To be fair to Dubai, I imagine that what they are doing is looking at their future and trying to develop a role for itself, post-oil. The Emirate of Dubai long ago experienced its peak in oil production, and nothing will ever bring that back. While they are part of a federation in which oil...

First of all, I don't think Italy is anything to emulate. Sexual scandals are hardly the highlight of that basket-case, politically. Secondly, I don't think it's the sexual aspect of the event that concerns most people.

Here's a question not totally related to the Ryerson centre - I notice that whenever international architectural firms have projects in the city, they always partner with a local firm. Is there a law that requires this, or is local knowledge and contacts such an important part of the business...

It's been an exceptionally interesting race already, I have to say. Bring on Rob "Mistaken Identity" Ford, I say.

You guys obviously missed this one. Now, that's small. I especially like the "TURN AROUND" area.

There are certain advantages to a living space that size, for instance, you don't have to leave your bed in the morning to take a pee or brush your teeth. Or, for that matter, to make an omelette.

Perhaps Red Mars's rather unclear question pertains to heritage designations, in which the answer is a surprising "yes" - the area is a Heritage Conservation District (Union Station HCD) and some of the buildings currently under construction or recently completed, from Pinnacle to 18 York, are...

World's tallest tower closes unexpectedly in Dubai From the Globe, Feb 8, 2010 Adam Schreck DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Associated Press Published on Monday, Feb. 08, 2010 The world's tallest skyscraper has unexpectedly closed to the public a month after its lavish opening...

Rubies, Pearls and Emeralds! North York is becoming a veritable treasure trove these days. Next up: The Residences of Lapis Lazuli Place, and Malachite Towers Phase 2.

Thanks for posting that, I love watching these things. I think this estimate is most notable for one thing: Winnipeg popped past Hamilton, reversing a century-long fall from 3rd place to 9th. Go Winnie! Although I am sad to see Ottawa slip past Calgary in the last year, most have assumed that...

BobBob, in general, there are privacy issues in using any data gathered within government agencies for any purpose other than that which it was gathered to serve. Also, the amount of work involved in correlating the data would be enormous, and would no doubt still leave enormous gaps.

I am of two minds about designating recently built buildings, I see the points of view of both Urban Shocker and scarb. If I can make an analogy with architectural awards, if you pay close attention to the buildings that have won awards, it's always the case the some have enduring value and it's...

scarb, your questions are all good ones. A few comments: - ... how many more people would be needed ... My sense from my rather limited dealings with heritage staff is that they are run ragged and work long hours as it is. There is no consistent way for them to know about buildings being...

I note that Glen has still post. Can this be fixed?

Also, some places that have a rather strong sense of "collective us" are absolutely miserable at preserving any heritage buildings. I am thinking of the Far East, especially Japan and China, where it seemed to me from visits and from reading about their practices, care almost not at all about...

Tewder, I understand and sympathize with your cri de coeur. But isn't it just a bit overstated? Speaking of Toronto only, so far this decade we have seen few significant losses - in this category I would include Bata and Walnut Hall - of course, other notable buildings are gone, like a few...

Though it is likely out of scope for Heritage Toronto, I find the current system for making distinctions between buildings that are "listed" vs "designated", and for Heritage Conservation Districts, "contributing" vs "non-contributing", to be rather opaque. I have always thought that we would...

Maybe they will call it "Two Bloor", as in, the second try. That would be delightfully confusing.

From what I understand in the recent profile, he would have said "Get me another glass a gin and take off your underwear while you do it. Where's my lighter?"

So they appear to be test-cladding on another building? I guess we can hope so. It would be unfortunate indeed if they were to mess with 77 Elm.