Architecture's past, future butt heads in proposal

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Architecture's past, future butt heads in proposal

Archiseek / Canada / News / 2005 / September 19

Bata Shoe Company

A low-rise, concrete and glass office building, heritage-listed as a fine example of 1960s-era modernism, sits on the brow of a hill at the Don Valley and Eglinton Avenue East. This spot, with its commanding view of the city, is exactly where the Aga Khan Council for Canada plans to build an Ismaili spiritual centre -- a cathedral-like edifice and one of only four in the world -- along with a museum to house a rare collection of Islamic art and a public park on the 17.3-acre site. Should a $200-million private investment with designs by international architects Charles Correa and Fumihiko Maki go ahead at the cost of tearing down the former Bata shoes head office designed by prominent Toronto architect John C. Parkin?

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