KITCHEN SKETCH

 For this kitchen renovation, 3d modelling tools have been useful in refining the spatial relationships between cabinetry, appliances, windows and counter surfaces.  Quickly generated images like this are helpful not just for my design process, but to help communicate to the client the progress of the project.

 

A recent article in the New York Times by the prominent American architect Michael Graves lamented the reduced role of the hand sketch (pencils and paper).  While many of the new generation of architects and designers use the 3d tools available, this does not mean that the thinking process has been compromised.  In fact, modelling tools are helpful when they are used to resolve and to further a design idea, such that the model is part of an open dialogue.

Zoning matters.

In the city of Toronto, there are bylaws that determine constraints on the physical size of a house.  These limits include height, distance to property lines, density, depth, and other criteria.  Hence one of the first steps to take when designing an expansion to a house is to submit the design to the city for a review of zoning, so that the city examiners can confirm whether the design is in keeping with the bylaws.

        

In general, older houses in downtown Toronto often have been built and expanded through various owners such that they may already be larger than what the zoning bylaws currently allow.  If the city determines that the proposed design is beyond the zoning constraints, one can apply to the Committee of Adjustment to request being allowed a variance - providing the proposed variance is considered minor.