November 30, 2011, Toronto – Peter Rigakos, Vice President, Reed Construction Data Canada, welcomed the audience and introduced Lisa Rochon, the moderator for the 10th annual International Architectural Roundtable at the opening of Construct Canada ‘11. A record attendance of more than 650 people came to hear from four architects and their views on use of glass and tall towers.

Lisa Rochon introduced the session’s four speakers: Will Alsop, Enrique Norten, Chad Oppenheim, and Stephen Teeple. Each was given three minutes to introduce their work and ideas prior to the panel session about Glass, Great Architecture and Great Communities.   

Chad Oppenheim, Principal Oppenheim Architecture + Design, opened the presentations by introducing his work in Miami and illustrating the optimism of lifestyle approach to his work. It’s about the “delight and joy that the architecture can accomplish.” 

Stephen Teeple, Founder and Principal Teeple Architects, explained that “we don’t know the future of” materials. His examples illustrated his firm’s approach to the shaping of space.

Enrique Norten, Principal TEN Arquitectos, said, “it is much more complex than one material” and stressed that materials are neither good nor bad, but they are materials.

Will Alsop, Principal ALL Design, stated, we are “…over towers and over glass. Neither is environmentally responsible.” We are becoming post-glass and bored with towers.  

Panel Discussion

What is the great potential of glass?

While glass has its limitations (e.g. hurricanes) high performance glass and triple insulated glass are advancements that have been made. “I try to use less glass. Solidity is a contrast that is needed; glass against a solid,” explained Oppenheim.

Does glass represent the ‘spirit of our times’?

"All materials are in the ‘spirit of our time’, said Norten. “Glass has been seductive.” 

“We need to produce efficiently,” said Teeple. “..and engage it it tectonic nature. We are shaping of experience through sculptural solid and bringing that to life.”

We are creating interior spaces in the sky because people want views?  

Alsop commented on the power (and the evil) of the real estate agents who concentrate on the idea that the view will sell the project.

Can a one kilometer tower create a great community?

"No. I don’t think you would feel part of the community,” said Alsop.

How do we create great communities on the ground? How to we achieve that?

“Miami has parking podiums with apartments on top,” explained Oppenheim. “You have to engage the public really…create the active street.”

“Some things are beyond the architect’s control,” added Teeple. “The best in the worst cities is dangerous…we overrate our role a little bit.”

Instant communities: are they different here than in Mexico City?

Density is the big issue explained Norten. “The parking issue is a huge issue.”

“The over regulation of Toronto is ridiculous,” said Alsop. 

I want to return to optimism: to be highly expressive:

“We have to be optimistic. Glass is (just) a small of it, said Norten. He continued to express his positive attitude towards new advancements in materials; this is a huge industry and new technologies will be introduced.

The panel opened it up to questions from the floor. An OAA member asked, “How do we regulate and add more life to our cities?”

“Love and trust good architects,” said Alsop. “Get rid of the design review panels, the planners, landscape architects…some architects can do it, I can’t explain how, but they just do.”

A few final thoughts:

"I believe in freedom, trust and believe in the wisdom of the collective," said Norten.

"The new energy code (Toronto) will provide new opportunities." added Teeple. “I’m looking forward to it, it’s a huge design opportunity.”

Sheena Sharp, OAA President thanked the panellists at the closing of the session.

The OAA, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Architect, sponsored the event: ICONOGLASS.