Should you go to the AGO?

The dawn of a 'new' gallery is upon us. Is it a good thing? or a bad thing?

You could find out by reading Toronto Star Architecture critic Christopher Hume's lauding review of the renovation. Or by reading the criticism it's drawing from local contemporary artists. Or, find out what Frank Gehry thinks of his own work here.

You can also view 360 degree virtual tours of the Galleria Italia, and Walker Court Stairs. And another sort of tour here.

Or, you could find out yourself! This weekend the AGO is open to all...with events and entertainment for free!

Want to learn more about the AGO, Frank Gehry, or some of the AGO's featured artists, like Frank Stella? Check out the display of books, DVDs and articles on the counter in the library!

Watch more Yahoo! Video videos on AOL Video

More on the new AGO here, here (with our own Anne Bordeleau!), and here.

I am a woman blogger...

...who noticed this, posted the other day by one of my favourite women bloggers:

"Science Books and Films gave You Can Be A Woman Architect by Margot Siegel and Judith Love Cohen (ill. by David Katz) their Recommendation. Their review stated in part: Margot Siegel, the architect profiled describes in her own words what made her want to become an architect and how she proceeded toward her goal. After telling of her schooling and current work, she asks, "Do you like to draw? Do you like to make things? Can you visualize three-dimensionally? Do you like to work with people? Then you can do it too. You can be a woman architect!"

...hmmm. I knew I wanted (had to) to blog about this, but even after days of thinking about it my mind still can't find the words.

I could make a joke about it...it's not like the hundreds of women I work with every day are here to get their WMArch degree. It's not like they'll be applying for different positions. It's not like being a 'woman architect' is a career that is any different from being an 'architect'. Aside, of course, from the fact that it's likely they will earn less than their male counterparts.

But what I really want is to hear what YOU have to say about it. So lets hear it...

Around and about...

Inspired by the extraordinary installations around the school made by ordinary objects?

Check out artist Tara Donovan, who is doing similar things...

Down the rabbitt hole...

Urban adventurer and human geographer Michael Cook will be lecturing at the School of Architecture on Tuesday, October 28th at 7pm.

Cook chronicles his adventures through underground tunnels and waterways with striking pictures on his site The Vanishing Point. If you want to dig a little deeper, check out this interview he did with the BLDGBLOG.

For more about urban exploration in the Toronto area you can look here or here or check out the book display in the library.

Interested in a more gentle introduction to urban exploration? UW School of Architecture alum Emma Cubitt will be guiding a walking tour this Saturday of the alleyways in my Hamilton neighbourhood. And that's not all she's up to...

Learn from experience...

With these NEW BOOKS!

Geo-abstract

They say art imitates life. This exhibition by the University of Waterloo's Map Library proves that life IS art

Geo-Abstract

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.

Exhibit runs Monday September 15th ro Friday Spetember 19th at the Modern Languages Gallery, University of Waterloo

Want to know more about how YOU can make maps like these? Ask me!

...wait for it...

Wait for it...

Books in the Spotlight

Check out these books featured in this month's spotlight. And don't forget to visit the library for even more fresh titles!

By Divine Light

Check out this video of the new St. Gabriel's Church in Toronto.

Not only is its harmony with the earth reflected in it's Gold LEED rating, but the harmony between light and glass creates a reflection of the heavenly as well.