Renowned Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, whose visionary designs have left an indelible mark on our nation and the world, passed away at the age of 93.
In his 8 decades of career he and his firm designed many iconic buildings in and outside of Canada: the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa’s City Hall, the Bata Shoe Museum, the Toronto Reference Library, the Ontario Science Centre and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, and others.
Moriyama’s legacy is perhaps best exemplified by the Ontario Science Centre, an institution he designed to inspire and educate generations of curious minds. The Science Centre captivates children with a myriad of interactive activities, sparking their passion for science.
It was Ontario Science Centre, Amid the captivating blend of interactive learning activities, we as a family forged lasting memories.
About 15 years ago when the kids were little we started hanging out at the Ontario Science Centre—a fave for us during weekends and holidays. Even today, my adult children fondly reminisce about the thrilling adventures there, experimenting with the gravity-defying exhibits, the wonderful theatre and the cool fake grocery store. And my son is majoring in Health Sciences at university.
I loved the Centre and these trips. I was hands on playing with the kids, experimenting, learning, and laughing with them. these interactive activities let our curiosity. you couldn’t just sit back and watch your children play; you wanted to be part it. I enjoyed the natural surroundings that the Centre uniquely set in, the ravine overseen over the bridge. The mothership like interior and mother earth connects nicely.
Nature was a major part of his design; he drew sources from both Western and Eastern influences.
The Ontario Science Centre is extraordinary like no other in the world.
In the 60s museums remained static, but Raymond Moriyama dared to envision something more dynamic. He sought to create spaces not merely for passive observation but for active engagement. For Moriyama, the adventure is to provide an environment that is physical as well as emotional which triggers a discovering mind.
When the Ontario Science Centre was conceived, it faced its share of skepticism and criticism. However, it was this innovative and forward thinking approach that ignited a transformative spark in the museum world. Over time, numerous museums worldwide followed this design, ushering in a new era of interactive and immersive educational experiences.
His architectural journey began with a humble treehouse he crafted in a World War II internment camp in BC; the Japanese Canadians were classified as security threats. he found solace in nature and the treehouse he built. Despite being rejected by his own country and being bullied within his own community, his talent and ability to design and build ignited his imagination and reshaped his perspective. He focused on what he could do as an architect for the people and country.
“I replaced the despair with ideas about what I could do as an architect to help my community and Canada,” he said.
we honoring the legacy of Raymond Moriyama, an architect who dared to dream and inspire, we also celebrate his enduring impact which continues to enrich the cultural tapestry of our nation.
“As a student I had this desire, I guess an ambition, to do three things: to design a city hall, 2ndly to design a museum, and 3rdly to do a cathedral…A cathedral really represents a search for true. For an architect, every project is a cathedral.” (A profile of Canadian Architect Raymond Mariyama in 1984″)
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