Valerie Gow Speaks at 2017 Doors Open Keynote Event 'What Is Canadian Architecture'

Alongside some of Canada’s most illustrious architects, Valerie Gow was tapped by the City of Toronto to present her take on ‘What Is Canadian Architecture’ to kickoff this year’s 2017 Doors Open, a marquee event that offers free and rare access to 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city. Hosted in partnership with the Toronto Society of Architects, the ‘pecha-kucha’ style talk takes place at the Unilever Factory, now known as East Harbour, in central Toronto. The storied venue, overlooking the Don River, provides an exciting backdrop for panelists to debate the state and identity of Canadian architecture. Other speakers include A.J. Diamond, Omar Gandhi, Murray Legge, Susan Scott, Pierre Thibault, and moderated by Beth Kapusta.

From the event’s press release:

Canada’s landscape is vast and varied, with immense distances separating communities and cities. Much like the diversity that defines the country's identities and geographies, many Canadians embrace multiculturalism rather than assimilation. However, this is not the viewpoint of all, nor entirely representative of Canadian Culture.

Buildings and spaces created by Canadian architects illustrate and illuminate the many varied perspectives of Canadian identity – but, does a distinctly Canadian voice exist in Canadian architecture? A diverse group of leading architects from across the nation (and beyond) debate this in acknowledgement of Canada's 150th birthday.

(Photo credit: Stephen Evans. From the Series: Vestige, the Former Unilever Factory, Toronto / Liquid Storage Tanks, 6th Floor, Finishing Building)