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Coolearth Architecture is calling for proposals for their storefront Gallery space that explore passive buildings.  Selected entries will be displayed in August and September at 386 Pacific Avenue, in Toronto’s Junction.
 
Proposal Statement:
Much is made in the media of “smart” buildings which are wired and connected throughout, which move and twist in response to environmental stimulii. We propose that what makes a building “smart” is also how efficiently it uses energy.  Efficiency is the task of architects todays as we strive to mitigate the horrendous impact that the current operation of buildings have on our environment.  Yet, what makes a building efficient is often invisible and passive: well insulated walls, an air-tight envelope, smart glazing, ventillation, and occupant behaviour, all contribute to making a building so efficient that it requires no input, and generates no output.  Passive Houses, Multi-Unit Residential, Commercial, and Instituational buildings are growing in popularity around the world yet in Canada we can count the passive buildings on one hand!
 

We are calling for proposals of projects, drawings, events, sculptures, objects, or investigations which explore how passive strategies in buildings can be celebrated and made manifest for building users.

 
Please submit a one paragraph explanation of your proposal, and at least one image to christou@coolearth.ca by July 13th.
 
Background:
Located in the heart of Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, Coolearth is a 5-person architecture firm that specializes in sustainable, quantifiable, and durable buildings.  As part of our commitment to our community, as well as profession, we have a storefront  and front gallery.  Most recently this space played host to a gallery exhibit by Shawn Micallef, the Editor of Spacing, as part of the Contact Photography Festival this year.  Our website is www.coolearth.ca
 
Reference Material:
A street elevation, plan, and three photos of the space can be found here: http://www.coolearth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/386Pacific_referencematerials1.zip
 

^ View of last years exhibit of “Heliotrope Spa”, but Sonia Yuan.