I just had a debate here at the hostel with three Irish architects as to the merits (or lack of merit) of our Royal Ontario Museum’s “fusion” design that combines an old art deco era building with modern crystal construction.
I think it’s great! To me, it of defines the Toronto experience of old and new co-exising side-by-side; the way so many varied cultures do!
The three Irish architects (recent Grads, I might add) can’t stand the ROM Building!
Alice, Sean and Paul all completed their architecture studies in June in Dublin. They “chose” a pretty bad time to graduate. We are in the middle of a Global economic meltdown. With double digit unemployment in Erie, they thought they’d try their luck in Canada.
I’m actually a little miffed that they slag Toronto’s architecture! I mean, they’re from Dublin where the tallest building is a whopping 13 stories and sticks up on the local skyline like an erect….well, you get the picture!
The bottom line is that only Alice has found employment in their chosen field of architecture! Good for her!
Meanwhile, Sean and Paul, go have another look at the ROM. Perhaps even go inside to get a feel of the design!
In their defence, I will concede that the three of them have a social conscience. Their work experiece – post graduation – involved charity work in Nicaragua, where they helped create community infrastructure in rural regions.
(But PLEASE, guys! I say again! Take another look at the ROM!)
