What do you think about ‘period’ architecture that is built out of period? Yesterday after sharing some fine pictures of some of the castles of medieval England I was offered this monstrosity of kistch design in return, called Castle Loma supposedly designed by a Canadian. Now as far as I know, Canadians have only been around for the last 100 years, so how can you have a genuine castle built in the industrial age? If you can think of more tacky architectural projects then let’s share them here, we’ll dedicate this thread to them.
The Brits have been in Canada since the 1600s. We have quite an old history!
I don't know about the actual history of Casa Loma though. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century, that much I know. It's situated in the middle of the city. You drive through a residential area and then come across this massive castle all of a sudden. It's quite picturesque and has been used in lots of movies, including X-Men.
Casa Loma is two minutes walk from my apartment. It’s beautiful from the outside. And yea it was built before WWI I think. It’s not fake architecture 
Castles can be built in any period, as long as there is royalty around. Infact I plan on having one made for myself. 
I guess the Las Vegas strip has loads of fake period architecture, like the massive Pyramid at Luxor, the Excalibur castle, etc. I don't see a problem with it though cause it provides an atmosphere that appears to be historic cause of the ancient replicas, but in actuality is quite the opposite. It is still fun and exciting to be around!
Good point Mehnaz about the fakeness of Las Vegas. Nothing wrong with it but let's not shy away fom labelling it tacky and fake, fun and exciting or not. So we've got Las Vegas and Casa Loma at the top of the charts at the moment. Any more ideas? We'll call it the Tack Top Ten and I'll grade them as we go along.
Casa Loma isn’t fake.
Canadians have an old history. Did you even read through the timeline?
Canada is in it's 136th year of Confederation. It's in fact much older than that, and hosts some of North America's oldest cities, such as St Johns (1496 and the oldest in NA), Montreal, and Quebec City. Castle Loma was built between 1911 and 1914 by Sir Henry Pellat.
Yup, Fret is correct. Canada has a long, long history. We even had slavery in Quebec and Ontario beginning in the 1600s! It wasn't just the Americans.
Back to architecture....how about the Disney castles?
Mehnaz, Disney castles don't count, they aren't meant to be taken seriously. My point about Casa Loma is borne out by the fact that it's less than 100 years old. It wouldn't surprise me if it's the only castle in the world with double glazing and an open plan kitchen.
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*Originally posted by Mr Xtreme: *
Mehnaz, Disney castles don't count, they aren't meant to be taken seriously. My point about Casa Loma is borne out by the fact that it's less than 100 years old. It wouldn't surprise me if it's the only castle in the world with double glazing and an open plan kitchen.
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Not to mention other several technological features we take for granted today. The house was wired for electric power; fitted for a central vacuuming system; and had its own telephone exchange with 59 telephones.
Just to stress my point here's what I'm talking about:
This is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland England - note the genuine perid stonework, bonafide grass and tranquil surrounding lake with actual water.
[thumb=B]alnwickcastle.JPG[/thumb]
This on the other hand is Casa Loma - let's face it, it looks like something from the Wizard of Oz.
[thumb=B]Casa-Loma.JPG[/thumb]
Anyway, enough about Casa Lamer, we need more examples of modern architecture which doesn't accurately reflect the period it was built.
p.s. Casa Loma is just one example I'm sure there are lots of lovely buildings in Canada, just not this one. No offence Canucks! :)
It does look like something from the Wizard of Oz because Pelatt had wished for a castle since he was a kid. Therefore he made it as he found fit.
[thumb=B]146846p1.JPG[/thumb]
If canadians ever wish to see a "period" castle, i believe you can get a roundtrip to UK for $300. IMHO period castles speak of feudalism. I'm glad canada dont have none.
**from toronto.com*
Casa Loma can't be missed, even if you tried. Perched atop a hill in the north end, Casa Loma draws thousands of visitors each year who look up and proclaim, "It's a castle in the middle of the city!"
Casa Loma was built by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt to fulfill his childhood wish for a castle. His dream took three years and $3.5 million to complete.
It may appear anachronistic now, but it hasn't lost its majestic charm. Its secret passageways, breathtaking towers, sweeping staircase, 800-foot tunnel, stables and 5-acre gardens continue to excite all ages.
After World War One, Sir Pellatt lost his fortune and was forced to auction off his prized possessions, including Casa Loma in order to pay off his debts. For years the stately house sat unoccupied while the city tried to decide whether to tear it down, or turn it into a museum, high school, art gallery or veteran's home. Finally in 1937, the Kiwanis Club of West Toronto suggested turning Casa Loma into a tourist attraction. Today, Casa Loma is owned by the City of Toronto and is still operated by the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma. It is one of Toronto's top attractions.*
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*Originally posted by MehnazQ: *
We even had slavery in Quebec and Ontario beginning in the 1600s! It wasn't just the Americans.
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This is quite true unfortunately. It wasn't as widespread in Canada as it was in the US. Was mostly restricted to areas in Newfoundland and Quebec. Later on though, Canada was a safehaven for American slaves who escaped. We would welcome them.
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Fret Wizard: *
This is quite true unfortunately. It wasn't as widespread in Canada as it was in the US. Was mostly restricted to areas in Newfoundland and Quebec. Later on though, Canada was a safehaven for American slaves who escaped. We would welcome them.
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Hmm, "welcome them" gives the idea that the Blacks were actually wanted in Canada. It was actually quite the opposite. I was once fooled by those Canadian History commercials that they show on t.v. showing how the Brits welcomed and helped the Blacks escape to Canada. Although this is true, with the rare white abolitionists aiding in the Underground Railroad, the fact is that many Blacks still retained their slave status in Canada. In fact, their treatment was so bad here in Canada that after the Civil War, a lot of them returned to America!
Unfortunately, what the Blacks were subjected to in Canada has completely been written out of Canadian history.
Anyway, this is totally off-topic!
Something I've always wondered while we're on the subject; considering how Canadian districts have such weird names like , Manitoba , Saskatchewan, Missagua etc, I'm assuming these places used to be run by apache indians. So maybe if there is going to be out of period architecture it might be an idea to build a giant wig wam somewhere in the country?
Xtreme
many buildings in US have gothic architecture, even though they were built in the last 100-150 years.
an example will be the cathedral of learning at uni of pittsburg campus, which is the tallest gothic tower in US (maybe the world). This was built in 1926. Its teh second tallest educational building in the world.
actually its pretty cool, Much better than the monstrosity in Canada 
here is a pic
Wow, you're right Fraudz, that University of Pittsburgh campus is really something. Looks like Casa Loma is still top of the charts.
yeah its a nice campus. the cathedral of learnign and the nationality classrooms are something to see really.
I did nto go to Pitt, but some friends did so I used to drop by everyy so often. actually most large ..and some small unis have some pretty kewl campuses and interesting buildings.