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<title>blogTO Recent Comments: Kazakhstani Developer Unveils Plans for  'International Icon' at Yonge and Bloor: You Like?</title>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/feed/recentcomments/?4893</link>
<description>Comments recently made in this post on blogTO</description>
<copyright>Copyright 2009</copyright>
<lastBuildDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:33:18 PST</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>YYES</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Is it not true that this project is now on hold indefinately?]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c444885</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c444885</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:13:30 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>louise</title>
<description><![CDATA[
That was for pansy ryder!!]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c423373</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c423373</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:56:50 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>louise</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Would you happen to know Varacalli to make such a strong statement what is the truth?  That he did not design the Marilyn Monroe tower?  That was never a secret merely an omission from the author. Tx.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c423372</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c423372</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:54:49 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>pansy ryder</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Hey Marc, i dont know where you came from but thank god some is telling the truth about varacalli.... ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c385799</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c385799</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:13:39 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ali</title>
<description><![CDATA[
There are no pelecan crossing markings at that intersection as far as I know. It's been 6 years since I lived there, but I dont remember a single pelecan crossing in all of Toronto.
Also the buildings in the background.

By the way, the design is typical of the simplist and cheapest attempts at being elegant in Dubai. I shwoosh here, and a curve there. Nothing well crafted to be honest.

I have worked in British firm cranking out that sort of stuff for the mid-East and believe me they put very little thought into the design.

Kazakhstan and for that matter pan-turkic developers are in a boom at the moment and model themselves on the tacky slap happy gulf style as they are searching for a rapid economical explosion.

Why can't any local Toronto firms better this design? Sad how Toronto feels it needs foreign architects to lend it credibility, while local architects crank out boring safe designs.

Other than that....it's pretty I guess, just not my taste.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c242440</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c242440</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:45:52 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Dana</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I just saw the latest renderings for this building and am furious!!  They are dull. Another boxy-looking, mediocre building. This is simply NOT GOOD ENOUGH for this very Why do we have to put up with this? This is unacceptable!  We should not put up with this. We deserve a truly gorgeous, breathtaking landmark building here. This city's standards are too low. It is incredibly disappointing. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c238811</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c238811</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:22:00 PST</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Gary</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Anybody who is happy with the state of architecture and urban design in Toronto, is either an idiot or just doesn't give a shit. It's about time the public and our politicians demanded more of the developers who become richer, while the city sinks deeper into mediocrity. Toronto is not the same city it was 10 years ago. We are ready for some bold and original architecture. Now, if only our mayor and city councillors would force developers to build quality buildings, we might actually become a decent looking city. So far, all we hear is empty talk from our mayor, about "the beautiful city". The Bay Centre across the street is dreadful! It destroys that whole corner. It has to be totally redesigned, along with the Royal Bank, to make this intersection the important place it should be. We need to make our mayor realize that Torontonians care about architecture and urban design. It's time to act.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c231067</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c231067</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 02:54:44 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>xydean</title>
<description><![CDATA[
First thing. What's wrong with the picture? The cars ar driving on the right hand side... I guess the renderer lives in London or Hong Kong.

About the building, it's a nice, I think it would look pretty good on the corner... but I think any more high rise development above 20 storeys in the immediate would really kill off the street life in the area.

High rises have their place but you need an icon (even something like 100-120 storeys) surrounded by low to medium sized buildings just to give it a proper scale.

That's the problem with Toronto right now... everything's going up at 40-60 storeys and pretty soon you'll have a forest of almost identical buildings dotting the landscape.

The other problem is the streets... how boring can you make this city? You've got old crumbling sidewalks and roads, and wherever you look downtown there's some bland looking storefront, coffee shop, or parking lot. barely anything else. Where are the parks? Where are the tree lined streets? Where is the little bit of nature everyone needs? For every development going up the developer should have to put up about 20-40% of public space either as part of the site or adjacent or within 50-100m of the building site.

This city is amazing when you compare it to many large cities in the world, but the guys running it have no sense of urban planning... you don't need a lot money to build a great city, just good planning, high standards and a bit of backbone when it comes to dealing with stingy developers.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c230869</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c230869</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:36:37 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>xydean</title>
<description><![CDATA[
First thing. What's wrong with the picture? The cars ar driving on the right hand side... I guess the renderer lives in London or Hong Kong.

About the building, it's a nice, I think it would look pretty good on the corner... but I think any more high rise development above 20 storeys in the immediate would really kill off the street life in the area.

High rises have their place but you need an icon (even something like 100-120 storeys) surrounded by low to medium sized buildings just to give it a proper scale.

That's the problem with Toronto right now... everything's going up at 40-60 storeys and pretty soon you'll have a forest of almost identical buildings dotting the landscape.

The other problem is the streets... how boring can you make this city? You've got old crumbling sidewalks and roads, and wherever you look downtown there's some bland looking storefront, coffee shop, or parking lot. barely anything else. Where are the parks? Where are the tree lined streets? Where is the little bit of nature everyone needs? For every development going up the developer should have to put up about 20-40% of public space either as part of the site or adjacent or within 50-100m of the building site.

This city is amazing when you compare it to many large cities in the world, but the guys running it have no sense of urban planning... you don't need a lot money to build a great city, just good planning, high standards and a bit of backbone when it comes to dealing with stingy developers.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c230868</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c230868</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:35:35 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Vicky</title>
<description><![CDATA[
We are just sick of ugly, unimaginative buildings being allowed to be built. It is ruining our city. We are pathetic when compared architecturally to just about any great city in the world. Let's stop and start building beautiful buildings worthy of our great city.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c222335</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c222335</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:34:39 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Eric Boudheir</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I can't believe Torontonians on this blog are so upset with this design. I think its great and we don't need anything extravegant, leave that for the cityplace area if they so choose. I think its a perfect height and brings a new kind feel. For example I'm in my early 20's I would like to live in that area where I'm on the subway and close to pretty much everything. I couldn't see myself living in yorkville for two reasons:
1. I'm not accustomed to the high end life style (yuppy)
2. Even if I could get adjusted I'm not comfortable with the $1,000 + a foot its going to cost by 2011

I am curious as to what Bazis International wants per square foot for these condominiums. I've been trying to guess a range, but this building is very unique. If I look South East, the prices are around $400 - 500 ft, North West $800+... I wonder where this is going to come in at any educated guesses? ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c203001</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c203001</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:52:26 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Andrew (author)</title>
<description><![CDATA[
JesseT, None of those people are elected except the Mayor and Kyle Rae of course.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c184170</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c184170</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2007 16:14:16 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>JesseT</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Please make note of the following elected officials and contact them regularly to let them know that the current state of our city is unacceptable and that we demand high standards in urban design and architecture. 

They must hear from us regularly! 

Ted Tyndorf
Chief Planner and Executive Director of City Planning
email: ttyndorf@toronto.ca
tel: (416) 392-8772 

Robert Freedman
Director, Urban Design, Planning Division, City of Toronto
email: rfreedm@toronto.ca
tel: (416)-392-1126 

Eric Pedersen, Program Manager Urban Design at email: epederse@toronto.ca
tel:(416) 392 1130

Chris Phibbs Senior Advisor to Mayor David Miller email:cphibbs@toronto.ca
tel:416-338-7106 

Mayor David Miller
email: mayor_miller@toronto.ca
tel: 416-397-CITY (2489)

Kyle Rae
City Councillor for Ward 27 Toronto Centre – Rosedale
City Hall
email: councillor_rae@toronto.ca
Tel: 416-392-7903 


]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c176707</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c176707</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:41:46 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Tamas</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Does anyone know if there is a new design for this building? The above design is not only mediocre, but tacky and we cannot afford anything short of architectural excellence at this corner. 

We are destroying our city and any potential for it to become a beautify city by allowing so many  ugly, cheap, crappy buildings to be built everywhere. 

We cannot afford to  allow another mediocre building to be built. Especially not here!!

This corner demands a building which is extraordinary and breathtaking. We deserve excellence. Let's not settle for anything less again please! 
]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c175868</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c175868</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2007 23:26:19 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>ld</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I hope they vastly improve the design of this building. This design is ridiculously tacky. 

Why the hell does this city keep allowing cheap and tacky buildings to be built?? I'm getting really discouraged that Toronto is never going to be a beautiful city with all the mediocre junk being built everywhere. I agree that we simply cannot allow any more third rate buildings to go up. They are destroying our city and our politicians are letting it happen. There needs to be way more public pressure and media attention for higher standards in architecture and urban design in Toronto. Haven't we had enough already? ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c172583</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c172583</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2007 23:03:06 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Vicky</title>
<description><![CDATA[
"As a City we must learn to despise mediocrity. We can't accept what we've accepted in the past. 'Good enough' is no longer good enough."
Mayor David Miller
Architecture and Urban Design Awards, May 16, 2005
-----

This is what David Miller said in 2005.

In June 2006 City Council directed City Planning to establish the Design Review Panel Pilot Project for a test period in pilot areas in each District of the City. 

The purpose of this new initiative is to improve the design quality of the public realm which is an expressed goal of the Official Plan and City Council's Beautiful City Initiative. The Pilot Project is tailored to Toronto and builds on the successes of other Canadian and international cities with Design Review Panels. 

SO........WHERE IS THIS DESIGN REVIEW PANEL WITH RESPECT TO 1 BLOOR STREET EAST????  

WE SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE ANOTHER BORING MONSTROSITY BUILT -- ESPECIALLY AT THIS VERY IMPORTANT INTERSECTION!!!!!!!

PLEASE EMAIL KYLE RAE AND DAVID MILLER ABOUT THIS MATTER. NOTHING WILL CHANGE IN THIS CITY IF THE CITIZENS OF TORONTO DON'T DEMAND HIGHER STANDARDS. 
]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c155512</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c155512</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2007 11:49:54 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rob Baldwin</title>
<description><![CDATA[
It will look strange to have only one 80-storey tower on the south east corner on Yonge & Bloor, and low buildings on all the other corners. 

There will be no symmetry at this intersection. It will look lopsided. You'll look up and -- wow -- suddenly there will be a really tall building sprouting out of this intersection without any context.

It would be great to get rid of the Stollery's on the south west side and have a well thought-out design with two buildings interplaying at the intersection.

There are two luxury condo buildings currently going up in New York's Upper West Side (100 and Broadway) that are a fantastic example of how very tall buildings can fit into a street with low level buildings and really work. 
Since they are right across the street from each other, they provide balance, symmetry and incredible design and are really awesome to behold. 

Or look at the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle in Manhattan for an idea of a perfectly well thought out design for a luxury shopping center and skyscrapers. It is absolutely stunning.

But hey, I know, most buildings and neighborhoods in Toronto are built without thinking too much about context or the surrounding neighborhood.
  ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c148465</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c148465</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2007 18:56:57 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Rob Baldwin</title>
<description><![CDATA[
No, I don't like. I mean look at it. There is nothing special or appealing about this building, except for the fact that it is really tall. 

I agree with the people above who said that this corner deserves a mind-blowing, gorgeous building -- something that tourists will seek out and residents will be proud of. 

This is mediocre design. And I am tired of seeing mediocre design EVERYWHERE in this city. 

We are aspiring to be a world class city aren't we?  Well, if we are, then let's raise our standards and start thinking like a world class city. ]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c148443</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c148443</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2007 18:16:56 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Jean Philippe</title>
<description><![CDATA[
I agree. Toronto needs to crawl out of it's shell and start demanding excellence. Torontonians need to raise the bar on what they allow to be built in the city. The city is one of the ugliest cities of its size that I have seen anywhere in the world. 

The design of this building in Toronto's core is DULL and CONVENTIONAL. Ho hum. Boring. What a wasted opportunity!!

I've lived in Manhattan, London and currently live in Tokyo. These cities aspire to greatness and their architecture and artistic endeavors reflect that.  

Toronto is content with mediocrity. Mediocrity is safe. Mediocrity is easy. Mediocrity doesn't require too much effort.  Torontonians are not even aware of how far they lag behind other cities. 

I hope this isn't the final design for this building. The people of Toronto shouldn't compromise or settle for sub-standard things any longer. 

Wake up Toronto and look at what other cities in the world are doing. You are far, far behind and you will never become a world class city with this outlook and with these ill-conceived, half-hearted, small-minded projects.
]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c143728</link>
<guid>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c143728</guid>
<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2007 21:43:54 PDT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title>Viktor</title>
<description><![CDATA[
Below are some excerpts from Chris Hume's article in the Star...

Some causes for concern in condo design
April 21, 2007
Christopher Hume

If condo design were as strong as condo sales, Toronto would be one of the most amazing architectural cities in North America.

The bad news is that it isn't. The good news is that it continues to get better.

Unlike Mississauga, Toronto still doesn't have a Marilyn Monroe, a spectacular and iconic building chosen from entries to an international design competition. On the other hand, unlike Mississauga, the situation in Toronto is more urban and, therefore, more contextual.

One of the tiny handful of occasions in the city is the site on the southeast corner of Bloor and Yonge Sts., one of the most important intersections in Toronto.

Several proposals have come forward in the last few years, but now Bazis International, a development company based – are you ready? – in Kazakhstan, has announced it will proceed with an 80-storey hotel/condo atop a low-rise retail podium.

So far so good; the site remains ridiculously underused and if any property in the city calls out for densification, this is it.

Problem is that architecture isn't up to the location... More work is needed on the project, so let's hope that what finally gets built will be better than the drawings we've seen.

Interesting, too, that when city council approved the project four years ago, it was a completely different scheme. Only the height remains the same, but that seems to be only thing city planners and politicians care about. This is hardly the way to build a great city.

But then, that's something we gave up on a long time ago. Even our beauty-minded mayor, David Miller, has done nothing but talk about the possibilities. His inaction on, among other places, the waterfront, reveals Miller to be just another bottom-line vote-getter, not a civic leader.

 ---------------------------

And here is what John Bentley Mays has to say in the Globe and Mail on Friday April 20, 2007

John Bentley Mays
The city's central junction deserves a building that defies the standard grid.

From Friday's Globe and Mail

For more than 200 years, the junction of Bloor and Yonge streets has been a key orientation point for those of us who live in this part of the world. But despite its historical importance, the intersection has gotten precious little architectural respect over the years. It's today little more than a smudgy comma in the street grid, marked by low, mean buildings of no architectural merit, the ugly hulk of the Hudson's Bay store, and a couple of dismal high-rise office towers.

The outstanding mediocrity of Bloor and Yonge has been under attack for a few years now. In early 2005, a sleek 60-storey proposal was floated for 1 Bloor St. East — currently the site of a shabby building that is home to a botox clinic and other little enterprises — by the Toronto firm, Young + Wright Architects.

Then, ownership of the place changed. Its new developer, Bazis International, a company with origins in Kazakhstan, has recently come forward with its own vision of what should happen at 1 Bloor East: a shopping, hotel and residential complex topping out at nearly 80 storeys, designed by Toronto artist and architect Roy Varacalli. (Mr. Varacalli recently became design chief at Bazis.)

The size of the $450-million tower is right, if what Toronto wants for Yonge Street is the kind of strong, urbane identity that tall buildings can confer. I, for one, will miss the tacky souvenir and gadget shops that have long flourished along Yonge south of Bloor, and that may well disappear as the strip becomes classier — though I also think it's probably time for them to go elsewhere.

The architect's scheme features a four-level base for retail shopping, which anchors the building firmly in the high-end commercial culture of Bloor Street West. Around this bright platform will sweep a double strip of loosely looping fabric embedded with light-emitting diodes, sparkling with advertising messages. This lively, chic treatment of the building at street level will be a welcome change from Bloor West's more usual store fronts, which tend to be just the homely first floors of dowdy buildings.

Having established a firm relationship with the street and street life in its first four levels, the tower then soars up to a tall crest of sharp fins. There are three vertical elements in Mr. Varacalli's tower composition (which includes a luxury hotel and some 500 condominium residences). One of these volumes, wholly enclosed by translucent glass balconies, and concave in curvature, faces west. Another, also wrapped in balconies, but uncurved, faces east along Bloor. Both these volumes rise alongside a central blade of glass and tile that finally culminates in the building's crown.

But this façade is not quite as simple as I'm making it sound. As it rises from the base, the mass of the west-facing element slides away from the central blade, leaning toward downtown, while the east-facing volume performs a similar slight bow in the direction of suburbia. These very large slides and bends in space should make the tower sprightly, dynamic — an exclamation point in the urban grid of streets and blockish buildings, a beacon marking the significance of Bloor and Yonge, and of the key subway intersection below the streets.

In making these unusual façade gestures, Mr. Varacalli is allying himself with a new generation of architectural designers weary of the modernist box and all its variations. They have come out of school armed with powerful design and production software that allows — and definitely encourages — architects to dream of buildings that twist and bend, bow and slide. New engineering techniques and technologies have opened the way to make these dreams real and concrete — meaning that, over the next few years, we can expect to see more and more buildings that defy the standard grid.

My lingering problem with Mr. Varacalli's design lies in its caution with regard to this prevailing avant-gardism in skyscraper aesthetics. If the architect wants to give us glitz and swing, let's have glitz and swing with a vengeance. Prudence is surely not appropriate for the corner of Bloor and Yonge, which cries out for a highly unusual, striking design that will throw down a dare to future developers at the intersection.

The good news here is that the picture of 1 Bloor East recently released by Bazis International is not the absolute last word about this project. In an interview last week, Mr. Varacalli said the design process will go on for a few more months. We can hope that this promising scheme gains in daring and ambition, and that the crossing of Bloor and Yonge gets the landmark tower it badly needs.]]>
</description>
<link>http://www.blogto.com/city/2007/04/kazakhstani_developer_unveils_plans_for_international_icon_at_yonge_and_bloor_you_like/#c142323</link>
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<category>Toronto, City</category>
<pubDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2007 00:41:12 PDT</pubDate>
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