Senses and Sensorium

Part 1 – Place

Architecture has always been an interest of mine.  While most experience life barely noticing the buildings and structures surrounding them on the daily, I generally take the time to observe what I am surrounded by and interact with.  I take a great interest in attempting to understand the architect’s decision making process concerning aesthetics, functionality and efficiency.  So when a building or structure comes along where I ask myself “why is it like that?” I am automatically intrigued. 

Almost everyday while taking the Glenridge 16/116, the bus passes by this big green parking garage between Ontario Street and Queen Street.  Oddly this parking garage is a weathered green colour that was most likely kelly green when first painted.  There are also large circular cut-outs paired in threes on most of the exterior walls.  The colour choice and Art Deco-esque geometrics intrigued me as it was an odd juxtaposition.  I later noticed that on the four exterior corners of the building there were more Art Deco-esque details within these beautiful glass and steel staircases.  So naturally because of these oddities I felt the need to explore this space that I had never visited simply because of my lack of a car while attending school.

I began with one of the staircases where it felt damp and cold.  That day was particularly mild so there were pools of melted snow that must have seeped through cracked glass. The air was cold despite the sun streaming in.  It had a faint smell of mould or at least that moisture had been trapped in there for too long.  The concrete floors, glass windows and railings all appeared grimy and to be honest I really did not want to touch anything.  Yet this griminess does not translate photographically.  I ventured to the open top floor of the parking garage.  The air smelt less polluted which is a treat from the cigarette, exhaust and occasionally sewage scents that one faces while in downtown.  It was also significantly colder and windier due to its lack of enclosure.  I entered back into the staircase and noticed how it was significantly quieter in there than on the top floor, but I could still hear the rush hour traffic.  After venturing down the ten flights of stairs I went into the first floor of the parking garage.  It had horrible yellow lighting and the layout was odd in that its levelling made it impossible to see all the cars.  After seeing this and being slightly creeped out, I noticed that it started getting dark out.  So I decided to leave which was when I noticed the seemingly new rewards card from a pita restaurant located nearby.  Naturally after finding this I was craving a pita.  I decided to take it to act as a souvenir and potentially use it later.