Alliance Française Expansion (24 Spadina Road, 3s, Hariri Pontarini)

[AlbertC]

Information and small renderings on AF's website.

http://www.alliance-francaise.ca/en/expansion-2012-alliance-francaise

 

[AlbertC]

Hariri Pontarini is the architect.

http://www.hariripontarini.com/projects/retrofit/alliance-francoise-de-toronto


http://www.flickr.com/photos/roxxstarr/7265679492/

 

[Xray_Crystal_Junkie]

Scaffolding when up around the existing building a couple days ago. I'll make sure I keep an eye on this one and get the occasional (cell phone) shot.

 

[rdaner]

Photos taken 5 January 2013

 

[Ramako]

To me the best thing about this project is that a driveway that disrupts the pedestrian realm is being filled in.

 

[DtTO]

The whole thing may as well be a driveway. The way it meets the street is a complete disaster. Had it not had that old house attached, people would complain about those steps and a wall literally blocking all interaction between the building and a major thoroughfare. If this is the kind of crap we're to expect out of mid rise projects (I'm assuming it wouldn't be feasible to move the house closer to the street), then they should leave the heritage preservation to the side streets before our major roads are permanently lined by bungalows with buildings attached in the backyard.

 

[Conrad Black]

I disagree. I think it meets this street well.

 

[Xray_Crystal_Junkie]

The render appears to be quite out of proportion and I don't think there is much to worry about.

The staircase will be nowhere near that wide (the left, or south, driveway is for parking at the rear of the neighbouring office building and will stay). And the existing house is not that far above street level, leading me to believe the retaining wall and new staircase won't be as tall either.

 

[Ramako]

What's wrong with a wide staircase fronting the street? Nice place for a sit.

 

[Xray_Crystal_Junkie]

Nothing I suppose, but I'm not really a fan of the treatment two doors down at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.

 

[Ramako]

Nothing I suppose, but I'm not really a fan of the treatment two doors down at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.

I find that the wider stairs are, the more inviting they are. It's not easy to sit and eat lunch or have a smoke when you're blocking people's paths.

 

[urbandreamer]

16 March 2013:

 

[Xray_Crystal_Junkie]

Shitty cellphone pictures from just now:

 

[AlbertC]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roxxstarr/8974061829/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/roxxstarr/8975251034/

 

[rdaner]

Photos taken 19 March 2014.