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"Re-used, Re-visited, and Revised." In a quickly changing architectural—and cultural—milieu, preserving and adapting built form of the past is a complex and contentious issue. As new development and heritage preservation make increasingly common—and oftentimes awkward—bedfellows, the 17th edition of Doors Open Toronto offers a timely opportunity to explore the theme of adaptive reuse.
Held on Saturday, May 28th, and Sunday, May 29th, this year's event will once again provide "free and rare access to more than 130 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city." Sponsored by Great Gulf, the City of Toronto's annual event returns alongside the OpenInsights speaker series. This year's speaker series will feature Doors Open's first-ever keynote address, delivered by the internationally acclaimed industrial designer Karim Rashid on the evening of Friday, May 27th at the Design Exchange.
Buildings opening their doors to the public this year include a significant number of notable adaptive reuse projects, ranging from the landmark 401 Richmond, to the TD Centre's Design Exchange, and Allied REIT's recent—and highly lauded—QRC West. A full list of the participating properties is available on the City's website, with properties relevant to the "Re-Used, Revisited, and Revised" theme marked by the 'R-R-R icon.'
Doors Open also includes a series of associated walking tours, each of which focuses on a unique neighbourhood or theme. This year's series includes a 'Towers Tour,' an 'Art & Performance Architecture Tour,' and a walk dedicated to 'Creating a Walkable Downtown,' among many others.
Ahead of this year's Doors Open, we will return with a more comprehensive guide that highlights our picks for must-see locations and events. In the meantime, more information is available on the City's official site, which includes a full list—and map—of participating buildings, as well as guides to the walking tours, speaking engagements, and special programs.
