Using Art to Reimagine the Lobby at 100 University
When the lobby at 100 University Avenue in downtown Toronto was recently renovated, it offered a pristine canvas: white glass walls, polished stone floors, and clean architectural lines. But like a blank page, it was waiting for a story. The transformation began with a simple but powerful idea – to infuse warmth, vibrancy, and personality into the space through art, craft, and design.
Anchoring the North Gallery, David Brown’s triptych In Colour and Tension (Indigo, Ember, Verdigris) introduces movement and rhythm to the once-still surfaces. Brown’s encaustic works combine layers of wax, spray paint, and print techniques to evoke what he calls “internalized landscapes” – reflections of urban life rendered through texture and light. His folded, geometric panels seem to shift with every step, capturing the hum of the city while offering a quiet counterpoint to its pace.
Beneath the art, the Moto bench by Simon Kitz (Skagne) extends the dialogue between form and function. Crafted in black walnut, the bench is inspired by the geometry of a locomotive – strong yet balanced, minimal yet expressive. Kitz describes it as a “functional object infused with motion and metaphor,” and in the lobby it becomes both seat and sculpture.
The theme of transformation continues in Butterfly Parade, a wall installation by PS Studio that seems to drift across the glass like a living current. Over 400 delicate, hand-painted butterflies sweep upward in a poetic arc, symbolizing renewal and the fragile balance of nature. Each piece is a reminder that beauty and sustainability can coexist, echoing the importance of pollinators in maintaining biodiversity. Visitors are invited to support this message by learning about and contributing to the Pelee Island Butterfly Sanctuary.
Completing the composition, the Gala coffee table by Kitz and the Bubble Chairs by Roche Bobois add an inviting softness – organic forms that echo the undulating rhythms of the artwork.
Together, these curated pieces turn the lobby into a living gallery – a place where art, design, and everyday life converge. What was once an echoing corridor has become a sensory experience: a space to sit, reflect, and breathe amid the pulse of downtown Toronto. OD
Design: Samantha Sannella, Catherine Tourigny • Art: David Brown
Custom Bench and Table: Skagne • Photography: WM Hughes