A void cannot exist without a mass, and the multipurpose art gallery designed by atelier rzlbd is an expression of this realization and a representative of its design philosophy. Located in Bayview Village shopping mall the gallery explores the challenges of integrating shopping experience with public and private events that promote contemporary art and architecture.
The atelier splits into two separate rooms that complement one another by their immediate contrast: a void and a mass. The void is a gallery space; a spacious 2000 sqf room that has been cleared of any distractive elements. The room is surrounded by white drywalls installed as presentation boards on reinforced plywood. Washed with concealed natural light linear fluorescent bulbs, there is hardly any conventional gallery accessory to distract the artworks. Apart from the massive entrance door built with anodized aluminum sheets everything else stays invisible in the gallery to ensure the appreciation of the work. At the other end a cozy space that lives behind a two-sided pivot door created the mass for the void. The room consists of a kitchenette and a work area surrounded by black paint and populated by minimal furniture and built-in millwork.
The small intimate think tank appears to be in a mental competition with the gallery outside, yet they are a cooperative couple as they aim for the same vision: to create and celebrate art. While their appearances are opposite in a direct and sudden manner, their curious coexistence resembles a passionate waltz, where one leads the other, puts it in danger by holding it in the air, but then proudly protects it from falling, and they both continue to dance. [Text by: Lailee Soleimani]
Credits
Design: Reza Aliabadi [rzlbd] Mechanical & Electrical: Sandor Kosa [CRONNOX INC.] Construction: Royal Falcon Inc. & mrail Inc. Operation Supervisor: Jim Irvine Architectural Photography: borXu Design Location: Toronto Design: 2012 Completion: Winter 2013
