Evening lighting

Had an interesting walk tonight in my hometown of Waterloo, and I reminded myself that perspective, lighting and the right architectural gesture placed in the right place can make all the difference between something mediocre and something great! Here's to pushing the envelope to get great architecture.

Excitement in the air for Nuit Blanche in Toronto!

Very fortunate to see the preparation of an exciting exhibit this weekend for Nuit Blanche by artist Ai Weiwei. Something to see for sure. Check out their website: http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/

Cool volumes in TO

This caught my eye for the simple shapes that create some interesting architectural volumes. Nice play with colours and simple cladding system as well!
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

ROM - Signature architecture

Have to say this has got to be one of the most photogenic buildings I've ever seen. It has so many great angles to take it from!
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Toronto pics

Still wanting to figure out what's best for my blog, but in the meantime I had the urge to put up some pics. Enjoy!
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Waterloo Region Museum

Just got to spend a great day with family in a beautiful space! It brought to mind that something I have noticed about Canadian architecture that just sings, is the incredible attention to details on their interiors. Seeing that a majority of our time is spent on the insides of a building, I think it makes sense that architects become heavily involved in the design of a well thought out interior public space.

Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Love the outdoors!

The Toronto waterfront has ways to go yet before it feels truly connected to the rest of the city. But have to say that this piece of sculpture/boardwalk is definitely a great way to go in making the waterfront more of a pedestrian friendly and enjoyable public space!
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Fun bench idea!

Couldn't resist to put these pics up! I keep saying how public art can make such a difference! What more need I say. Have a look for yourselves on how a small side entrance gets transformed into an outdoor gallery and seating area.
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Happy February!

Its a nice snowy day and perfect time to post some pics I've been meaning to get to. I really like this space because of the umbrella like feeling it gives while walking between buildings. Instead of being an alley way it becomes a great space, protected from the elements and inviting to pedestrian traffic.
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Where I want my Blog/Brand/Business to be in five years. - c/o Cocktail Deeva!

What a crazy trip it has been from the start of this blog. It is hard to understand the journey clearly, but somehow I am now legally entitled to call myself an INTERN ARCHITECT! Wow! What does that mean you might ask? Darn if I know, except somewhere along the line design and the art of making things are bound to get involved. So here I am in the midst of yet a transformational stage in my career where I am wanting to exit the ivory tower of academia and face the real world head on with all the energy I can muster! I LOVE Architecture, and one thing I have noticed is that Canada has some incredibly unique and wonderful perspectives on architecture.

So where do I want my Blog/Brand/Business to be in five years? Well, quite simply, I would love to have it be part of a greater online social media community. I want the discussions of Architecture to touch the child, the parent, the mailperson, everyday people that are surrounded by Architecture but don’t yet recognize how it’s affecting them. I want to be able to share and borrow some exciting, titillating, exhilarating and passionate views on the world we live in through the eye of camera, photographer, with words that can paint new views of the environment, share ideas that can be inspiring and hear of opinions that will bring new forms and meanings to the contemporary setting of ARCHITECTURE or a.k.a. places/building where we live, work and play!

I’m excited about this possibility! I think everyone can participate in this discussion and should. We can envision together a world that can inspire us and be better for us.

My blog has been an instrument of reflection and academic jargon. I forsee this “non contest” as an opportunity to communicate these reflections in a new way. A trendy way. As my wife would describe, “a down to earth way”. A look that appeals and a language that connects with a wider audience.

Thank you to Dee Brun for providing this opportunity and kick starting my imagination to where my blog could go and be in five years. Don’t let my drab blogging appearance deceive you. My extreme makeover has been needing a priority shift for a while but I’ve been a busy Dad of 3 great kids ages 7 - 11, student for over a decade and now commuter to Toronto, ON for a stunning Architecture firm, Cannon Design, while living in Waterloo, ON. I’m the sole provider for my growing family and prioritizing those wonderful life joys has sucked up all my creative juggling juices. However, now seems to be the time because the opportunity presented itself and for this opportunity Dee, I’m most grateful.

Fun Public Space

I think its great to keep finding surprise public spaces tucked away in every corner of Toronto. I wish we would think more thoroughly thru these spaces and add more value to the need for them besides throwing up some signage and adding public art as a focal point. Not that these are horrible things, but they're more of a starting point in my mind. The design of urban infrastructure is simply not given a high enough value in Canada, we need to value these spaces as community building opportunities and not thru-way transition spaces or commercialized pedestrian streets. It would be nice to externalize more the interior public commodities of community life instead of keeping them physically bound by impermeable thresholds that let light in only. Just a thought...
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Sculpture integrated with nature

Ran across this beautiful steel sculptural canopy today and it literally stopped me in my tracks. Here was an example of what I've been playing in my mind with of an architectural space that could inspire and provide opportunity for contemplative rest. A great spot to read a book or to simply meet and chat. I am looking for inspiration for mini-libraries along the KW iron horse trail and low and behold here it is on my pathway to work! Coincidence, I think not...
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC

Miscellaneous

Explored the underbelly of Toronto this week and went a little further a field. Mixture of pics, no theme, just something that caught my fancy from one day to the next. Fun walk abouts!
Andre Arseneault, B.A.S., M.Arch, MRAIC