I spent this past weekend in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. While wandering around the Parliament area, this eye-catching statue drew my attention. At the intersection of Albert Street and Elgin Street, right outside the National Arts Centre, stood the elegant statue of none other than one of the world’s most renowned pianists—not only famous in Canada but across the globe—Oscar Peterson (1925–2007), the son of Caribbean immigrant parents who had settled in Montreal.
He is regarded as one of the greatest Canadian jazz pianists, celebrated for his extraordinary speed and precision at the piano.
The bronze sculpture was created by Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy. The design captures the feeling that Oscar Peterson is actually sitting there at the corner playing the piano, and one can even enjoy listening to his music while standing near the statue.
It was truly an unforgettable and deeply memorable experience—etched in my mind as a lasting impression.
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| Casaloma in Night |
Casa Loma is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the city of Toronto. It is a large mansion resembling a castle, originally built to be a castle by wealthy businessman Sir Henry Pellatt between 1911 and 1914. Constructed in the Gothic Revival architectural style, this mansion stands as one of Toronto’s most iconic architectural landmarks. The architect was E.J.Lennox.
The mansion, which contains 98 rooms, features a 61-foot-high Great Hall, secret passageways, a bowling alley, underground tunnels for servants, and areas for maintaining horses.
Following the First World War, Henry Pellatt fell into financial difficulties and was unable to pay his property taxes to the government. As a result, the property was seized by the city.
In the years that followed, this castle-like mansion was used in various ways—as a hotel, club, and research facility—before coming under the care of the Liberty Entertainment Group in 2014.
Today, it functions as a tourist attraction, museum, and venue for events. Notably, more than 650,000 visitors come to see Casa Loma each year.
Casa Loma – https://casaloma.ca/
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| Mayooranathan, an architect and historical researcher |
One of the theories or concepts of modern architecture is 'organic architecture'. The pioneer of this theory is an American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. He first used the term 'organic architecture' when discussing architecture that suits the environment.Architectural critics believe that he arrived at this concept through his mentor Louis Sullivan, who believed in the principle of 'form follows function' in architecture. They also believe that Thoreau's thinking on Transcendentalism played a significant role in helping him reach this concept.
Frank Lloyd Wright's thinking on organic architecture is an important concept in modern architecture, just as he firmly believed in the principle of 'form follows function'.
Le Corbusier is one of the pioneers of modern architecture. He is a multi-talented architect and urban planner. He is a Swiss-born French citizen. Many parts of the world exhibit his architectural as well as urban planning contributions. The city planning and many governmental buildings in the Punjab province in India were designed by him. His prowess is known for art, furniture design, and writing as well.
His real name is Charles-Édouard Jeanneret. His self-talent, experience, and knowledge of subjects in the field helped him achieve success in architecture and urban planning.
"A house is a machine to live in" - this is Le corbusier's motto. This means that a house, including all its parts, is a machine designed for humans to live in.
- Poet Kannathasan - "In an unfinished night, I wither… You speak of an unending story… A soul unites in secret, unseen by kin… A...
