care. I still love the ROM, but I don't have to like the crystal.
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4 comments:
See, on its own I think that looks quite cool. But from the pics I've seen it defiantely doesn't fit in. At all.
I wonder what goes through Architect's minds sometimes.
I totally agree. On it's own, magnificent! Thrown on to the side of an lovely, historic building, not so much. Honestly, it's like Libeskind is flipping the bird at the original architects of the ROM. I think that is what really bothers me about the Crystal.
Do buildings in Canda get protected status? If they're particulary old or important?
Over here anything deemed to be of historic importance is strictly supervised to make sure any additions/work fit with the character of the building. Doesn't always work as planned but its nice to have :)
It's pretty much the same here with the protected status. Important buildings are given "heritage" status. The crystal only really takes up one side of the ROM. The original building, with it gorgeous entrance way is still intact and beautiful. I will take my camera to work next week and get some shots of my own.
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