The Theater is building near the subway line so acoustics clarity is important. The corner lights up at night and allows for a lantern like effect. allows for views inside and out, creating an animated experience for those inside and out. The Glass exterior on the corner of Queen st. The surrounding context allows for the building to engage with the streetscape. The performance sounds are also well contained inside. The Performing Arts Centre design keeps the city noise of Toronto out. It is home to the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts opened in 2006. Notable Projects Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Not every building needs to be a defining landmark. He believes that it is important for a building to be part of the city its located in. To Diamond, buildings with a loud presence were more difficult to be compatible in their surroundings. It is important for him to make buildings relate to their location as well as reflect the users of the building. Site context is a large focus of Diamond's. Diamond Schmitt Architects have designed academic, cultural, commercial, healthcare, civic and residential buildings Their approach to architecture revolves around human activity.They challenge design in hopes of creating spaces that create a better way of living by using creative design strategies. In 1978, he forms a partnership with Donald Schmitt and Company and the practice evolved into Diamond and Schmitt Architects employing over 120 staff. In 1975, Diamond established his practice A.J Diamond Architects.
Diamond is a known pioneer in Toronto's heritage restoration. The old warehouse went under renovation and is later sold to Ed Mirvish. The project was successful and other individuals showed interest. Diamond had borrowed money and renovated the building and live in one of the floors. At the time, the idea of preserving an old warehouse was a bizarre concept. In 1970, Diamond had managed to persuade people in Toronto to look into heritage preservation of an old ceramics In 1970, Diamond persuaded people in Toronto to consider heritage preservation of an old ceramics manufacturing plant. He has served as a member of the Ontario Human Rights Commission from 1986 to 1989, as Chairman of the Design Advisory Committee for the National Capital, Ottawa and as a Commissioner of the Greater Toronto Area Task Force.ĭiamond begun his career in architecture in 1968, shortly after he joined University of Toronto He stayed with the University of Toronto until 1970. In 1995, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Order of Ontario in 1997. In 1964, Diamond emigrated to Canada and became the director of the Architecture Program at University of Toronto. In Philadelphia, Diamond worked with the reputable architect, Louis Kahn. It was at the University of Pennsylvania where Diamond met his wife, Gillian. Diamond received his Masters of Architecture at University of Pennsylvania in 1962. He studied at University of Oxford in England, and received a Masters of Arts Degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. In 1956, Jack Diamond received a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Cape Town. The book consists of many sketches that resembles his very own sketch book.
His sketches are published in a book by Douglas & McIntyre, called Sketched:From Here and There. His house is decorated with cities and landscapes paintings from throughout his career. Diamond has a passion for various forms of art painting, sketching, and music.ĭiamond has a love for watercolor paintings and sketches. To Diamond, buildings have been always unique way of playing house. His love for architecture begun at a young age.
Diamond's father, Jacob Diamond, migrated to South Africa before the Second World War.ĭiamond's mother had kept a house plan Diamond drew when he was four. In 1917, Diamond's grandfather died in a pogrom in Lithuania. Diamond's great-grandfather was a rabbi in London, England. Jack Diamond was born on November 8th, 1932 in Piet Retief, South Africa, and belongs to a Jewish Family.