Views of the Downsview Super Lobby

Views of the Downsview Super Lobby - 1986

In 1986, the Zephyr editors decided to publish an article describing the displays which had gradually appeared in and around the open lobby space at the building entrance. 14 photos were talken and the uncropped original prints are seen here. Photos by Bill Kiely.

The complete article, published in the July / August 1986 edition of Zephyr may be seen at this link .

Photo 1 Begin the tour by joining Mary Rossetti-Longarini at the antique instrument showcase, the splendid collection that forms the pièce de resistance of the whole lobby.	Photo 2 Next obtain a run-down of all weather parameters including temperature and relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction, pressure and monthly precipitation. Karin Schasmin studies the pressure dial.
Photo 3 You can obtain an immediate overview of the weather by studying the maps and charts laid out on a table near the parameter dials. Nancy Hamer points out an item in the general synopsis to Lorraine Kiely.	Photo 4 As a change from meteorology, you can admire the textured tapestries adorning the area of the Auditorium sewn by the wife of sculptor Ron Baird, who forged the huge weather sculpture on the front lawn.
Photo 5 These old-time mercury barometers seem to have taken over the lobby's rest area for a conference of their own.	Photo 6 Two employees relaxing on a sofa contemplate a complex scene - this sets the mood of the large lobby. The array of instruments, both operational and historic, plus several other display items, forms a sort of mini-exhibition, livened up with flags, banners, tapestries, climbing plants and a polished stone floor.
Photo 7 Bill Johnson is seen here obtaining lhe local severe weather picture from the lobby's weather radar screen, directly linked to the King City radar station.	Photo 8 AES Ice Reconnaissance Services are not forgotten. Enclosed in the plastic domes are models of the sophisticated new DASH-7 aircraft now being used by our ice observers (right model), and the older ice reconnaissance aircraft, the Lockheed Electra (left model)
Photo 9 Commissionaire Gasper Belen's desk is the hub of the lobby. If you want information on any aspect of the building, he is more than ready to respond. Even while on the phone, he has to keep an eye on the monitor that does surveillance on 10 areas of the building.	Photo 10 The lobby has other practical.aspects: You can avail yourself of this oxygen unit and / or stretcher if the grand tour proves too much for you.
Photo 11 The lobby also contains the building's only pay phone. That's why Gilles Tardif feels comfortable making a personal call - no one can listen in on another extension.	Photo 12 If you want maximum and minimum temperature information for the past nine days, you can emulate Brian Taylor and activate a switch. Other parts of the module give accurate wind information.
Photo 13 The lobby also salutes leading weather people of the past,. High up beneath the banners is part of the "Downsview Wall" a portrait gallery of former meteorological directors. Flanking the commissionnaire's desk are historic building pictures.	Photo 14 Lastly, Bill Kiely is seen activating one of the lobby's more recent installations - the TABS (Telidon Aviation Briefing Service), a rapid means for pilots to obtain auto-briefings on aviation weather, but an interesting exhibit for all AES employees.