Jerome Markson
Jerome Markson (1929 – November 18, 2023) was a Canadian architect based in Toronto, Ontario.[1] He was perhaps best known for his multi-family urban housing projects such as Alexandra Park Public Housing.[2]
Life[edit]
Early life[edit]
Above their father's street-level medical practice, Markson and his siblings were raised between two booming immigrant neighbourhoods, Kensington Market and the (no longer existent) Ward.[3] His parents Etta and Charles were eastern European immigrants from Lithuania and Poland respectively.[3]
Education[edit]
In 1948, Markson began his architectural studies at the University of Toronto along with other members of a new generation of architects who emerged after the war.[4] He, along with the rest of his first year peers began their studies in a building which had been used as a bomb-making facility during WWII in Ajax, Ontario.[5]
Markson also attended summer courses at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, where his design style and philosophy was greatly impacted by Eliel Saarinen, a long-time director of the school. It was here where he would also meet ceramics artist, and his soon-to-be spouse Mayta Silver.[6]
Death[edit]
Markson died in Toronto on November 18, 2023, at the age of 94.[7]
Career[edit]
Markson began his architecture career working in smaller positions for architects Eugene G. Faludi, James Murray, George Robb and Venchiarutti & Venchiarutti.[3]
Practice[edit]
In 1955, he opened his practice in post-WWII Toronto.[8] He worked independently under the name Jerome Markson Architect for the majority of his career, except for two occasions in which he partnered with Ernie Hodgson and Ronji Borooah from 1992-1999 and 1992-2005, respectively.[9]
Style[edit]
Markson was known for his innovative use of lightwells, atriums, courtyards and greenspaces to blur the line between the interior and exterior.[2]
Notable works[edit]
- Goldblatt Residence, 1955[10]
- Bathurst Jewish Centre, 1961[11]
- Group Health Centre, 1962[12]
- Alexandra Park, 1965[13]
- David B. Archer Co-operative Housing, 1976[14]
- Market Square Condominiums, 1980[15]
Awards[edit]
In 2022, Markson's contributions as a Canadian architect were recognized when he received the Gold Medal by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ Lam, Elsa (2022-05-01). "2022 RAIC Gold Medal: Jerome Markson". Canadian Architect. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
- ^ a b Miller, Laura (2020). Toronto's Inclusive Modernity. Figure 1 Publishing. ISBN 9781773270012.
- ^ a b c d Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of (2022-03-22). "RAIC Gold Medal 2022 Recipient". Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
- ^ "Jerome Markson, architect, alumnus and the RAIC's 2022 Gold Medal recipient: an appreciation | Daniels". www.daniels.utoronto.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
- ^ Miller, Laura (2020). Toronto's Inclusive Modernity. Figure 1 Publishing. ISBN 9781773270012.
- ^ "Markson awarded RAIC Gold Medal for contributions to architecture - constructconnect.com". Daily Commercial News. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
- ^ Niland, Josh (2023-11-21). "Canadian housing pioneer and RAIC Gold Medalist Jerome Markson passes away at 94". Archinect. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ Canada, Royal Architectural Institute of (2022-03-25). "Press Release: Jerome Markson announced as the recipient of the 2022 RAIC Gold Medal". Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
- ^ "Markson awarded RAIC Gold Medal for contributions to architecture - constructconnect.com". Daily Commercial News. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
- ^ "The Markson House at Historical Hamilton". historicalhamilton.com. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "Bathurst Jewish Centre". www.acotoronto.ca. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ Lam, Elsa (2022-05-01). "2022 RAIC Gold Medal: Jerome Markson". Canadian Architect. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ "The rethinking of 'Alex Park' public housing complex". thestar.com. 2010-04-11. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ LeBlanc, Dave (2020-01-30). "Jerome Markson: A six-decade career celebrated at new gallery show". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
- ^ Lam, Elsa (2020-04-01). "Markson's Mark". Canadian Architect. Retrieved 2023-03-22.