Architecture Exhibitions Winter 2012
January 28 - July 8, 2012
Altius Architecture Inc., Hewitt Ave House, 2009, Toronto. Image courtesy of Altius Architecture Inc.
Defining Space in the City / The City Defining Space
Altius Architecture Inc.
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What is big enough? There is no answer to this question simply because of the conflux of choice, need and desire.
Living in Toronto, or any city, is defined by walls and windows, neighbourhoods and buildings, property lines and zoning by-laws, streets and sidewalks. These are generally static conditions and yet through our inhabitation of and interaction with public and private space, boundaries are manipulated and personal living space is a blur of real, perceived and virtual space.
Personal and socio-economic factors determine where we live whether it be desirability or familiarity of neighbourhoods; affordability; proximity to work and schools; types of housing; parks and shops; transit; entertainment; crime, etc…
Ultimately what is “Big Enough” is a function of cost, typology and neighbourhood. As architects and homeowners, we work within the complex set of rules, policies, economic considerations and organic and personal factors that define our dwellings. As a populace we shape Toronto, but as individuals and families it is Toronto which shapes the way we live.
The Altius exhibit explores the socio-economic factors of Toronto neighbourhoods in the context of the notion of space and combined with the viewers personal insight we ask the question “What is big enough?”
The partners of this young firm met while still attending architectural school in the ’90s and agreed there were no established firms that embraced architectural practice as they envisioned it. In 1995 Altius was launched as a young, idealistic design firm created from a collective vision for an architectural practice which reestablished the tradition of the architect as the central figure in the process of building, the idea of the Master Builder. Altius believes that, without this level of involvement, it would be an insurmountable challenge to create buildings that are sustainable, livable, contextual, economical and beautiful.
Today, Altius Architecture Inc. is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary architectural firm with a focus on the broader residential market. Clean contemporary design, emphasizing craftsmanship and materiality, has resulted in a number of award winning and critically acclaimed projects. Altius’ custom residential and cottage projects are known for their sensitivity to site, thoughtful interiors and innovative sustainable design.
Close attention to detail and a client-driven design ethos produces intimate single family projects that are as unique as their owners and brings a distinct quality to Altius’ larger multi-unit residential and commercial projects. Altius creates great architecture because they understand their clients and are responsive to what is most important to them.
Project team: Zak Fish, Ingrid Macdonald, Graham Smith
altius.net
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