Sharp Centre For Design / Will Alsop

Architects: Will Alsop, Robbie / Young + Wright Architects
Area: 100,000 ft² – 300,000 ft²
Year: 2004
Photographs: Will Alsop, Helena Ariza, Richard Johnson, Courtesy of aLL Design
Structural Engineer: Carruthers & Wallace Limited, Paul Sandford
Construction Company: PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
Construction Manager: Jeff Murva
Steel Fabricator: Walters Inc.
Budget: $10M – 50M
Funding: OCAD, benefactors Rosalie and Isadore Sharp (for whom the building is named), The Ontario Province
City: Toronto
Country: Canada

The Sharp Centre for Design, a striking educational building designed by Will Alsop for OCAD University in Toronto, introduced a bold and unconventional design. Completed in 2004, the building stands elevated on colorful stilts, hovering over the campus and creating a public space beneath. Initially met with surprise and controversy, the structure features a black-and-white pixelated façade reminiscent of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Alsop’s design aimed to break from Toronto’s monotonous architecture and integrate with the neighborhood by preserving open views and enhancing Grange Park. The building’s completion marked a turning point in the city’s architectural landscape, earning international recognition and sparking an increase in OCAD University’s enrollment. Though the interior wasn’t accessible, future plans include a renovation to align the interior with its iconic exterior.

There is nothing in architecture books that says it cannot be fun. I think color has a very direct effect on the way we behave and the way we feel [1].

– Will Alsop

The Sharp Centre for Design in Toronto stands as a testament to bold architectural expression. Though its colorful stilts and black-and-white pixelated façade bear no resemblance to the surrounding buildings, it commands attention above the OCAD University campus. Initially not a must-see destination, the Sharp Centre’s vibrant design—often likened to the Centre Pompidou—proved to be a pleasant surprise.

The Sharp Centre for Design, often referred to as a playful ‘tabletop,’ became the flagship building of OCAD University in the early 2000s. This began when British architect Will Alsop visited Toronto in 2000 to discuss the project. At the time, Toronto’s architecture was seen as competent but rather dull, a fact that didn’t escape Alsop’s attention. Disturbed by the city’s architectural monotony, he aimed to break away from tradition and inject a sense of freshness into the urban landscape. The outcome of this vision is evident in the Sharp Centre’s distinctive design, which appears to have fulfilled its intended purpose.

I have gone away from the idea of what architecture should be. My job is to discover what architecture could be [1].

– Will Alsop

The Sharp Centre for Design is located directly in front of Grange Park, an area now appreciated by local residents. However, when plans for the building were first introduced, there was significant opposition from the community, as they feared the new construction would reduce the available open space.

The ground should be given to people and gardens, not buildings. It would make our cities much happier [1].

– Will Alsop

Alsop responded by elevating the structure and turning the ground floor into a public plaza. This solution not only preserved the neighborhood’s views but also provided a welcoming public space. Exploring the surroundings of the Sharp Centre for Design, the striking view of the main entrance street stood out, with the iconic CN Tower visible in the background.

Walking down the street and through the area beneath the building, it became clear one of its key strengths lies in its role as a unique gateway to Grange Park. Beyond this, the Sharp Centre for Design also serves as a distinctive backdrop to the green space.

The Sharp Centre for Design marked a turning point in Toronto’s architectural landscape. Since its opening in 2004, it has become one of the five most influential buildings in the city. Despite facing early criticism, the Sharp Centre for Design has evolved into an iconic symbol of contemporary architecture. In the same year as its debut, the building received the Worldwide Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), praised for being “courageous, bold, and just a little insane.” This was not the only award the building received, as it gained significant popularity both in Toronto and internationally for its original design. The Sharp Centre for Design became an ideal space for teaching Art and Design, as reflected in the increased enrollment at OCAD University following its opening.

The interior of the Sharp Centre for Design contrasts with its bold exterior. The spaces inside are described as overly compartmentalized, with some noting that the layout does not convey the sensation of being inside a raised structure. While the exterior is eccentric and striking, the interior reportedly lacks the same sense of openness and innovation. OCAD University is working on a project to expand its campus and renovate several existing buildings, including a complete interior renovation of the Sharp Centre for Design. The renovations will take some time to be completed. In the meantime, visitors to Toronto can still enjoy the views of the Sharp Centre for Design from Grange Park. Once the work is finished, the updated interiors will offer a new experience for those exploring the area.

Reference

[1] Vladimir Belogolovsky. “Will Alsop: “That’s the Art of Architecture—Putting Everything Together in Your Own Way”” 17 May 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed 8 Oct 2024. https://www.archdaily.com/894634/will-alsop-thats-the-art-of-architecture-putting-everything-together-in-your-own-way ISSN 0719-8884