NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA’S WALTER CARSEN CENTRE

A CONSOLIDATING HOME

The Walter Carsen Centre on Toronto’s waterfront enables Canada’s National Ballet to bring together, under one roof, its many previously dispersed activities at the base of an Arthur Erickson designed condominium on Toronto’s waterfront. The centre’s robust muscular + lean interior serves as headquarters, studio, production space for Canada’s National Ballet Company.

LEAN, MUSCULAR AND DURABLE

As is often the case with arts buildings, funding was extremely tight, requiring special attention in design, construction and fit-up. The resulting interior has a lean, muscular physicality, partly as a result of the modest budget. The robust concrete of the existing building is celebrated throughout with selective bush hammering, and peppy, playful materials are used sparingly yet to theatrical effect.

LOBBY AS STAGE

The small two-storey lobby suggests a performance stage. Slender legs to the reception desk invoke the spirit of dance.