Ontario Place Building on values at

BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE,

RANDOM AMUSEMENTS

Today the architectural gem known as Ontario Place is dark

because its stated purpose was always viewed as vague.

During the 1970’s the intent to "promote Ontario's assets" (from

trees to turbines) was translated into boring, didactic exhibits.

This was followed by decades of boring, passive amusements.

1971-2011

Sept 2016 BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE,

REAL HUMAN ENCOUNTERS

Mary Coble performs Pulse at in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

Ontario Place.

The in/future art and music event brought surprise, delight,

discovery, imperfections, identity, meaning

wackiness...and humans talking to humans.

In/future revived the power of shared values at Ontario Place.

in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

In 1971, our government viewed things as Ontario’s biggest

asset (from trees to turbines). Today we recognize that our

diverse, inclusive culture sets us apart.

Today we say, “We are citizens, not consumers.”

What if we build on the original values of Ontario Place?

What if we began by defining a purpose for this

place that serves citizens, not consumers?

What if...every business on the site shared these values?

Ontario Place circa 1971, photo courtesy of Eb Zeidler.

Steel Cut Coffee at in/future event Sept 15-25, 2016.

in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

artist: Gareth Lichty, "Warp (Ontario Place)"

Here are five enduring values I’ve seen at Ontario Place:

Ontario Place circa 1971, photo courtesy of Eb Zeidler.

1. Aim high

Architect Eb Zeidler believed that people have high aspirations, as well as a need

to connect to other people and the land. He did not underestimate his audience.

“Aim high" does not mean "spend a lot of money on slick, one shot renovations."

Instead, we can pursue a phased "launch and learn" approach.

Ontario Place Master Plan

drawing by Eb Zeidler.

2. Keep it human

Humans are attracted to nature, texture, art, surprise, delight, discovery,

imperfections, identity, meaning—and other humans. They ultimately resist

artificial, settings that are generic, frenzied, sterile, meaningless, constricted,

monolithic, overly programmed and predictable.

in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

3. Mix it up

The original Ontario Place attracted people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities,

cultures and economic means. The in/future event offered choice and challenge

to diverse visitors, through a broad range of music and art installations. Ontario

Place can bring us together, sparked by variety and united by our curiosity.

4. We can do it (launch & learn)

When it opened, Ontario Place celebrated a can-do culture, which was also

evident during the in/future event (but absent during the amusement park years).

A culture of innovation is not all about technology; we need places that celebrate

experiments and instil confidence by making things and knowing "we can do it.”

in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

5. Talk to strangers

Conversation is the antidote to fear and misunderstanding. Ontario Place is a

catalyst for conversation with its layers of history, dramatic architecture, views

and integration of nature. It encourages interaction by offering a variety of places

to relax and mingle. Stimulating art installations further encourage conversation.

photo taken at in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016

artist: Robert Hengeveld. "Howl"

We live in a global society that is

threatened by wall-builders who

incite fear and suspicion while

breeding conformity.

Ontario’s greatest asset is its

inclusive, diverse and creative

culture. But much work needs to

be done to keep our healthy spirit

alive and to serve “citizens, not

consumers.”

photo taken at in/future, Sept 15-25, 2016,

artist: Robert Hengeveld, "SSSpun"

Conversation is the antidote to fear and misunderstanding.

Ontarians are not wall-builders.

Ontario Place is a catalyst for conversation and minimizing walls.

Sharon VanderKaay

www.vanderpalette.com

Ontario Place circa 1971, photo courtesy of Eb Zeidler.