Masonry Magazine January 1978 Page. 9
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
METROPOLITAN TORONTO WEST
REGIONAL DETENTION CENTRE
Etobicoke, Ontario
Architect: Moffat, Moffat & Kinoshita
Structural Engineer: Maksymec & Associates Ltd.
General Contractor: Bird Construction Co.
Mason Contractor: Key Masonry Limited
Unit Masonry Producer: Canada Brick Co. Ltd.
Jury Comment: This maximum security detention centre was selected because of its major contribution to architecture and society in several ways. Above all, the project proves that within the constraints of security and program laid down by the Ministry of Correctional Services, a detention centre can be a humane place. We hope this example will have influence on other facilities yet to be built.
While not sacrificing anything to its main purpose (it looks like and is a tough building), the centre nevertheless has a calm air and dignity achieved through intelligent siting, good use of materials, excellent proportions, and clever use of daylight and landscaped courts. The surprising and frequent views into courtyards consistently relieve the monotony and sameness of the everyday living unit.
The semi-enclosed court leading to the main entrance immediately sets the character of the building and provides a nice pause before crossing the threshold. Even the massive security doors and control areas, although quite evident, are not obtrusive, and the visitor is well-accommodated.
Throughout the building the masonry walls are relieved by the lively use of color and consistent detail. Artificial lighting also plays its part in relieving the monotony typical of the traditional prison. The great achievement of this building is the way many disparate elements are brought together into one unified, beautifully scaled whole.
There is throughout a sense of repose stemming from competence. The masonry is well-chosen and well-detailed with sensitive touches, such as the alternating 4" and 8" courses of concrete block in a wall which becomes not just a confining element but a thing that someone has cared about.
AWARDS OF MERIT
HAMILTON-WENTWORTH REGIONAL
POLICE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Hamilton, Ontario
Architect: McLaren Gerrie/Anthony Butler
Structural Engineer: Group Eight Engineering Ltd.
General Contractor: Pigott Structures
Mason Contractor: Abe Dick Masonry Ltd.
Unit Masonry Producers: Burnstein Brick Ltd., Natco
Building Products, General Concrete Canada Ltd.
Jury Comment: This building has a quiet, urbane dignity entirely suitable to the housing and upholding of the law. This dignity and urbanity is achieved by the most simple of means a strongly and pleasantly framed structure clad in sophisticatedly colored brick impeccably detailed and laid.
The architectural effect is gained by change of heights in the main building massing, and a change of scale at the entrance-all as simple as it is effective.
The effect of light on the modeling of the brickwork at sills, heads and reveals of the window openings is particularly good.
CHELSEA SQUARE
Markham, Ontario
Architect: Lett/Smith
Structural Engineer: M. S. Yolles & Partners Ltd.
General Contractor: Chelsea Homes Ltd.
Mason Contractor: York Brickwork
Unit Masonry Producer: Toronto Brick Co.
Jury Comment: The building is admirably sited to leave space for a future extension as the market develops. Meanwhile this space for extension has been most competently landscaped to break up the necessary car parking spaces into small areas, thus avoiding the wasteland that characterizes the setting of so many buildings.
The effects are achieved by relatively simple means-a strong sweeping canopy set at door height sets a scale for the whole complex. The well-chosen brickwork makes a dignified backdrop to the strongly-expressed cedar roofs.
Contrary to the current fad for exposing the grosser contraptions of the mechanical trades in a misguided search for honesty of expression, the architects have neatly hidden the necessary swan-necks and downspouts within the deep fascia columns.