Award

8 | OCTOBER 2017 Bortolotto Architecture and Interior Design "The aim of this project was to address the urban context by reclaiming the street edge, create a connection to the community and present the building as a corner stone to the OCAD corridor," says Tania Bortolotto. "As such, a voluminous scrim is designed to wrap the building, functioning simultaneously as a shading device as well as a vivid marker defining the gateway to the University. The archi- tectural element orients one towards the building by gently peeling its corners away from the base structure, revealing the colourful work of the student body within." The architecture is further layered by inscribing the scrim with a type of psy- cho-geographical, spatial mapping of art and design within the city. Inspired by concepts of the Dérive, the unplanned journey of art and artists through the urban landscape of Toronto redefines the orthogonal organization of the city into an amor- phic grid. The outcome reveals an augmented reading of the city with the University at its centre. Other great examples of Bortolotto's work and its impact on the world of archi- tecture include the St. Denis Junior Public School, whose additional kindergarten classroom hovers above the playground, creating a warm sheltered environment for the students, and the historic Fort York Restoration that features the largest num- ber of original War of 1812 buildings. And each project is treated with the utmost respect for the environment and sustainability. "We feel that the individual in the space is served not only by learning, working or living in an energy efficient building, but that the individual spends their time in a healthy environment, one that enhances their mood, that encourages them to flourish, that inspires productivity and happiness. This is what we know how to do in our design work," explains Tania Bortolotto, who recently became a WELL Accredited Professional (AP). The WELL Building Standard focuses on creating a built environment that helps people live, work, perform and feel their best, and is guided by scientific principles. While Bortolotto has come a long way and been named one of the Top 15 Architects in Toronto, and Tania Bortolotto has fulfilled her father's wishes, it hasn't come without its challenges, as she explains: "The biggest challenge for me has been as a woman architect in the thick of the construction industry, while being the major shareholder of the architectural company. "Generally speaking men and women have this need to take away a women's accom- plishment by replacing it with an excuse for their successes. This can be in the form of subtle, or not so subtle comments such as 'did your father have money' to 'is your hus- band your architect partner?' There was even the time I built a highly detailed model in university and was asked by a fellow student, 'who did that? Your father?'" As a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, earning respect has indeed been a struggle. "For years I was oblivious and now I realize how very true it is. Now I just say, to hell with it; I am going to continue to barrel through. While everyday can be a struggle with this stereotype, there are plenty of special clients that are sophisticated and open minded." And with this go-getting attitude, Tania Bortolotto and her team are excited about the future. "We are on the way up in a big way with a growing team and larger projects. It is a very exciting time in our studio. We just completed a shortlisted design competition for the Pier 8 Promenade Park in Hamilton with PFS Studio landscape architects. And we are on a team for the developer proposal for the Pier 8 development plan in Hamilton as well. We have been selected to TD Bank's Canada wide architects ros- ter. There are some very exciting projects coming up and we will continue to focus on well-being and sustainable design, on working collaboratively, bringing people together and uplifting the human experience." A St. Denis Junior Public School, Toronto, ON House in Kings Cross, King City, ON OCAD University, Toronto, ON Pier 8 Promenade Park, Hamilton, ON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAI GILL RENDERINGS BY BORTOLOTTO ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN

• Cover