Well, an HBC with glass wouldn't be the HBC we know today at all. There are lots of big glass podiums in the world and they just don't have the oppressive presence that the concrete HBCs of the world do. Once this place is done and prettified you'll have lots of warmth from the glow of lights within, plus some sleek cladding on the cinema walls (still publicly undisclosed materials) and a far bit of hustle and bustle with this place that will humanize it substantially. I just think you're kind of early with your critique.
In regards to KPMB, yes they are more conservative than S+P, and more in line with Diamond, and that's not bad company to be in, in my books. Sure Diamond has shown a lack of imagination in some of his recent designs, but KPMB is on par with his best stuff, and there's lots of Diamond to admire. KPMB has done great work in this city at the National Ballet School, at the Woodsworth College, at the Gardiner Museum... and there are more examples I can cite. This one looks to me like it will fit it's context well in terms of counterpoint to what's across the street, while looking like a film festival's headquarters. The windows are reminiscent of ribbons of celluloid, the bulk and heaviness of some elements will speak to the festival's importance, the sophisticated combination of all the elements scream 'show business', it's all gonna work, you'll see! (I sound like a shill for them now, I know, I just believe in this building.)
That said, I wish the film fest HQs was going up where Cruptal Blown are, but, what can you do?
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