I think it might be fair to say that Ottawa would not be Ottawa without Barry Padolsky’s contribution. Oh of course other architects have their iconic buildings, but Padolsky is everywhere: and you may not have been aware. Plus of course he sits on the Ottawa Built Heritage Advisory Committee at City Hall and tries to ensure that architectural contributions of the past survive the live on into the future.
Better start with Mercury Court as it is his signature piece and where his office is situated. My only question is why is Mercury now static I seem to remember he would spin in the wind.
Some time ago he restored and added to Strathcona on the Park in Sandy Hill.
His glass addition on the Victoria Memorial Museum is stunning. I don’t remember the details, of why the original tower was removed but my recollection is weight, sandy soil, and sinking. This is great as it is a glass echo of the original stone structure.
The Integration of Grant House into a new construction is to me how heritage ought to be done as much as possible. The original structure in front and the new build behind. Not for nothing this building merited so much praise.
One of the classic school to condo conversions Ecole Guigues is beautifully done. The condos with their high tinned ceilings and tall windows are striking.
This refurbishing of 170 Lees makes is a great improvement.
The reconstruction of the Ogilvy store is another heritage success story – it now proudly stands as a landmark at the eastern end of the Rideau Centre.
Finally Art House as well as the Ottawa Art Gallery Expansion and Arts Court redevelopment. This delightful multi use building in Sandy Hill yet to completed holds much promise for the arts and and culture community. Of course I had to include a picture of the foyer because of the Swan chairs.
Of course I had to include a picture of the foyer because of the Swan chairs.
To read more about Barry Padolsky & Associates and see more of what he`s done go to his web site Padolsky-Architects.
[…] Barry Padolsky is an Ottawa architect, urban design and heritage consultant, and a member of the City of Ottawa Built Heritage Subcommittee. When I met him last, he was telling me about his research into the Tel Aviv Tennis Club. Friday, the Globe and Mail featured an article on his research of its history. Other interesting reads by Padolsky: The birth and death of the Byward Market, A century later, what has come of the promise of Bauhaus and its ‘New Architecture’? Save the environment – Put the Civic hostial campus on the LRT line. […]