But ramps are ugly!

When Tonya Surman lamented how the old 'ramp', if I can call it that - a makeshift plywood and 2x4 structure that tilted precipitously down the 4' from the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Spadina buildings front door to the main floor level - could bring her to tears, I suggested we design a proper code-compliant replacement. 'But ramps are ugly', she replied and thus the game was on - for there is no greater throwdown one can give an Architect than the challenge to make the ugly beautiful.

The problem with most ramps is that they were designed-by-number from the building code requirements, generally as an afterthought, and seldom with the sense they can be an object of beauty at the same time as fulfilling their function. Of course there are notable exceptions. Gehry's masterpiece at the AGO main entrance comes to mind.

We approached this design challenge as we do all of our work - by stepping back to examine How the space is to be used, What matters most to our Client and the buildings users, and Why we are building anything in the first place. Using this Discovery phase as the foundation for the design, we engage in a deeply collaborative exercise with the Client, Engineer, Builder and occasionally other Architects as we did here with my friend David Oleson .

The result is a landscape of salvaged old growth timbers and blackened steel elements that connect to the materials supporting this 100 year old building, and a linoleum clad ramp that carves its way back and forth amongst timber blocks that offer a variety of opportunities to sit and linger along the way.

Beyond beautiful, this structure is functional for all to use from dads with strollers to delivery people pushing laden dollies to those using mobility aids. It serves equally well as bleacher seating overlooking events in the space below, a podium from which to address the crowd, or a quiet space to sit and chat with a new friend. It exemplifies our ethos of doing more with less and using carbon responsibly.

Next time you're passing by 192 Spadina Avenue, drop in and check out the space for yourself. And let us know what you think of the 'ugly ramp.

Got an accessibility challenge of your own? Why not drop me a line and tell me about it.