Art, Technology Mix in Facade Design
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015
TORONTO--A lacy, interactive facade will soon make its debut on a building housing student work and exhibit space in Toronto.
The renovated Ontario College of Art and Design University’s Rosalie Sharp Pavilion will feature an “intricately perforated, technologically responsive scrim” wrapping an existing corner building, according to Toronto-based design team Bortolotto.
|
|
| Renderings: Bortolotto Architects |
|
Designed by Bortolotto Architects, the new student center at the Ontario College of Art and Design University will feature a large, patterned facade that interacts with passersby. |
The $6 million transformation will “increase the visual impact of the building and contribute to the aesthetic conversation” with the nearby Art Gallery of Ontario designed by Frank Gehry and OCAD U’s Sharp Centre for Design by Will Alsop, according to the university.
“The lacy facade will gently peel away from the edges of the building in a gesture to the nearby institutions, attracting passersby with its intricate form and animating the street with views of the colorful student work displayed inside,” the architecture firm said.
Facade Materials
The facade will be made of aluminum panels secured on a metal subframe held in place by structural steel outriggers, according to the architect.
 |
|
“The lacy facade will gently peel away from the edges of the building in a gesture to the nearby institutions, attracting passersby with its intricate form and animating the street with views of the colorful student work displayed inside,” the architecture firm said. |
It will also make the two-story building appear two levels taller.
The pattern, representing a map of local arts venues, will be installed via a water-jet cutting method.
Interactive Scrim
The design firm also proposes an interactive element for the facade.
While it is still in the development stage, an app will allow passersby to snap a photo of a specific section of the pattern with their mobile devices and read information provided by OCAD U.
The project will also include an interior renovation to turn the 1,514-square-meter building into a multi-use, student-focused center.
“We’re proud of this exciting solution that brings together design and technology to redefine the corner and enable the university to communicate with the community in a new way,” says Bortolotto president Tania Bortolotto.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year and will be complete in the fall of 2016, according to the university.
Tagged categories: Aesthetics; Aluminum; Architecture; Building facades; Cladding; Color + Design; Design; Metal cladding; Schools
