Behind the Build Special Edition: Moriyama Teshima Architects - Ontario Science Centre

Special Edition:
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Moriyama Teshima Architects released a statement that they would provide pro-bono architectural services for whatever would be required of the provincial government of Ontario, Canada, to repair the Ontario Science. This came in the wake of the sudden closure of the facility by the provincial government on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The Background:
Moriyama Teshima Architects was started in 1958 by founder Raymond Moriyama, but with a different name. Despite the first project he designed being a cottage in Algonquin, and with little background in institutional work, he was awarded a Centennial Project by the province, the Ontario Science Centre.
And so, in 1964, he began his design with the hopes to celebrate its opening in 1967, marking the 100 year anniversary of Canada. The Science Centre opened on September 26, 1969.
Today, nearly 55 years later, the provincial government of Ontario has deemed taken an engineering report and interpreted it in a way that has led to their closing of the well-travelled facitility. A tactile and engaging place for children to learn, families and schools to travel to for an immersive experience, and a beacon of architectural significance in the city of Toronto, it is on the brink of being re-developed and potentially moved.
Listen to this week's special edition of Behind the Build, where Brian Rudy, partner at Moriyama Teshima Architects, provides insights into the history, the experience, anecdotes and the practices commitment to the resolution, as well as insights into the engineering report created by Rimkus.
(I made some mistakes in qualifying Raymond's age during the podcast, he was in fact 35 when he designed the Science Centre; and he was 40 when it was complete)
Additional News:
Canadian Architect: Elsa Lam -
www.canadianar...
The Globe & Mail: Alex Bozikovic -
www.theglobean...
Azure Magazine: Elizabeth Pagliacolo, Stefan Novakovic, Eric Mutrie -
www.azuremagaz...
Infrastructure Ontario:
www.infrastruc...
Save the Science Centre:
savesciencecen...

[@thesilentangel8299]

I was heartbroken when the news broke that the OSC was closed abruptly.
I really really really hope that the provincial government accepts the offers of funding and pro-bono services.
I came here after reading the latest update statement from the Moriyama Tesha architects about putting together a team and reaching out to the governments and Infrastructure Ontario.
So again I really hope that the government is listening and will accept it!

[@BehindTheBuildByWaldenHomes]

I'm with you in terms of hoping they can reflect on the decision they made and reverse it. Sadly, based on the history of governments once a decision is made, they rarely, if ever reverse their decisions. We must do whatever we can to provide a rational reason as to why they need to do so.
Thank you for listening to this episode!

[@thesilentangel8299]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@BehindTheBuildByWaldenHomes
Oh I agree. However, there is some hope because this government has reversed its decision before with the Green Belt, so I am hoping beyond hope that the same can happen here, but the pressure must be relentless and so loud that the government cannot ignore the outcry. Also I am still sad that Moriyama’s “Temple Bell” monument in Ontario Place was demolished. I am fortunate to have visited it once but still, the destruction of that monument and possibly the Science Center leaves a hole and to me, makes it look like they want to erase Moriyama’s legacy for *checks notes* ….an expensive spa…?
Also I enjoyed this episode, it’s cool to learn about the man behind some the iconic buildings here.

[@thesilentangel8299]

@@BehindTheBuildByWaldenHomesUPDATE: Wtf did I just witness at the press conference?

[@thesilentangel8299]

I have returned here after the latest news conference by the Premier to say that unfortunately he isn’t changing his mind and also he even called the building “old and decrepit” which feels like insult to injury.
He didn’t even respond to questions about the offers to fix the place up, which really makes the whole thing stink of corruption to the high heavens.
EDIT: There will be a press conference on Thursday to update the public on the OSC and talk about more problems that it had other than the roof.

[@BehindTheBuildByWaldenHomes]

It's unfortunate that the plans the province have for the Science Centre aren't susceptible to the same regulations every other development has to overcome, including the TRCA, Forestry, Conservation Authority, etc.
This is an example of what your government can't do for you.

[@thesilentangel8299]

The plans for Ontario Place are also not susceptible to the same checks and balances as well due to the Rebuilding Ontario Place Act that is currently being challenged in court by Ontario Place Protectors.
I hope the challenge goes through and is not rejected because this could be a big step towards stopping the Ontario Place spa and consequently the destruction and moving of the OSC.

[@thesilentangel8299]

I have returned once again after the Premier basically insulted the entire neighbourhood the OSC resides in and put words into the opposition’s mouth.
He’s just adamant to demolish the science centre! It survived a rainstorm and STILL they insist that it cannot be opened!

[@BehindTheBuildByWaldenHomes]

I know. This likely won't change, sadly. Check out Elsa Lam's article from this past Monday where she debunks EVERYTHING the province suggested at the presser.
I will be having her on the podcast with a release in the next 2 months. She's been involved in the architecture community for a really long time, highly respected and highly reputable.
www.canadianarchitect.com/as-province-edges-towards-demolition-of-science-centre-documents-point-to-a-manufactured-crisis/

[@thesilentangel8299]

@@BehindTheBuildByWaldenHomesShe was also covering a bit about Ontario Place too, I think.