Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
Construction has started on Forma, a two-tower condominium development in downtown Toronto designed by architect Frank Ghery.
The two buildings will stand 73 and 84-storeys – the Canadian architect’s first residential towers in the country and the tallest buildings the 94-year-old Gehry has designed during his six-decade career in architecture.
Gehry is among the most influential in contemporary architecture with award-winning work spanning across the globe, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.
“This building is very close to my heart. Toronto is my hometown, and I wanted to do right by it. We wanted to make a building that paid homage to Toronto’s rich past while also looking forward to its optimistic future. I hope that we have succeeded in making a sculpture on the skyline to reflect the light and essence of this city that I love” says Frank Gehry, Gehry Partners LLP.
Defined by its shimmering façade and twisting shape, Forma will establish an unforgettable statement on Toronto’s skyline. By offsetting the floorplates, the design ensures unparalleled views from every suite, giving residents the exclusive opportunity to experience Toronto from a myriad of angles. The exterior is designed to reflect the light and colour from the city.
Forma marks Gehry’s first residential tower in Canada and his tallest building in the world, setting the stage for the esteemed architect’s return to his place of birth and the city that inspired his love of architecture. The construction milestone for the East tower comes as the team reaches over $1 billion in sales in less than a year.
“We are thrilled to be standing on the future site of Forma to celebrate the official start of turning this exceptional vision into a reality,” said Mitchell Cohen, chief operating officer, Westdale Properties. ” There are hundreds of people who have worked to get us here and I am proud to work with a powerhouse team that bolsters a visionary approach to architecture and interior design.
“After almost a decade of planning, the momentum for this project has only continued to grow, made evident by the incredible reception we have received to date.”
Alongside Gehry, internationally acclaimed interior designer Paolo Ferrari, founder of Studio Paolo Ferrari, was brought on to design the interiors. Taking inspiration from Gehry’s vision, Ferrari drew from his extensive experience working on international hospitality projects to create a design for the amenities that establishes a compelling balance between exuberance and serenity.
Amenities include a Creator’s Club with multi-functional workspaces, an adjoining Maker’s Studio for hands-on activities, a Grand Suite with sweeping views of the cityscape, as well as a Health and Wellness Retreat, a spa, jacuzzi and dedicated spin room.
Construction costs for the east building have been estimated at around $500 million, according to Gehry’s firm. The first tower will be completed in 2028, followed later by the second, which has yet to break ground.