Spanish architect, structural engineer, and artist Santiago Calatrava is well-known for his distinctive designs that skillfully combine engineering and architecture. Early in his career, he was asked to participate in a major urban project in Toronto's busy city center, which was one of his most memorable experiences.

Calatrava, who frequently draws inspiration from movement and the natural world, approached this task from an artistic standpoint rather than one that was limited by architecture. He was entrusted with creating the visual identity of a street within the development while collaborating with other creative professionals. Calatrava suggested building a galleria, an enclosed arcade that could be used as a commercial space and a lively public space, as an alternative to more conventional solutions.

Calatrava's philosophy of incorporating art into architecture to create spaces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and deeply engaging is exemplified by this project. Calatrava views his work as one in which ingenuity and creativity are essential to urban development, much like a sculptor molds clay to give shape to an abstract concept.

His method is similar to painting on a canvas in that each brushstroke adds character and depth, turning a routine street into a bustling city thoroughfare. By adding artistic elements that have an emotional and intellectual resonance, he hopes to improve the quality of life for those who use these spaces on a daily basis. This philosophy reflects the larger impact he hopes to achieve with his work.

With this project, Calatrava showcased his capacity to transcend traditional roles and present creative concepts that question established distinctions between architecture and art.