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Claude Watson School for the Arts (An Architectural View)
Building: Claude Watson School for the Arts

Client: Toronto District School Board

Architect: Kohn Shnier Architects Inc.

Status: completed 2007

Awards: Award of Excellence, Urban Design Awards, 2008

LEED Status: LEED Silver

The Claude Watson School for the Arts is a hidden gem in the North York Toronto area. The building seats boldly off the intersection of Yonge st and Spring Garden ave and adjacent to the high rise booming development condos which arguably might have influenced its character as will be discussed (FIG 1). The building was constructed in 2007 and designed by Kohn Shnier Architects for the Toronto District School Board. The building is sited alongside a suburban secondary road which is adjacent to high density, high rise residential buildings. In response, the project is a simple and compact form with a strong street presence while presenting an image of performance and accessibility. Sited adjacent to a low density suburban neighbourhood and high density, high-rise residential buildings, the simple and compact form of Claude Watson School for the Arts respectfully maintains a strong street presence at a variety of scales. The school accommodates students from grades 4 to 8 under the Toronto District School Board system with a specialization in training fine arts and performing art students. With a 50,000 square footage, the building program includes staff and technical facilities, conventional class rooms, music rooms, drama rooms, art rooms, a small gymnasium and multipurpose room. The design garbs attentions with the aluminum braise soleil hexagonal structure of the facade which at first glance could be read as a giant honey comb. The character of the facade becomes more interesting with the projection of a floating volume (third floor) with pilotis reminiscent of Le Corbusier Villa Savoye Facade and entrance. (FIG 2) This projecting volume creates a shaded open space with stairs that form entrance design. On its location the building adds more character to the ambience of an already vibrant neighbourhood consisting of steel and glass condo towers. It uses the play of modern materials such as aluminum and coloured metal panels in a design light that creates a blend with the surrounding buildings and proposed developments on the street. Its use of simple geometries gives it a natural form that respectfully maintains a strong street charisma

Refrences
I  http://www.architypereview.com/ar_v04_n03_kohn-shnier-cwsfta.php     OCT- 20-2010 II http://www.archidose.org/Oct07/01/dose.html  OCT- 20-2010 III http://www.architypereview.com/ar_v04_n03_kohn-shnier-cwsfta.php    OCT- 20-2010 IV http://www.architypereview.com/ar_v04_n03_kohn-shnier-cwsfta.php    OCT- 20-2010 V  Philp jodidio, Architecturenow vol2, Taschen, 2008