Concrete Toronto illuminates

Concrete Toronto is a superb book that examines some of Toronto's most recognizable architectural landmarks and describes the dynamic era (the 1960s and '70s) in which they were created. It was a booming time in Toronto, a period in which it surpassed Montreal as the nation's largest city and the centre for commerce and (arguably) culture. It marked the birth of modern Canadian architecture and helped put Toronto on the international map.

Money was available for ambitious large-scale projects and through creating a modern city was seen as important to all levels of government, keeping costs low was essential. Using concrete as a medium was an ideal solution. It was far less expensive than using brick or steel and it provided architects with great freedom of expression. Architect Macy DuBois states that during this period concrete, in spite of its lack of inherent beauty, became noble, the new stone. 'I can manipulate it, mould it.'

The book takes the reader on a tour of the city and has one looking at these huge marvels in new way. New City Hall, the CN Tower, the Manulife Centre, Robarts Library, the Sheraton Centre among many others were built in this era. These buildings are often derided by modern Torontonians, but Concrete Toronto shows us the daring and inspiration that went into their construction when Toronto was at its height. It had money in its coffers and its eyes on the future.

Today, Toronto is a different place: increasingly poor, increasingly crowded, and neglectful of the renowned brutalist architecture that exists around them. Take Michael McClelland's comment about the CN Tower: ' ... it is true that most Torontonians are no longer buoyed by its optimism. Our current cultural mood is overcast with irony and negativity, far removed from the more innocent times of the CN Tower's construction.'

This illuminating book is beautifully designed and is highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in architecture, art or the growth of cities. Not to be missed.