In addition to all the buildings that will be open for the public to explore this weekend — including One Spadina — Doors Open Toronto is presenting a Speaker Series focused on Canadian Architecture, with lectures Friday, May 26 and Sunday, May 28.

From the Doors Open Toronto website:

Keynote Event: What is Canadian Architecture?
East Harbour, 21 Don Roadway
Covered bike racks and free parking available
Friday, May 26, 7 pm

Canada’s landscape is vast and varied, with immense distances separating communities and cities. Much like the diversity that defines the country's identities and geographies, many Canadians embrace multiculturalism rather than assimilation. However, this is not the viewpoint of all, nor entirely representative of Canadian Culture.

Buildings and spaces created by Canadian architects illustrate and illuminate the many varied perspectives of Canadian identity – but, does a distinctly Canadian voice exist in Canadian architecture? A diverse group of leading architects from across the nation (and beyond) debate this in acknowledgement of Canada's 150^th birthday.

Venue provided by East Harbour
Closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended.

Panelists: A.J. Diamond, Omar Gandhi, Valerie Gow, Murray Legge, Susan Scott, Pierre Thibault
Moderator: Beth Kapusta

In partnership with the Toronto Society of Architects

MIA: Where Are the Women Architects?
The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W.
Sunday, 4 pm

The representation of women as practising lawyers and doctors in Canada is approximately 40 percent (rising to 61.4 percent for doctors under 35). Why is it then that the similarly demanding profession of architecture stagnated in 2005 and remains at 25 percent? What are the barriers women face in this field, why are they not advancing to leadership levels and what can be done? These questions and more will be discussed on this timely topic, featuring a panel of women architects from all positions in the profession.

Panelists: Mary Lou Lobsinger, Camille Mitchell, Barbora Vokac Taylor, Delnaz Yekrangian
Moderator: Elsa Lam

In partnership with The Great Hall

Photo above: detail of the graduate design studio at One Spadina, by Nic Lehoux