Monday, April 4, 2011

Uniquely Canadian/My World

Runnymede branch of the Toronto Public Library

Here you can see architectural elements inspired by Canada's First Nations traditions.  On either side of the front door are totem poles featuring stylized ravens (top), bears (middle) and beavers (bottom).

Front door facing Bloor Street, Toronto

The building, designed in 1929, also features French Canadian influences, combining to create a unique "Canadian" flavour. 

Second floor of the Runnymede branch

The steeply pitched roof is of black slate with bellcast eaves, a French tradition. The stonework is variegated, a combination of local red and yellow limestone.

I am linking to My World.

47 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

Fascinating history of the architecture.

Kathy said...

What a wonderful building!

Judy said...

Beautiful architecture...I love the "Canadian" flavor of the design. I have to comment that the gal in the photo looks a bit cold :)

xinex said...

Love the totem pole columns. Beautiful door!...Christine

Halcyon said...

Love that red door!

Dianne said...

the totem pole carvings are wonderful
and the person on the bench in a parka is a nice Canadian addition :)

Michelle said...

Excellent carvings and I adore those bellcast eaves.

Ebie said...

Unique architecture and artistry!
Nice spot to read in that bench during summer time.

Lola said...

Fantastic, beautiful door!

Happy RT!

Lola:)

Photography said...

Great architecture!

Lúcia said...

This is a wonderful building, love the details!
Hve a good new week!

Shirley said...

I love to read about and ejoy photos of about local architecture.

In answer to your question on The Gardening Life, no, Edmonton didn't get snow! Yay!! It is finally melting and this entire week looks great. Above zero!! Have a terrific week. :)

Anonymous said...

What a cheerful door. Lovely!

Ms. Becky said...

I love your architectural shots, and I love red doors even more. your world is beautiful.

Penelope Notes said...

The French tradition adds a nice twist to the work as does the First Nation element of totems. Gorgeous and strong looking building made all the more charming by its bright red door.

Dutchbaby said...

These captures are my cup of tea. How great that these public buildings incorporate the native art. Gorgeous!

kayerj said...

I love the old building with the pop of red to bring it right up to date :)

Reader Wil said...

How beautiful to use the same materials for these buildings as are used in Europe!
Thanks for the visit! Your welcome to visit Gouda, I live quite near it. So coffee at my place!!

Randy said...

That building is amazing. I love that red door. It's very eye catching.

Lesley said...

There are some beautiful libraries out there, and this is one of the more original.

Unknown said...

Good to see it again!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Malyss said...

Native art + french roof + bench = I love this architecture, this mood, this post!Great!

Sylvia K said...

Another great look at your world and what an lovely, interesting library! I love the architecture and that wonderful red door! Enjoy your week!

Sylvia

RedPat said...

You have been down to the city! You do get around. That is one of my favourite doors and buildings.

liberal sprinkles said...

I love the carvings on the totem poles, interesting way to integrate history and culture into a building. I bloghopped my way here, have a great day!

Xavi said...

Hi Tina,
Your post is magnificent as always, I like the building and the red door!
Now I'm traveling on the Pacific Coast of South America and I have little time for writing and viewing online.
Hope you have a nice day!

George said...

I like this example of uniquely Canadian architecture.

Photo Cache said...

I did notice a lot of totem poles in Vancouver. What a lovely thing to incorporate totem pole to the design.

Unknown said...

Love the architecture. I live in a historic town influenced by the French since our Cathedral was built by a French Priest as the first cathedral west of the Alleghanies. Planning on painting my front door red this spring.
QMM

Anonymous said...

Love the red door. Charmaine

Rose said...

Wow, that is one beautiful library!!! What a wonderful place to have.

SandyCarlson said...

That local flavor in the architecture is gorgeous. Thanks for calling attention to it.

Unknown said...

I do like red doors - so stunning. Pity I can't have mine red since I'm in an apartment (and there are too many rules).

Indrani said...

Totem poles are interesting. The red door is a wonderful contrast.

genie said...

Those bay windows with their curved roofs are so interesting. Usually I see pointed ones and not curved. Also, the totems being carved from stone are most impressive. I like that this type of work has its own name. The red door set off the library perfectly.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I love it all. I learned something new also, bellcast eaves. I'll be looking now, I'll have to look hard in Oklahoma I bet.

Kai Rui said...

was a nice place to visit...love your shots...visiting from My World...

would you mind visiting my entry
http://lovingoutliving.blogspot.com/2011/04/antulang-beach-resort.html

Serline said...

I remember similar fusion of influences on the architecture of various buildings when we visited the Canadian west coast during my honeymoon.

Roan said...

The totem pole is unique and interesting. Wonderful architecture. Love the red door.

Anonymous said...

The door itself is great with that bright red color and the multiple little windows. The totem makes it even better. Easy to imagine that they are guarding the door, making it safe for readers. I'm always delighted to see raven totems, they are a favorite.

Darla said...

Such an interesting building. Thanks for the little history on it as well.

Darla

Lowell said...

That is one gorgeous building! Do they still build 'em thataway up thar in Canada? They sure don't do it here!

snowwhite said...

This is a beautiful and impressive building. Different cultures stand side by side peacefully! Three-legged raven appears in Japanese myth based on nature worship.
I hope to visit this building someday.

Kevin Oke Photography said...

Beautiful architecture. Definitely very Canadian as well, love the red door.

Janie said...

I really like the architecture. Love the red door and totem pole facings!

Suburban Girl said...

I love that they included the history in the architecture.

Dhemz said...

totally gorgeous...great shots...thanks for dropping by my page.

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.