Doors Open 2024

Each May, Doors Open Toronto invites the public to explore the city’s most loved buildings and sites, free of charge, offering rare, intimate access to buildings that are not usually opened to the public. Operating since 2000, it is the largest event of its kind in Canada.

At Hariri Pontarini Architects, one of Canada's premier architectural firms, I, along with a small team conceptualized, organized, curated and installed an immersive mixed-media exhibition. The experience showcased the firm's extensive portfolio across diverse sectors while highlighting their innovative approach to contemporary architecture, rich history, and multidisciplinary expertise.

The central theme was ‘redefining’. At the heart of HPA's philosophy lies a transformative vision that transcends conventional practice. This manifests across dimensions: from revolutionizing healthcare design through the fusion of wellness driven interior design and integration of natural elements to crafting human-centric urban master plans that transform how communities explore and engage with their surroundings, ushering in a new paradigm of pedestrian focused city living.

We thoughtfully designed the visitor experience holistically, making full use of the office’s expansive space. The experience featured eight galleries displaying striking photography, renders, and sketches, alongside intricate physical models—many crafted in-house—complemented by building materials, slideshows, and videos. Adding a human touch, architects, designers, render artists and model makers engaged directly with guests, bringing additional insight and intrigue.

By all accounts—from guest testimonials to founding partner remarks—the event was a success. It gave me a unique opportunity to craft an engaging, informative experience across both digital and physical realms while collaborating with designers, printers, and the firm’s talented, passionate team.