The development process in Toronto is in need of a
reform. The ultimate goal of regulations and review is to control the cities
growth in an orderly fashion, and to produce quality development that will benefit
its neighbourhood. However, the development process is sluggish and does not
push for high enough quality architecture. It does not promote competition nor
innovation between architects, resulting in bland building design that seems
repetitive throughout the city. Furthermore, the large offices receive most of
the contracts without much competition. It is time for a change for the good of
the city.
What
Toronto needs is a system that promotes a more competitive atmosphere for
architects – which will undoubtedly get architects thinking more creatively and
always bringing fresh ideas to the table. A required design competition for
large projects should be enforced to give an even playing field between smaller
and larger firms. It will give the developer numerous options which will all be
designed with more thought, creativity and passion because their business
depends on it. This will raise the bar for everyone – even the cheapest and
quickest solution is likely to have received greater depth of thought than
currently seen.
The
competition would be quick and streamlined. A developer would be able to
immediately post a competition that would be open to any firm anywhere. Larger
developments would attract more attention – especially internationally. Toronto
could become a centre of great architecture should this come into fruition. A
design review panel would be established consisting of the city’s finest urban
planners, architects, professionals, local councillors, etc. to critique the
designs and guide the competition process. The review panel will streamline the
development process – the ultimate goal is to allow developers to award
contracts and begin construction as soon as possible.
The
design review panel will also act as a voice for the community. Community
meetings are currently a mess. These meetings exist only to give the community
the feeling of getting involved, however it is mostly people complaining that
they do not want development in their area. The review panel will host meetings
with the community and act as a voice for the people’s concerns.
This
will be beneficial as the panel will be on the ‘same side’ as local residents.
With this important fact in mind, the meeting can be a more of a brainstorm
type discussion on what the community wants. The design review panel then
brings legitimate concerns to the developers and requires that certain concerns
be dealt with to allow for approval and construction. This means what is
decided at community meetings by the review panel becomes a requirement for the developer.
Lastly,
the development process will be streamlined furthermore if a development
achieves LEED certification. LEED platinum and gold buildings will quickly gain
approval and permits – like jumping to the start of a line-up. In addition,
LEED certified buildings would be automatically granted approval for additional
height above its previous approval.
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