Barton Myers
Encyclopedia
Barton Myers, FAIA
(born in Norfolk, Virginia
, November 6, 1934) is an American and Canadian architect
and president of Barton Myers Associates, Inc. in Los Angeles
, California
.
Barton Myers graduated from the United States Naval Academy
and served as a jet-fighter pilot for five years in the United States Air Force
, based for three years in England. Following this period he attended architecture courses at Cambridge University and returned to the United States to study architecture
. He received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania
and subsequently worked with Louis Kahn
. He established his own practice in Toronto
in 1968, where he was principal in the firm of Diamond and Myers until 1975, when he formed Barton Myers Associates in Toronto. In 1984, he opened an office in Los Angeles that is now the firm's base.
In 1986, Barton Myers was the recipient of the first Toronto Arts Award for Architecture in recognition of his contribution to the city, and in 1994, he received the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Gold Medal. In 2002 Barton Myers was awarded the 2002 American Institute of Architects
, Los Angeles Chapter Gold Medal².
Myers is also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
(RCA), "one of Canada’s most enduring cultural institutions."11,12 Founded in 1880, the RCA celebrates the exceptional achievements of professionals working in Canada in multiple disciplines and under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada
.
Barton Myers has taught architecture and planning at both the University of Toronto
and the University of Waterloo
. He has also served as the Thomas Jefferson
Professor at the University of Virginia
, the Graham Professor at the University of Pennsylvania
, and has been a Visiting Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design
. Barton Myers has held a continuing appointment as Professor of Architecture at University of California, Los Angeles
School of Architecture and Urban Design since 1980.
in 1994, Barton Myers' architectural body of work was published as part of the "Masters of Architecture" book series. Other volumes in this series include: Norman Foster, Cesar Pelli
, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill.5
Another architectural theme that Myers helped reintroduce to North American architecture is the idea of the urban room. Myers believes that the success of a building lies in its ability to define the surrounding streets, squares, forecourts and courtyards that make cities livable. This idea is evidenced in many of Myers' designs including the Phoenix Municipal Government Center, Woodsworth College
, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
, and the Art Gallery of Ontario
, Stage III Expansion.
Myers' work often makes use of off-the-shelf components, or ready made industrial products that can be readily assembled on site. His early studies with steel and aluminum products with companies such as DOFASCO and Steclo resulted in prototypes for mass produced housing. The factory produced steel houses built in Hamilton, Ontario by DOFASCO (1971) are still standing and in good condition. Myers continued this exploration of off-the-shelf components with the Wolf House, Toronto (1974) and commercial projects such as the Alcan office headquarters in Toronto. This exploration has been constant throughout his career and can be seen in projects ranging from single family residential to large civic developments. As of 2007, four of Myers' steel house projects have been built and continue to be recognized by architectural peers for their innovation.1,4 In 2006, Barton Myers wrote a book "3 Steel Houses" which chronicles his explorations of steel house design throughout his career and its historical context.
Myers' work is also identifiable by his commitment to adaptive re-use and his approach to old/new architectural combinations. His sensitivity to the existing urban fabric supports the idea that additions should openly relate to the existing structure and context rather than mimic architectural style. The Myers residence (1971) became an architectural example for modernist infill housing relating to the historic Victorian neighborhood. Later in his career, Myers' work in adaptive re-use was honored by the California Preservation Foundation (2002) for a modern steel and glass addition to the Sacramento Hall of Justice, an example of early Beaux-Arts Calssicism in Sacramento.5
In 2007, Barton Myers' House in West Los Angeles design was honored with the highest award level by the American Institute of Architects
, Los Angeles. The jury referred to the house as "the most promising concept in residential".1 This work continues 30 years of research in steel house design, first inspired by Myers' early experiences on naval aircraft carriers, and the work of Eames, Le Corbusier
, Rudolph Schindler and Pierre Koenig
. In 2007, Barton Myers' Wolf House was arawrded the Prix du XXe siècle from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
which "recognizes the enduring excellence of nationally significant architecture, such as landmark buildings in the historical context of Canadian Architecture".4,6
Myer's design for the Seagram Museum
in Waterloo, ON was considered an "icon of Canadian Postmodernism and initiated a metamorphosis of the area."³
Myers' campus contributions include:
FAIA
Fellow of the American Institute of Architects is a postnomial, designating an individual who has been named a fellow of the American Institute of Architects...
(born in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
, November 6, 1934) is an American and Canadian architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
and president of Barton Myers Associates, Inc. in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
Barton Myers graduated from the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
and served as a jet-fighter pilot for five years in the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, based for three years in England. Following this period he attended architecture courses at Cambridge University and returned to the United States to study architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
. He received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
and subsequently worked with Louis Kahn
Louis Kahn
Louis Isadore Kahn was an American architect, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. After working in various capacities for several firms in Philadelphia, he founded his own atelier in 1935...
. He established his own practice in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
in 1968, where he was principal in the firm of Diamond and Myers until 1975, when he formed Barton Myers Associates in Toronto. In 1984, he opened an office in Los Angeles that is now the firm's base.
In 1986, Barton Myers was the recipient of the first Toronto Arts Award for Architecture in recognition of his contribution to the city, and in 1994, he received the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada , founded in 1907, is a Canadian association representing over 3,600 architects, and faculty and graduates of Canadian Schools of Architecture.RAIC is the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada...
Gold Medal. In 2002 Barton Myers was awarded the 2002 American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
, Los Angeles Chapter Gold Medal².
Myers is also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
The Royal Canadian Academy of Arts is a Canadian arts-related institution founded in 1880, under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada, Sir John Douglas Sutherland Campbell, the Marquess of Lorne. Canadian landscape painter Homer Watson was a member and president of the Academy...
(RCA), "one of Canada’s most enduring cultural institutions."11,12 Founded in 1880, the RCA celebrates the exceptional achievements of professionals working in Canada in multiple disciplines and under the patronage of the Governor General of Canada
Governor General of Canada
The Governor General of Canada is the federal viceregal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II...
.
Barton Myers has taught architecture and planning at both the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
and the University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a comprehensive public university in the city of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The school was founded in 1957 by Drs. Gerry Hagey and Ira G. Needles, and has since grown to an institution of more than 30,000 students, faculty, and staff...
. He has also served as the Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
Professor at the University of Virginia
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
, the Graham Professor at the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
, and has been a Visiting Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design
Harvard Graduate School of Design
The Harvard Graduate School of Design is a graduate school at Harvard University offering degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Design.-History:...
. Barton Myers has held a continuing appointment as Professor of Architecture at University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA. It was founded in 1919 as the "Southern Branch" of the University of California and is the second oldest of the ten campuses...
School of Architecture and Urban Design since 1980.
in 1994, Barton Myers' architectural body of work was published as part of the "Masters of Architecture" book series. Other volumes in this series include: Norman Foster, Cesar Pelli
César Pelli
César Pelli is an Argentine architect known for designing some of the world's tallest buildings and other major urban landmarks. In 1991, the American Institute of Architects listed Pelli among the ten most influential living American architects...
, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill.5
Design themes
One of the themes running through Myers' work is the theme of urban consolidation. The infill projects he completed in Toronto (Dundas Sherbourne Housing and Hydro Block Housing) served as prototypes for an even distribution of urban density seen in Europe and earlier in his hometown of Norfolk, and opposed the increasing trend of dense, high-rise city centers surrounded by urban sprawl, exemplified in cities like Dallas. His philosophy for urban renewal was published in "Vacant Lottery", with University of Toronto professor George Baird, and led to a renewed interest in city planning and offered a strategy for increasing population densities within cities while preserving the existing residential fabric.Another architectural theme that Myers helped reintroduce to North American architecture is the idea of the urban room. Myers believes that the success of a building lies in its ability to define the surrounding streets, squares, forecourts and courtyards that make cities livable. This idea is evidenced in many of Myers' designs including the Phoenix Municipal Government Center, Woodsworth College
Woodsworth College
Woodsworth College, named after politician and clergyman James Shaver Woodsworth , is a college within the University of Toronto. It is the largest college in the Faculty of Arts and Science on the St. George Campus. It is also the newest of the colleges at the University of Toronto, created in...
, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center , in downtown Newark, New Jersey, United States, is the sixth largest performing arts center in the United States...
, and the Art Gallery of Ontario
Art Gallery of Ontario
Under the direction of its CEO Matthew Teitelbaum, the AGO embarked on a $254 million redevelopment plan by architect Frank Gehry in 2004, called Transformation AGO. The new addition would require demolition of the 1992 Post-Modernist wing by Barton Myers and Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg...
, Stage III Expansion.
Myers' work often makes use of off-the-shelf components, or ready made industrial products that can be readily assembled on site. His early studies with steel and aluminum products with companies such as DOFASCO and Steclo resulted in prototypes for mass produced housing. The factory produced steel houses built in Hamilton, Ontario by DOFASCO (1971) are still standing and in good condition. Myers continued this exploration of off-the-shelf components with the Wolf House, Toronto (1974) and commercial projects such as the Alcan office headquarters in Toronto. This exploration has been constant throughout his career and can be seen in projects ranging from single family residential to large civic developments. As of 2007, four of Myers' steel house projects have been built and continue to be recognized by architectural peers for their innovation.1,4 In 2006, Barton Myers wrote a book "3 Steel Houses" which chronicles his explorations of steel house design throughout his career and its historical context.
Myers' work is also identifiable by his commitment to adaptive re-use and his approach to old/new architectural combinations. His sensitivity to the existing urban fabric supports the idea that additions should openly relate to the existing structure and context rather than mimic architectural style. The Myers residence (1971) became an architectural example for modernist infill housing relating to the historic Victorian neighborhood. Later in his career, Myers' work in adaptive re-use was honored by the California Preservation Foundation (2002) for a modern steel and glass addition to the Sacramento Hall of Justice, an example of early Beaux-Arts Calssicism in Sacramento.5
In 2007, Barton Myers' House in West Los Angeles design was honored with the highest award level by the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
, Los Angeles. The jury referred to the house as "the most promising concept in residential".1 This work continues 30 years of research in steel house design, first inspired by Myers' early experiences on naval aircraft carriers, and the work of Eames, Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier
Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier , was a Swiss-born French architect, designer, urbanist, writer and painter, famous for being one of the pioneers of what now is called modern architecture. He was born in Switzerland and became a French citizen in 1930...
, Rudolph Schindler and Pierre Koenig
Pierre Koenig
Pierre Koenig was an American architect.Born in San Francisco, he received his B.Arch. in 1952 from the University of Southern California. Koenig apprenticed under Raphael Soriano, among others, and began private practice in 1952. Koenig practiced mainly on the west coast and was most notable for...
. In 2007, Barton Myers' Wolf House was arawrded the Prix du XXe siècle from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada , founded in 1907, is a Canadian association representing over 3,600 architects, and faculty and graduates of Canadian Schools of Architecture.RAIC is the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada...
which "recognizes the enduring excellence of nationally significant architecture, such as landmark buildings in the historical context of Canadian Architecture".4,6
Myer's design for the Seagram Museum
Seagram Museum
The Seagram Museum in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada was the city's final operational remnant of the world-renowned distillery founded by Waterloo entrepreneur Joseph E. Seagram in the mid-19th century.The museum operated from May 1984 to March 1997...
in Waterloo, ON was considered an "icon of Canadian Postmodernism and initiated a metamorphosis of the area."³
Contributions to Post-Secondary Institutions
Barton Myers is has taught architecture and lectured at Colleges and Universities since 1969, mentoring a generation of North American architects and planners. Over his career, Myers has contributed to the growth, planning and development of major academic institutions. Many of these institutions exemplify the core principles inherent in Myers' work and design philosophy.Myers' campus contributions include:
- Carroll Community CollegeCarroll Community CollegeCarroll County Community College is a 2-year Community college serving the residents of Carroll County, Maryland.- History :Responding to interest expressed by citizens of Carroll County, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners examined the need for additional educational opportunities in the...
(Master Plan) - University of California, Santa BarbaraUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraThe University of California, Santa Barbara, commonly known as UCSB or UC Santa Barbara, is a public research university and one of the 10 general campuses of the University of California system. The main campus is located on a site in Goleta, California, from Santa Barbara and northwest of Los...
(Campus Planning) - University of CincinnatiUniversity of CincinnatiThe University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a part of the University System of Ohio....
(Calhoun Street Mixed-Use design) - University of AlbertaUniversity of AlbertaThe University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Canada...
, Edmonton (Long-Range Development Plan, Housing Union Building and Continuing Consultant 1975-1978) - University of California, Los AngelesUniversity of California, Los AngelesThe University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA. It was founded in 1919 as the "Southern Branch" of the University of California and is the second oldest of the ten campuses...
(Northwest Campus Plan, Housing and Commons & West Campus Plan) - University of California, San DiegoUniversity of California, San DiegoThe University of California, San Diego, commonly known as UCSD or UC San Diego, is a public research university located in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California, United States...
(Scripps Institution of OceanographyScripps Institution of OceanographyScripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and earth science research, graduate training, and public service in the world...
) - University of Maryland, BaltimoreUniversity of Maryland, BaltimoreUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore, was founded in 1807. It comprises some of the oldest professional schools in the nation and world. It is the original campus of the University System of Maryland. Located on 60 acres in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, it is part of the University System of Maryland...
(Master Plan) - University of New MexicoUniversity of New MexicoThe University of New Mexico at Albuquerque is a public research university located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the United States. It is the state's flagship research institution...
, Albuquerque (Campus Development Plan & West Campus Plan) - University of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern CaliforniaThe University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
(Educational Services Building design) - University of TorontoUniversity of TorontoThe University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...
, (Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto)Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto)The Royal Conservatory of Music, also known as The Royal Conservatory, is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world... - University of VirginiaUniversity of VirginiaThe University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
, Charlottesville (performing arts center and McIntire School of Music plan) - Woodsworth CollegeWoodsworth CollegeWoodsworth College, named after politician and clergyman James Shaver Woodsworth , is a college within the University of Toronto. It is the largest college in the Faculty of Arts and Science on the St. George Campus. It is also the newest of the colleges at the University of Toronto, created in...
, University of Toronto (new academic facilities) - York UniversityYork UniversityYork University is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's third-largest university, Ontario's second-largest graduate school, and Canada's leading interdisciplinary university....
, Toronto (Fine Arts Centre expansion)
Projects (partial listing)
- STELCO Catalog Housing (1967) early study of mass-produced steel housing.
- Housing Union Building (HUB Residence), University of AlbertaUniversity of AlbertaThe University of Alberta is a public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1908 by Alexander Cameron Rutherford, the first premier of Alberta and Henry Marshall Tory, its first president, it is widely recognized as one of the best universities in Canada...
(1973) a 957 feet (291.7 m) long, climate-controlled galleria became a widely-emulated prototype for cold Canadian climates - Myers Residence, Toronto, ON (1971) demonstrates the feasibility of infilling a narrow urban lot, 25 feet (7.6 m) by 118 feet (36 m)
- DOFASCO Housing, Hamilton, ON (1971) early assembly line steel housing project
- Innis CollegeInnis CollegeInnis College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Toronto. It is one of the University of Toronto's smallest colleges in terms of size and the second smallest college in terms of population with approximately 1870 registered students...
, Toronto, ON (1976) old/new combination with atrium connection (with (Jack DiamondJack Diamond (architect)A.J. "Jack" Diamond, OC, O.Ont is a Canadian architect.Born in Piet Retief, South Africa, he received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cape Town in 1956. He received a Master of Arts degree in politics, philosophy and economics from Oxford University in 1958...
) - Wolf House, Toronto, ON (1974) Architectural Record house, 1977; Royal Architectural Institute of CanadaRoyal Architectural Institute of CanadaThe Royal Architectural Institute of Canada , founded in 1907, is a Canadian association representing over 3,600 architects, and faculty and graduates of Canadian Schools of Architecture.RAIC is the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada...
2007 Prix du XXe Siècle Award, RAIC Centennial - Dundas Sherbourne Infill Housing, Toronto, ON (1976) the first housing development undertaken by the City of Toronto’s Non-Profit Housing Corporation, and the first infill housing scheme to be constructed in Toronto
- Citadel TheatreCitadel TheatreThe Citadel Theatre is the major venue for theatre arts in the city of Edmonton, located in the Downtown Core on Churchill Square.-History:Originally the "Old Salvation Army Citadel", the Citadel was bought by Joseph H. Shoctor, James L. Martin, Ralph B. MacMillan, and Sandy Mactaggart, and the...
, Edmonton, AB (1976) Canadian Governor General’s Medal for Architecture, 1986 (Diamond, Myers and Wilkin Architects) - AlcanAlcanRio Tinto Alcan Inc. is a Canadian company based in Montreal. It was created on November 15, 2007 as the result of the merger between Rio Tinto PLC's Canadian subsidiary, Rio Tinto Canada Holding Inc., and Canadian company Alcan Inc. On the same date, Alcan Inc. was renamed Rio Tinto Alcan Inc..Rio...
Offices, Toronto, ON (1980) Architectural Record, Record Interiors, 1981 - Grand AvenueGrand Avenue-Places:*Grand Avenue or the Grand Avenue Project*Grand Avenue , New York City*Grand Avenue , Miami*Grand Avenue *Grand Avenue *Grand Avenue *Grand Avenue...
/ Bunker Hill, Los Angeles, CaliforniaBunker Hill, Los Angeles, CaliforniaBunker Hill, in the downtown area of Los Angeles, California, is a short, developed hill with its peak located roughly around 3rd Street. It is located directly east of the Harbor Freeway...
Master Plan, (1980), directed a team of ten leading architects and planners including Harvey S. Perloff, Lawrence HalprinLawrence HalprinLawrence Halprin was an influential American landscape architect, designer and teacher.Beginning his career in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, in 1949, Halprin often collaborated with a local circle of modernist architects on relatively modest projects. These figures included William...
, Cesar PelliCésar PelliCésar Pelli is an Argentine architect known for designing some of the world's tallest buildings and other major urban landmarks. In 1991, the American Institute of Architects listed Pelli among the ten most influential living American architects...
, Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer, KDG Architecture, Frank GehryFrank GehryFrank Owen Gehry, is a Canadian American Pritzker Prize-winning architect based in Los Angeles, California.His buildings, including his private residence, have become tourist attractions...
& Krueger, Legorreta Arquitectos, Edgardo Contini and Charles Willard MooreCharles Willard MooreCharles Willard Moore was an American architect, educator, writer, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and winner of the AIA Gold Medal in 1991.-Life and career:...
, and Urban Innovations Group - Canadian Broadcasting CentreCanadian Broadcasting CentreThe Canadian Broadcasting Centre, located in Toronto, Ontario, is the broadcast headquarters and master control point for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's English-language television and radio services...
Development/Design Guidelines, Toronto, (1985), studio facilities were programmed on the building’s top floors. - Seagram MuseumSeagram MuseumThe Seagram Museum in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada was the city's final operational remnant of the world-renowned distillery founded by Waterloo entrepreneur Joseph E. Seagram in the mid-19th century.The museum operated from May 1984 to March 1997...
, Waterloo ON (1983) Canadian Governor General’s Medal for Architecture, 1986 - Unionville Library, Unionville, OntarioUnionville, OntarioUnionville is a suburban village in Markham, Ontario, Canada. It is located 33 km northeast of downtown Toronto and 4 km east of southern Richmond Hill. Unionville is located between Woodbine Avenue as the western limit, alongside the Rouge River leading to McCowan Road as the eastern...
(1984) serves as the major cultural facility and is a classic example of postmodernismPostmodernismPostmodernism is a philosophical movement evolved in reaction to modernism, the tendency in contemporary culture to accept only objective truth and to be inherently suspicious towards a global cultural narrative or meta-narrative. Postmodernist thought is an intentional departure from the...
in architecture - Phoenix Municipal Government Center. Phoenix, AZ (1985) Canadian Architect, Award of Excellence, 1988
- Calgary Olympic Arch Artwork, AB (1988) one of several arch artworks created in honor of the 1988 Winter Olympics1988 Winter OlympicsThe 1988 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XV Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event celebrated in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 13 to 28 February 1988. The host was selected in 1981 after having beat Falun, Sweden and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy...
- Stratford Festival Theatre Expansion, ON (1985) modern addition for the theater housing the Stratford Festival of CanadaStratford Festival of CanadaThe Stratford Shakespeare Festival is an internationally recognized annual celebration of theatre running from April to November in the Canadian city of Stratford, Ontario...
- HasbroHasbroHasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
Inc. Showrooms and Offices, New York, NY (1987) new home for the toy manufacturer's showrooms and executive offices in the shell of a cast iron department store (Stern'sStern'sStern's was a regional department store chain serving the U.S. states of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The chain was in business for more than 130 years, prior to its 2001 integration into Macy's and Bloomingdale's...
, 1896) - Portland Center for the Performing ArtsPortland Center for the Performing ArtsThe Portland Center for the Performing Arts is an organization within Metro that runs venues for live theatre, concerts, cinema, small conferences, and similar events in Portland, Oregon, United States....
, Portland, OR (1987) United States Institute for Theatre TechnologyUnited States Institute for Theatre TechnologyThe United States Institute for Theatre Technology is a membership organization which aims to advance the skills and knowledge of theatre, entertainment and performing arts professionals involved in the areas of design, production and technology, and to generally promote their interests...
(USITT) Merit Award, 1994 (with BOORA and ELS Architects) - United States Pavilion, Expo '92Seville Expo '92The Universal Exposition of Seville took place from Monday, April 20 to Monday, October 12, 1992 on La Isla de La Cartuja , Seville, Spain. The theme for the Expo was "The Age of Discovery" and over 100 countries were represented...
, Seville, Spain (1989) first all-California design team to represent the United States at an Exposition or World’s Fair - UCLA Northwest Campus Master Plan, Commons, and Residence Buildings (1992) major campus addition completed in association with Antoine PredockAntoine PredockAntoine Predock is an American architect based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Antoine Predock is the Principal of Antoine Predock Architect PC. The studio was established in 1967...
; Esherick Homsey Dodge & Davis; and GenslerGenslerGensler is an American design and architecture firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm was founded in 1965 by Art Gensler, Drue Gensler, and James Follett, and originally focused on corporate interiors...
and Associates - Cerritos Center for the Performing ArtsCerritos Center for the Performing ArtsThe Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is a entertainment and music venue located in the Cerritos Towne Center of Cerritos, California. It is owned and operated by the City of Cerritos and it opened its doors to the public on January 9, 1993 and hosts opera, cabaret, jazz, dance, magic,...
, Cerritos, CA (1993) United States Institute for Theatre TechnologyUnited States Institute for Theatre TechnologyThe United States Institute for Theatre Technology is a membership organization which aims to advance the skills and knowledge of theatre, entertainment and performing arts professionals involved in the areas of design, production and technology, and to generally promote their interests...
(USITT) Honor Award, 1994; first multi-form theater in the world at a scale of 900-2000 seats - Art Gallery of OntarioArt Gallery of OntarioUnder the direction of its CEO Matthew Teitelbaum, the AGO embarked on a $254 million redevelopment plan by architect Frank Gehry in 2004, called Transformation AGO. The new addition would require demolition of the 1992 Post-Modernist wing by Barton Myers and Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg...
, Stage III Expansion (1993) American Institute of ArchitectsAmerican Institute of ArchitectsThe American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
, California Council Design Award, 1993 - Ivan ReitmanIvan ReitmanIvan Reitman, OC is a Canadian film producer and director. He is known for the comedies he has directed and produced, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.He is the owner of The Montecito Picture Company, founded in 2000.-Early life:...
Production Offices, Los Angeles, CA (1994) American Institute of ArchitectsAmerican Institute of ArchitectsThe American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
, San Fernando Chapter Design Award, 1997 - Woodsworth CollegeWoodsworth CollegeWoodsworth College, named after politician and clergyman James Shaver Woodsworth , is a college within the University of Toronto. It is the largest college in the Faculty of Arts and Science on the St. George Campus. It is also the newest of the colleges at the University of Toronto, created in...
, University of Toronto, ON (1992) Canadian Governor General’s Medal for Architecture, 1992 (with KPMBBruce KuwabaraBruce Bunji Kuwabara, B.Arch, OAA, FRAIC, RCA, AIA is a Canadian architect and partner in the firm Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects ....
) - University of New MexicoUniversity of New MexicoThe University of New Mexico at Albuquerque is a public research university located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the United States. It is the state's flagship research institution...
Campus Development Plan, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1985) 25-year physical development plan to accommodate 7,000 to 10,000 new students and approximately 5000000 square feet (464,515.2 m²) of new development - New Jersey Performing Arts CenterNew Jersey Performing Arts CenterThe New Jersey Performing Arts Center , in downtown Newark, New Jersey, United States, is the sixth largest performing arts center in the United States...
, Newark, NJ (1997) United States Institute for Theatre TechnologyUnited States Institute for Theatre TechnologyThe United States Institute for Theatre Technology is a membership organization which aims to advance the skills and knowledge of theatre, entertainment and performing arts professionals involved in the areas of design, production and technology, and to generally promote their interests...
(USITT) Merit Award, 2000 - University of California, San DiegoUniversity of California, San DiegoThe University of California, San Diego, commonly known as UCSD or UC San Diego, is a public research university located in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California, United States...
, Scripps Institution of OceanographyScripps Institution of OceanographyScripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, is one of the oldest and largest centers for ocean and earth science research, graduate training, and public service in the world...
, La Jolla, California (1998) 27,000 gsf research facility with eight laboratories, staff offices, lab support offices, seminar rooms, and conference room - House and Studio at Toro Canyon, Montecito, CA (1999) American Institute of ArchitectsAmerican Institute of ArchitectsThe American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
Housing PIA Award, Innovation in Housing Design, 2002 - Maverick RecordsMaverick RecordsMaverick Recording Company is an American record label owned and operated by Warner Music Group, and distributed through Warner Bros. Records.-Company history:...
Offices, Beverly Hills, CA (2001) 10,000 sf of executive and creative offices for record label founded by Madonna (entertainer)Madonna (entertainer)Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
, Frederick DeMann, Ronnie Dashev - 9350 Civic Center Drive, Beverly Hills, CA (2001) American Institute of ArchitectsAmerican Institute of ArchitectsThe American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
, California Council Merit Award, 2003 - Intermedia (production company)Intermedia (production company)Intermedia is a film production company, wholly owned by IM Internationalmedia AG.The company mostly acts as a co-producer, funding films through the IMF funds.-History:...
Offices, Beverly Hills, CA (2004) interior offices for the film production company at 9350 Civic Center Drive - Tempe Center for the ArtsTempe Center for the ArtsTempe Center for the Arts , completed in August, 2007, with a grand opening on September 9, 2007, is a publicly owned performing and visual arts center in Tempe, Arizona.-About:...
, Tempe, AZ, (2007) (with Architekton) - Dr. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center, Orlando, FL, (scheduled 2012) (with HKS & Baker Barrios)
Exhibitions (partial listing)
- 2007 “Architecture of the Now and NEXT” Broad Center at UCLA, AIA/LA Awards (28/06/07-15/07/07)
- 2007 Festival of Architecture, Toronto, May 9-12th (Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Prix du XXe Siècle Award)
- 2006 “West Coast Residential; The Contemporary and the Modern” A+D Museum, Los Angeles, CA (10/27/06–01/05/07).
- 2006 “The Architecture of the Theater: Learning From Italy” Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Los Angeles, CA (9/20/06–10/20/06).
- 2005 “Forever Modern: 50 Years of Record Houses” Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Pratt Institute, New York, NY.
- 2005 “Forever Modern: 50 Years of Record Houses “Forever Modern: 50 Years of Record Houses, AIA Boston, MA.
- 2005 13 Los Angeles Architects, Design Within Reach, Los Angeles
- 2005 34 Los Angeles Architects, A+D Museum, Los Angeles
- 2002 “3 Steel Houses” UCLA School of Architecture
- 2001 “3 Steel Houses” University Art Museum, University of California, Santa Barbara (04/10–06/17)
- 2000 International Bi-Annual Architecture Exhibition, São Paulo, Brazil.
- 2000 “[Re]Visioning Chapala; Architects Imagine 21st century Santa Barbara, University Art Museum, UCSB (July 29 - Sept. 3)
- 1998 The 1998 American Architecture Awards. The Chicago Athenaeum - Museum of Architecture & Design. June 8–August 16th, May 2–Jan. 3.
- 1998 “Building Culture Downtown,” New Ways of Revitalizing the American City, National Building Museum, Washington DC.
- 1997 The Chicago Athenaeum, Frank E. Moss Courthouse Design Competition and New San Diego Federal Courthouse
- 1995 Royal Institute of British Architects, Manchester City Art Gallery Competition Exhibition
- 1994 United States Institute of Theatre Technology, Prague Exhibition
- 1991 “The Competition for the United States Pavilion, Expo ’92, Seville, Spain,” Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of California, Los Angeles
- 1990 Mandeville Gallery, University of California, San Diego Exhibition of Phoenix Municipal Government Center model and drawings
- 1988 Architecture of Democracy, Phoenix Municipal Government Center, Wight Art Gallery, University of California, San Diego
- 1987 Reconnaitre Le Corbusier, Faculty of Architecture Gallery, University of Toronto
- 1987 Koplin Gallery, Los Angeles, Barton Myers Associates: Show of Models, Drawings and Sketches
- 1987 Phoenix City Hall Competition, Wight Gallery, UCLA
- 1986 A Measure of Consensus: Canadian Architecture in Transition; Vancouver, New York, Toronto, Montréal
- 1985 Architects’ Drawings; The Charles H. Scott Gallery, Emily Carr College of Art and Design, Vancouver
- 1985 Recent Work; Clare Hall, Cambridge University, Cambridge, England
- 1984 Monument: Manifestation on Dealing with Ancient, Monuments Now; Studium Generale, Rijksuniversiteit Limburg, The Netherlands
- 1984 Dreams of Development; The Market Gallery, Toronto
- 1983 The Urban Solution: Toronto Life; Sable Castelli Gallery, Toronto
- 1983 Fresh Frontiers: Canadian Architects Abroad; The Art Gallery at Harbourfront, Toronto
- 1983 Seagram Museum Exhibit: School of Architecture; University of Toronto
- 1983 Aesthetics for the Cold; Hallwalls Gallery, Buffalo
- 1982 Major projects, Canada in Berlin; Akademie der Kunste, West Berlin
- 1982 A Design Process, A Grand Avenue; University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
- 1982 Exhibition of design drawings; Noval Gallery, Vancouver League of Architects, Vancouver
- 1980 Exhibition of Selected Projects; the School of Architecture, University of Toronto
- 1980 Ghent Square; the Canadian National Exhibition sponsored by the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
- 1980 Selected Works; Walker Art Center, as published by City Segments
- 1980 The Work of Barton Myers as published in Design Quarterly No.108, UCLA
- 1979 Exhibition of Drawings; Ballenford Architectural Books
- 1979 Architectural Awareness Week, Queen’s Park, Toronto
- 1974 Perspectus ’74, Exhibition of City of Toronto Planning and Architecture, Toronto Chapter of Architects, David Mirvish Gallery
- 1974 Housing Union Building, Walker Art Gallery, Minneapolis
- 1974 Dundas/Sherbourne, City Hall, Toronto
- 1973 Work of Diamond and Myers at School of Architecture, University of Toronto
- 1973 “Exploring Toronto”, Toronto Chapter of Architects, Nathan Phillips Square
Television features
- 2000 HGTV (Home & Garden Television) “Water”
- 2000 House Beautiful A&E (Arts & Entertainment)
- 2000 HGTV (Home & Garden Television.) “21st century Homes”
- 1998 Canadian Television : The Wolf House Revisited.
- 1997 “Great Performances”, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center Opening Night Gala Celebration. KCET, February 13, 1997. New Stage.
- 1997 “New Stage for a City”, A Special Production of “State of the Arts,” NJN/New Jersey Public Television.
- 1991 City Television: Fashion T.V.: Architect
- 1979 Channel 19 Urban Renewal Program
- 1977 CBC Money Makers
- 1974-75 CBC Consultant Urban Programs
- 1973 CITY Money Game CITY Home Show
- 1972 CTV “The Human Journey” series - Where We Live
- 1972 CBC “The Man at the Centre” - Urban Open Spaces
- 1971 CTV “People Worth Knowing”
- 1971 CBC “Man at the Centre” - City Streets
Books (partial listing)
- "West Coast Residential: The Modern and the Contemporary" by Greg Bellerby (Jan. 2007).
- "3 Steel Houses" by Barton Myers (June 2006), Images Publishing, 128 pages.
- "Modern American Houses" by Clifford A. Pearson (Oct. 2005), pp. 126-129.
- "Up North: Where Canada’s Architecture Meets the Land" by Lisa Rochon (Aug. 2004), Key Porter Books, pp. 139, 145-146, 148, 168, 215-216, 239, 253, 254-255.
- "Brave New Houses; Adventures in California Living" by Michael Webb (2003), Rizzoli, New York, pp 156–163.
- "House: American Houses for the New Century" by Raul A. Barreneche, & Cathy Lang Ho (2001) Universe Publishers, pp. 64-73
- "New Stage for a City: Designing the New Jersey Performing Arts Center" Michael Webb (1998) Images Publishing Group, 128 pages.
- "Museum Architecture" by Justin Henderson (1998). Rockport Publishers, Inc., pp. 24-31.
- "Interior Spaces of the USA: A Pictorial Review of Significant Interiors". Volume 3, (1997) Images Publishing Group, pp. 190-191.
- "On Stage: Super Structures" by Phillip Wilkinson (1996) Dorling Kindersley Ltd., pp. 14-15.
- Masters of Architecture Series: "Barton Myers Selected and Current Works" by Barton Myers and Stephen Dobney, Images Publishing Group. (1994) 256 pages.
- "Sourcebook of Contemporary North American Architecture" by Sylvia Hart Wright (1989), pp. 24-25, 89.
- "Educational Spaces: A Pictorial Review of Significant Spaces" by Antique Collectors Club, (1999), pp 132–135, 192-193.
- "25 Years of Record Houses" by Herbert L. Smith (1984). McGraw-Hill, New York, pp. 96-99.
- "Contemporary Canadian Architecture, The Mainstream and Beyond" by Ruth Cawker and William Bernstein (1983), Architectural Book Pub., pp. 188-191, back cover.
- “Vacant Lottery” by Barton Myers & George Baird (1978) Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN, 51 pages.
- "Glass House" John Hix (1974), Phaidon Press: London, pp. 177, 179.
Interesting facts
- Barton Myers is a descendent of Moses Myers, "the first permanent Jewish settler in Norfolk, VirginiaNorfolk, VirginiaNorfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
. Within four years of settling, he had established a five-vessel fleet for his import-export business and built a classic Georgian townhouse."7 The "early Federal style townhouse (1792) sits amidst the bustle of downtown Norfolk and is one of the first red, Flemish-bond brick homes built after the American RevolutionAmerican RevolutionThe American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
."8,9 - Barton Myers' grandfather (also named Barton Myers, 1853-1927) was a former Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, was once one of the city's most prominent citizens and "served on the board of the 1907 Jamestown ExpositionJamestown ExpositionThe Jamestown Exposition was one of the many world's fairs and expositions that were popular in the United States in the early part of the 20th century...
."10 In 2007, the Chrysler Museum of ArtChrysler Museum of ArtThe Chrysler Museum of Art is an art museum in the Ghent district of Norfolk, Virginia. The museum was originally founded in 1933 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences. In 1971, automotive heir, Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. , donated most of his extensive collection to the museum...
mounted an exhibition about his life significant contributions to Norfolk, VirginiaNorfolk, VirginiaNorfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
at the Moses Myers House. - Barton Myers has served as an Advisory Committee Board Member to Moses Myers House/Chrysler Museum of ArtChrysler Museum of ArtThe Chrysler Museum of Art is an art museum in the Ghent district of Norfolk, Virginia. The museum was originally founded in 1933 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences. In 1971, automotive heir, Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. , donated most of his extensive collection to the museum...
, Norfolk, Virginia since 1999.
External links
- American Institute of Architects
- American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles Chapter
- Barton Myers Associates, Inc.
- New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark
- Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, California, history and design
- Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona
- Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Oregon
- Architecture Week "Best of the West"
- 3 Steel Houses Exhibition review
- The Empire Club of Canada on Barton Myers
- Unionville Library
- The Toronto Star