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.
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47 comments:

  1. Lois EvensenApril 4, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Fascinating history of the architecture.

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  2. KathyApril 4, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    What a wonderful building!

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  3. Judy April 4, 2011 at 8:25 AM

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

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  4. xinexApril 4, 2011 at 8:33 AM

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

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  5. HalcyonApril 4, 2011 at 8:37 AM

    Love that red door!

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  6. DianneApril 4, 2011 at 9:17 AM

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

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  7. MichelleApril 4, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    Excellent carvings and I adore those bellcast eaves.

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  8. EbieApril 4, 2011 at 9:36 AM

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

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  9. LolaApril 4, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Fantastic, beautiful door!

    Happy RT!

    Lola:)

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  10. PhotographyApril 4, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Great architecture!

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  11. LúciaApril 4, 2011 at 11:48 AM

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

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  12. ShirleyApril 4, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    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. :)

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  13. AnonymousApril 4, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    What a cheerful door. Lovely!

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  14. Ms. BeckyApril 4, 2011 at 12:35 PM

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

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  15. Penelope NotesApril 4, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    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.

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  16. DutchbabyApril 4, 2011 at 1:43 PM

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

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  17. kayerjApril 4, 2011 at 1:48 PM

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

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  18. Reader WilApril 4, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    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!!

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  19. RandyApril 4, 2011 at 2:00 PM

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

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  20. LesleyApril 4, 2011 at 3:18 PM

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

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  21. UnknownApril 4, 2011 at 3:33 PM

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

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  22. MalyssApril 4, 2011 at 3:36 PM

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

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  23. Sylvia KApril 4, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    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

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  24. RedPatApril 4, 2011 at 3:45 PM

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

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  25. liberal sprinklesApril 4, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    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!

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  26. XaviApril 4, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    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!

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  27. GeorgeApril 4, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    I like this example of uniquely Canadian architecture.

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  28. Photo CacheApril 4, 2011 at 4:36 PM

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

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  29. UnknownApril 4, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    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

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  30. AnonymousApril 4, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Love the red door. Charmaine

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  31. RoseApril 4, 2011 at 8:04 PM

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

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  32. SandyCarlsonApril 4, 2011 at 8:55 PM

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

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  33. UnknownApril 4, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    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).

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  34. IndraniApril 4, 2011 at 9:25 PM

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

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  35. genieApril 4, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    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.

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  36. Yogi♪♪♪April 4, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    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.

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  37. Kai RuiApril 4, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    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

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  38. SerlineApril 5, 2011 at 12:52 AM

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

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  39. RoanApril 5, 2011 at 6:48 AM

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

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  40. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    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.

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  41. DarlaApril 5, 2011 at 8:10 AM

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

    Darla

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  42. LowellApril 5, 2011 at 8:52 AM

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

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  43. snowwhiteApril 5, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    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.

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  44. Kevin Oke PhotographyApril 5, 2011 at 12:02 PM

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

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  45. JanieApril 5, 2011 at 3:04 PM

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

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  46. Suburban GirlApril 6, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I love that they included the history in the architecture.

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  47. DhemzApril 6, 2011 at 9:15 PM

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

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