The Gardiner Museum designed by KPMB Architects is the only ceramic museum in Canada. Located in downtown Toronto, the Gardiner Museum is part of the city's push towards a cultural renaissance; the museum is only a short walk from both the prestigious Royal Ontario Museum and the Royal Conservatory of Music.
The design of the Gardiner Museum by KPMB Architects drew upon the initial structure. The materials chosen and the new look of the facade creates a more harmonious relationship between the museum and the other buildings in the neighborhood. By thinking about how the Gardiner Museum would fit within its neighborhood, KPMB ultimately was positioning the institution as a key component to Toronto's new cultural identity.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Ceramic Architecture
- Exploring the use of ceramics in architectural design presents opportunities for the development of sustainable and customizable building materials.
- Community-based Cultural Institutions
- Developing cultural institutions that are responsive to the local context and needs represents an opportunity for creating shared experiences and promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Cultural Districts
- Creating clusters of cultural institutions in urban areas can generate economic growth, foster innovation, and enrich the quality of life in the community.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- Architects can explore the use of ceramics in building design and the creation of community-focused cultural institutions.
- Tourism
- The development of cultural districts can attract tourists and foster economic growth in urban areas.
- Arts and Culture
- Arts and culture organizations can partner with local institutions to develop community-focused programming that reflects the city's diversity and fosters a sense of belonging.
