Royal Ontario Museum Analysis

1425 Words6 Pages
In today’s society, many people are constantly on the go. Whether it is traveling from home to work, school or another appointment, we are constantly travelling from one place to another. Most of the time, one will not find the time to observe their surroundings on their daily commute as it eventually blends into the background. Though if we were to take the time to stop and take a good look around, one would be able to appreciate the liveliness of many of these surrounding spaces. A great example of such a space is the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) located in the busy downtown core of Toronto. Architect Daniel Libeskind’s design of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal and its surrounding area make the ROM an unusual site for this busy intersection but…show more content…
This group consists of people wandering in the shadow of the ‘Crystal’ leaving them with a sense of wonder. They walk slowly, taking in every detail of the ‘Crystal’. Some stop to take pictures while others engage in conversation discussing the beauty and controversy of this absurd structure, the common interest of the building being enough to overcome the hesitation of talking to a stranger. The scattered benches throughout the space are constantly put to use by the people who choose to take the time and enjoy the space. The people sitting on the benches engage in diverse activities ranging from interacting with one other, taking a rest, going through their bags and even the occasional pair eating lunch. The benches provide an opportunity to relax and interact with the surroundings, be that other people, the ‘Crystal’ or themselves. Looking toward the main entrance of the museum, one can see that there is a definitive purpose for the gathering of so many bodies so close together. A structured line has formed in the shadow of the building of students, families and citizens who are blocked off with the blue velvet rope. The occupants of the line talk amongst each other, waiting in anticipation for the marvels that await them…show more content…
One of the first things that an individual would notice is that the masses of pedestrians walking by are merely passing through the open space. The people that are sitting on the stone benches are more likely brought to the space with a purpose whether it is the accessible seating or a visit to the museum itself. By observing the line, one can tell that the occupants of the line are waiting to enter the doors that they are standing in front of. One will know where to line up because of the velvet rope that divides and directs the group into a line against the wall. As for the reason why people are waiting in line, one would not be able to tell from simply looking at the line of people. However, by looking at the space as whole, one can tell that this is not a typical place of business or shopping. The abstract of its design points to a unique purpose of a potential art gallery or at least a place where incredible things can be seen. If one could not tell from the abstract design and how it screams art gallery or museum, they could read the nearby red glass monument that describes what the space is and what is
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