5 TIPS FOR VISITING TORONTO MODERN ARCHITECTURE

1.  TORONTO SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS

The Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) was established in 1887, it is a non-profit volunteer-based organization made up of architects and members of the community interested in architecture. The TSA is the local Chapter of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), the licensing and regulatory body that governs the practice of architecture in Ontario.

From May to October the TSA offers guided walking tours of the Toronto’s best contemporary architecture.   The guides are trained volunteers offer insightful building details, shedding light on the urban context and historical facts of the modern Toronto Architecture included on the tour.

There are currently three tours offered to satisfy a variety of interested:

Art and Performance Tour

Culture and Campus Tour

Towers Tour

Visit the TSA website:  www.torontosocietyofarchitects.ca

 

2.  BUILDING TOURS

Tours of specific architectural projects are also offered which are typically more in-depth about that particular building.  The following building’s offer tours of their spaces:

Art Gallery of Ontario:

These tours are free with admission and are held frequently.  Visit:  http://www.ago.net.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts:

Tours are not frequent so be sure to visit their website for more information.

Visit: www.coc.ca

Roy Thomson Hall:

One hour tours are provided.  Visit:  www.roythomson.com

 

3.  DOORS OPEN

This is an annual event in the City of Toronto where one weekend a year many (almost 150 buildings) open their doors to the public.  This allows visitors access to architecturally significant projects which normally charge entrance or are not open to the public, and many buildings have organized guided tours and displays.  Doors open is a great event typically at the end of May.

For more information visit: www.toronto.ca/doorsopen

 

4.  RECOMMENDED BOOKS

A Guidebook to Contemporary Architecture in Toronto

By Margaret Goodfellow (Author), Phil Goodfellow (Author), Helen Malkin (Editor), Nancy Dunton (Editor)

A Guidebook to Contemporary Architecture in Toronto provides information on modern Toronto Architecture with helpful information for your travel.  Each project is featured on a two-page spread with a project description, photographs, and drawings. The projects are organized by neighborhood and allow the reader to take a self-guided tour. Maps at the introduction of each neighborhood provide context, and an index provides easy referencing of projects throughout.

A Guidebook to Contemporary Architecture in Toronto

Top 10 Toronto (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)

Lorraine Johnson (Author), Draughtsman Ltd (Illustrator)

The Eyewitness Travel Guides are always a must have on my travels.  They contain reliable information, colourful illustrations and images, fold out maps and a small pocket map to help you get around.  The books are organized well and easy to follow, these books are all you need particularly for a short trip.  I like the small pocket-size and durable cover because it is easy to carry around.   They take the work out of planning any trip.

Top 10 Toronto (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)

5.  architectureGROUPIE

The Toronto Architecture Guide Book is a great directory of modern architecture, buildings are cataloged by image so you can decide what you want you like or don’t like before you go.  Along with clear photos and direct web links to each building’s webpage with the exact address, closest public transit stop and a feature or note about each of the projects.

Learn more at travelguide.architecturegroupie.com

  Visit architecturgroupie.com for more information on other cities

For helps tips and information on Toronto’s Public Transportation see:

www.multimodaltransit.wordpress.com

Related articles

• 10 Architectural Photography Tips (architecturegroupie.wordpress.com)
• Is modern architecture as valuable as historic architecture? (architecturegroupie.wordpress.com)