Richard Sommer named dean of University of Toronto with clear indication of cause

Blueprint for a New Architectural Dean Complete

University of Toronto recently named Richard Sommers, formerly of Harvard University Graduate School of Design new dean of U of T's John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Undoubtedly Sommers was brought in for a myriad of reasons however his connection as a designer specializing in urban areas was a reason specifically cited by University of Toronto. In fact University of Toronto put together quite a nice "mission statement" of goals for the new director which are meant to play to Sommer's and the University's strengths.

Univ. of Toronto's work to get out the news about their happenings, including events, and of course lectures, rather inspiring as a good Educational Institution should act as an extension of the community in which it resides and serves. Even though I am was never a student at UofT I find their program extremely interesting and of course love the city in which it resides. All of which is helped by the exposure that UofT works to attract to their accomplishments and community.

It is refreshing to see and a fine example of what a design school that wishes to use their location as an asset through involvement can achieve. I hope the local design community appreciates what they have.