by Tammy Thorne, University of Toronto News

Once again this year, U of T is proud to be part of the popular walking tour that invites the public to explore the city's architectural wonders.

Doors Open is organized by the City of Toronto and takes place May 23-24. For the 10th anniversary of Doors Open, this year's theme is Lit City -- Toronto Stories, Toronto Settings. Citywide there are 175 buildings of architectural, historic, cultural and social significance open to the public.

The University of Toronto will open the doors to 13 buildings on the St. George campus: 255 McCaul Exam Centre, First Nations House, Hart House, Soldiers' Tower, Trinity College's John W. Graham Library, School of Continuing Studies, Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University College, Victoria University's Emmanuel College Library and E.J. Pratt Library, Wycliffe College and University Women's Club of Toronto.

University College and the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library have been part of tour since 2003 but there are also some first-time sites: 255 McCaul, the School of Continuing Studies and Victoria College's libraries.

A former book warehouse, 255 McCaul is now an exam centre and home to facilities and services and real estate staff.

Ron Swail, assistant vice-president (facilities and services), said he is extremely proud of the 255 McCaul building renewal -- the university's first LEED gold designated building.

"This year, we are very pleased to be able to showcase some of our newer buildings, including one that I was directly involved in rehabilitating from an empty warehouse to a wonderful sustainable building," Swail said. "The renewal features many sustainable elements including the green/living wall in our lobby, which not only helps clear the air but we like to think it provides a bit of serenity to nervous students about to write exams."

In line with this year's literary theme, the School of Continuing Studies will have three top creative writing instructors reading from their recently published novels on Sunday starting at 1 p.m., including Lee Gowan who will read from Confession. Gowan, head of the creative writing program, said the school is delighted to be part of Doors Open for the first time.

"We love our new building and we're proud of the award-winning instructors in Canada's largest creative writing program," he said. "So we're inviting people to come and enjoy both the University of Toronto's beautiful architecture and readings by some exciting Canadian authors."

Moriyama & Teshima Architects transformed the school's original 1954 building in 2004, when it was extended towards the street with a two-storey addition, which is now a public atrium flooded with natural light during the day.

In conjunction with the event, Professor Larry Richards of architecture, landscape and design is launching University of Toronto: A Campus Guide, the latest in a series of guidebooks published by Princeton Architectural Press. The former dean of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design has organized the book as a series of walks and offers an intimate view of some of the finest architecture in Canada at Canada's largest university. The book will be available for purchase at University College.

Visit www.toronto.ca/doorsopen/.