Marta O'Brien
@archhistory.bsky.social
Architectural historian. Passionate pedestrian & former cyclist, so road safety! City & provincial politics. Lifelong renter in Toronto.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
In this week's edition of my newsletter, rebuilding confidence, a magazine appearance, and having visions of plum pudding ice cream dance through my head.
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
44: The Visions of Plum Pudding Ice Cream Dancing in Your Head Edition
Along with the usual roundup o' stuff...
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:33 PM
In this week's edition of my newsletter, rebuilding confidence, a magazine appearance, and having visions of plum pudding ice cream dance through my head.
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
open.substack.com/pub/jamiebra...
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Robert A.M. Stern, Influential American Architect and Educator, Passes Away at 86 - https://www.archdaily.com/1036497/robert-am-stern-influential-american-architect-and-educator-passes-away-at-86
Robert A.M. Stern, Influential American Architect and Educator, Passes Away at 86
Robert A.M. Stern, influential architect and educator, reshaped contemporary architecture with his contextual, historically informed designs, passes away at 86.
www.archdaily.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Robert A.M. Stern, Influential American Architect and Educator, Passes Away at 86 - https://www.archdaily.com/1036497/robert-am-stern-influential-american-architect-and-educator-passes-away-at-86
Multiple aspects in any apartment makes a huge difference. Light, air, views.
connected single stair coop w/ towers in lausanne
most homes are dual or triple aspect.
www.espazium.ch/fr/actualite...
most homes are dual or triple aspect.
www.espazium.ch/fr/actualite...
Se plier à l’exceptionnalité d’une falaise | Espazium
Le projet de MPH architectes pour le périmètre des Falaises à Lausanne démontre que l’implantation d’un nouveau quartier sur une parcelle privilégiée ne dénature pas les qualités d’une ville mais perm...
www.espazium.ch
November 29, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Multiple aspects in any apartment makes a huge difference. Light, air, views.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Pedestrian struck by motorist on Parkside a block from the speed camera that vigilantes kept tearing down that caused ford to remove them from all Ontario. Drive as you wish Ontario. Nobody matters. This is what you voted for.
November 28, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Pedestrian struck by motorist on Parkside a block from the speed camera that vigilantes kept tearing down that caused ford to remove them from all Ontario. Drive as you wish Ontario. Nobody matters. This is what you voted for.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
With a jam-packed calendar next week, I’ve got a special FREE edition of City Hall Watcher, looking at debates on density along avenues, parking signage, bike lanes, tourism, and whether we should be allowed to swear in parks.
Share it with your pals.
toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/supersized...
Share it with your pals.
toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/supersized...
Supersized speed signs, park profanity, and bringing on more bike lanes
The week at Toronto City Hall for December 1 to 5, featuring some evolving avenues, scaled-down environmental plans, and a new water shuttle.
toronto.cityhallwatcher.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
With a jam-packed calendar next week, I’ve got a special FREE edition of City Hall Watcher, looking at debates on density along avenues, parking signage, bike lanes, tourism, and whether we should be allowed to swear in parks.
Share it with your pals.
toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/supersized...
Share it with your pals.
toronto.cityhallwatcher.com/p/supersized...
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, it was raining
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, there was frost on my windows
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, it was dark
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, the sun was in my eyes
Also drivers: I never see anyone using that bike lane, let’s rip it out.
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, there was frost on my windows
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, it was dark
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, the sun was in my eyes
Also drivers: I never see anyone using that bike lane, let’s rip it out.
November 28, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, it was raining
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, there was frost on my windows
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, it was dark
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, the sun was in my eyes
Also drivers: I never see anyone using that bike lane, let’s rip it out.
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, there was frost on my windows
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, it was dark
Drivers: I couldn’t see you, the sun was in my eyes
Also drivers: I never see anyone using that bike lane, let’s rip it out.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
It's NOT about speed cameras.
It's about making streets SAFE 24/7
Mayor Chow & Councillor Perks have failed to make Parkside Dr. safe. People killed & severely injured.
Simple: max speed to 30Kph while it borders the park, install bumps each 50 meters, narrow street at crosswalks.
Stop blah, and do!
It's about making streets SAFE 24/7
Mayor Chow & Councillor Perks have failed to make Parkside Dr. safe. People killed & severely injured.
Simple: max speed to 30Kph while it borders the park, install bumps each 50 meters, narrow street at crosswalks.
Stop blah, and do!
November 28, 2025 at 4:56 PM
It's NOT about speed cameras.
It's about making streets SAFE 24/7
Mayor Chow & Councillor Perks have failed to make Parkside Dr. safe. People killed & severely injured.
Simple: max speed to 30Kph while it borders the park, install bumps each 50 meters, narrow street at crosswalks.
Stop blah, and do!
It's about making streets SAFE 24/7
Mayor Chow & Councillor Perks have failed to make Parkside Dr. safe. People killed & severely injured.
Simple: max speed to 30Kph while it borders the park, install bumps each 50 meters, narrow street at crosswalks.
Stop blah, and do!
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Imagine thinking that the problem with these roads is undersized speed signs?
Hamilton man, 83, killed while walking dog; third pedestrian death in a week
The 83-year-old victim was struck in a crosswalk Thursday, highlighting ongoing concerns about high-risk intersections and speeding
www.thespec.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Imagine thinking that the problem with these roads is undersized speed signs?
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Bill 60 is another attack on renters that will lead to more people going to food banks and experiencing homelessness in Ontario.
Doug Ford mocking protestors shows just how out of touch he is with Ontarians.
Doug Ford mocking protestors shows just how out of touch he is with Ontarians.
Bill 60 attacks renters
YouTube video by Mike Schreiner
youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Bill 60 is another attack on renters that will lead to more people going to food banks and experiencing homelessness in Ontario.
Doug Ford mocking protestors shows just how out of touch he is with Ontarians.
Doug Ford mocking protestors shows just how out of touch he is with Ontarians.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Fun little evening side quest: the subway and streetcar network in April 1954, but in contemporary style.
November 28, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Fun little evening side quest: the subway and streetcar network in April 1954, but in contemporary style.
I've said this for yrs: why does owning a home give someone the right to judge anything else that may be built nearby? It's a huge reason why we don't have more multi-res.
Meanwhile, replacing a little 1930s bungalow with a 4,000 sq ft McMansion is just fine. SMH.
Meanwhile, replacing a little 1930s bungalow with a 4,000 sq ft McMansion is just fine. SMH.
Why? Why do we do this to ourselves? This just feels like a waste of everybody's time. Why on earth do we think we need neighbours to weigh in on this?! Just build it already. www.therecord.com/news/waterlo...
November 28, 2025 at 1:31 PM
I've said this for yrs: why does owning a home give someone the right to judge anything else that may be built nearby? It's a huge reason why we don't have more multi-res.
Meanwhile, replacing a little 1930s bungalow with a 4,000 sq ft McMansion is just fine. SMH.
Meanwhile, replacing a little 1930s bungalow with a 4,000 sq ft McMansion is just fine. SMH.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Doug Ford has blood on his hands after only 13 days
Pedestrian struck by motorist on Parkside a block from the speed camera that vigilantes kept tearing down that caused ford to remove them from all Ontario. Drive as you wish Ontario. Nobody matters. This is what you voted for.
November 28, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Doug Ford has blood on his hands after only 13 days
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Wow, this Ireland ad about protecting your kids on your online posts. It might give you pause….think before you post about their activities.
November 27, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Wow, this Ireland ad about protecting your kids on your online posts. It might give you pause….think before you post about their activities.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Banning street hockey in Canada?
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
Get outside kids, enjoy the fresh air with your friends!
Just kidding, stay the F inside.
Just kidding, stay the F inside.
November 27, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Banning street hockey in Canada?
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
This isn’t about protecting kids. It’s about protecting drivers from having to think about kids.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
You gotta love how much City of Toronto truck drivers hate Toronto residents.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
November 27, 2025 at 6:55 PM
You gotta love how much City of Toronto truck drivers hate Toronto residents.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
Idling for half an hour, blocking a crosswalk while they had their lunch
Plenty of parking around.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Small 4-6 unit multiplexes shouldn't require the same governance and reserve requirements as 200-unit condos.
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
Multiplexes are finally legal to build in Toronto, but the rules for how they can be owned and sold haven't caught up.
November 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Small 4-6 unit multiplexes shouldn't require the same governance and reserve requirements as 200-unit condos.
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
Other jurisdictions (including BC) have simpler, more lightweight ownership structure for small multi-residential buildings. ON and Toronto should take a look!
This is great news. I've always thought a book on Darling was sorely needed.
Book Preview: Toronto Edwardian Frank Darling, Architect of Canada’s Imperial Age
Book Preview: Toronto Edwardian Frank Darling, Architect of Canada’s Imperial Age
Toronto Edwardian Frank Darling, Architect of Canada’s Imperial Age By David Winterton (2026) Frank Darling (1850-1923) was Canada’s most prolific and award-winning architects of the pre-WWI era. Over...
www.canadianarchitect.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:55 PM
This is great news. I've always thought a book on Darling was sorely needed.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Thanks, Councillor @CraigCassar:
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
November 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Thanks, Councillor @CraigCassar:
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
"Cities for Everyone" is an excellent bi-weekly webinar series by famed Canadian Urbanist Gil Penalosa, creator of 8 80 Cities."
FREE • People can watch the 99 presentations, 30 min each, includes one page of key points:
gpenalosa.ca/webinar/
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
guys...
Company given $2M from Skills Development Fund run by Ford family dentist: sources
Company given $2M from Skills Development Fund run by Ford family dentist: sources
The company’s CEO also worked closely with the wife of the minister in charge of the grant program at the time
dlvr.it
November 27, 2025 at 6:57 PM
guys...
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
I voted against Ford every time, but it's the non-voters that cause the issue. EVERYONE needs to get off their @ss and vote!.
November 26, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I voted against Ford every time, but it's the non-voters that cause the issue. EVERYONE needs to get off their @ss and vote!.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
I guess Big Pole must’ve made a sizeable donation to Doug’s latest election campaign.
November 26, 2025 at 10:28 PM
I guess Big Pole must’ve made a sizeable donation to Doug’s latest election campaign.
It's about time people with power & authority realized tenants' units are their homes.
Now on TPR
This morning the City of Hamilton decided to not issue a compliance order for repairs at a rental building that's for sale as a 'solid investment property for repositioning to achieve market rents.'
Tenants are asking City Hall to enforce property standards, save their homes #yhmcc
This morning the City of Hamilton decided to not issue a compliance order for repairs at a rental building that's for sale as a 'solid investment property for repositioning to achieve market rents.'
Tenants are asking City Hall to enforce property standards, save their homes #yhmcc
City Grants Extension on 295 Melvin Ave Property Repairs Despite Tenants' Demands for Enforcement
Landlord marketing building for sale as 'investment property' while long-term tenants worry about potential displacement.
thepublicrecord.ca
November 27, 2025 at 3:20 PM
It's about time people with power & authority realized tenants' units are their homes.
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Reposted by Marta O'Brien
Just a reminder that ordering books through an author’s @bookshop.org affiliate links supports independent bookstores AND authors.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.
November 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Just a reminder that ordering books through an author’s @bookshop.org affiliate links supports independent bookstores AND authors.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.
In other words, your favorite authors get a lil’ extra money, as do actual bookstores (not that one billionaire website). A win-win.