David Mirvish, founder of Mirvish Productions, and architect Frank Gehry today unveiled the conceptual design for a mixed-use project that will transform Toronto’s downtown arts and entertainment district. The multi-year, multi-phase project is the largest urban commission to date for the Toronto-born architect, bringing new cultural, residential and retail spaces to a site immediately next to the Royal Alexandra Theatre and creating a new identity for the city’s arts district.
The conceptual design, which will continue to evolve, consists of two six-story stepped podiums, which relate in scale and articulation to the neighboring buildings, topped by three iconic residential towers, ranging in size from 80 to 85 stories. Each tower has a complementary but distinctive design, which fits with the history and texture of the surrounding neighborhood. The trio of towers works together to form a dynamic still life on the skyline. The west block of the plan, oriented to King Street West, features a stepped podium with the Mirvish Collection in the atrium and planted terraces that create a green silhouette overlooking King Street and Metro Square. The east block of the plan includes the preservation of the Royal Alexandra Theatre and another stepped podium housing the OCAD University facility that fronts onto King Street West.
The project incorporates a new multi-floor facility for the OCAD University Public Learning Centre for Visual Art, Curatorial Studies and Art History, including exhibition galleries, studios, seminar rooms, and a public lecture hall. The galleries will feature curatorial programming drawn from OCAD University faculty, the OCAD University Art Collection, the OCAD University Archives and the Printmaking and Publications Research and Production Centre. +
Related Stories
Resiliency | Jun 24, 2021
Oceanographer John Englander talks resiliency and buildings [new on HorizonTV]
New on HorizonTV, oceanographer John Englander discusses his latest book, which warns that, regardless of resilience efforts, sea levels will rise by meters in the coming decades. Adaptation, he says, is the key to future building design and construction.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 23, 2021
COVID-19’s impact on multifamily amenities
Multifamily project teams had to scramble to accommodate the overwhelming demand for work-from-home spaces for adults and study spaces for children.
Architects | Jun 22, 2021
6 ways design can supercharge innovation in health sciences and medical education
It might sound radical, but the best way to achieve better collaboration is by eliminating traditional operational silos and the resulting departments.
K-12 Schools | Jun 20, 2021
Los Angeles County issues design guidelines for extending PreK-12 learning to the outdoors
The report covers everything from funding and site prep recommendations to whether large rocks can be used as seating.
Hotel Facilities | Jun 18, 2021
Adaptive reuse for hospitality, with Frank Cretella of Landmark Developers
In an exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Landmark Developers' President Frank Cretella talks about the firm's adaptive reuse projects for the hospitality sector. Cretella outlines his company's keys to success in hospitality development, including finding unique properties and creating memorable spaces.
Architects | Jun 16, 2021
BSB Design acquires California architectural firm Withee Malcolm
The acquisition marks a pivotal step in BSB Design’s long-term strategic plan.
Architects | Jun 15, 2021
Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial set to break ground
SWA Group designed the project.
Architects | Jun 15, 2021
Chicago Architecture Center and Chicago Architectural Club announce competition calling for new visions for State of Illinois “Thompson Center”
Competition seeks to give State of Illinois Center new life while preserving its architecture and public character.
Wood | Jun 10, 2021
Three AEC firms launch a mass timber product for quicker school construction
TimberQuest brand seeks to avoid overinvestment in production that has plagued other CLT providers.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2021
The future of the workplace is social clubs
Office design experts from NELSON Worldwide propose a new concept for the workplace, one that resembles the social clubs of the past.