Toronto news
Perkins & Will reveals designs for net-zero sports and cultural centre in Toronto
by Tom Walker | 28 Apr 2022
Global design practice Perkins & Will has unveiled plans for a net-zero operational carbon community sports centre, health club and cultural hub in Toronto, Canada. A first-of-its-kind for Ontario, the multi-purpose centre is set to achieve net-zero status through energy-efficient design and renewable energy systems, while adding much-needed facilities for the local community. Called North East Scarborough Community and Child Care Centre, the building has three levels. The lower level
Therme Group to expand global footprint with waterfront development in Toronto
by Megan Whitby | 02 Aug 2021
Global wellbeing organisation, Therme Group, has today announced plans for a CAN$350m (€236.3m, £201.8m, US$280.8m) waterfront wellbeing resort in Toronto, Canada, at Ontario Place. Working with the Government of Ontario and City of Toronto, the group will contribute to the revitalisation of Ontario Place, to further Therme Group’s vision of bringing wellbeing to all. Therme Canada Ontario Place will be a family-friendly experience with indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and
Andrew Frontini and Paul Kulig – of Perkins and Will Toronto – tell CLAD the pandemic opens up opportunities to reinvent cities to create a better future
by Stu Robarts | 27 Apr 2020
Andrew Frontini, principal and design director of Perkins and Will in Toronto, and his colleague Paul Kulig, principal for urban design and transit, told CLAD how the Covid-19 pandemic will change how we live and move around cities. There has been a significant trend towards designing health and wellness into the built environment over the last decade, perhaps best illustrated by the launch of the International WELL Building Institute and
Tridel's high-tech Innovation Suite explores the future of apartment living
by Stu Robarts | 20 Mar 2020
As part of its Ten York condo development in Toronto, developer Tridel has created an Innovation Suite that explores and showcases how technology can be used for the future of apartment living. The suite came about through the desire to gain an understanding of how smart home technologies could meet or exceed the needs of residents. The intention was to integrate technology and design seamlessly to provide connectivity, comfort and
Sun, kaleidoscope and noodle installations win Winter Stations 2020
by Stu Robarts | 08 Jan 2020
Installations inspired by the sun, a kaleidoscope and noodles have won Toronto's sixth annual Winter Stations design competition, via which the city's lifeguard stations are transformed into thought-provoking pieces of pop-up art. Winter Stations was conceived by RAW Design, Ferris + Associates and Curio as a way to encourage Toronto residents and visitors to visit the city's beaches during the winter, to experience artworks and to make new connections with
Pharrell's Toronto tower, Untitled, will be parametric, natural and universal
by Stu Robarts | 04 Dec 2019
Untitled Toronto, the residential tower designed by musician Pharrell Williams in collaboration with IBI Group and U31, will combine parametric design, natural elements and "universal spaces" intended to act as a backdrop for the lifestyles of its residents. The development will comprise two towers with a shared podium and was inspired by the concept of a jugalbandi – a performance in Indian classical music featuring an intricate duet between two
Sidewalk Labs and Waterfront Toronto's smart city plan takes shape
by Stu Robarts | 11 Nov 2019
Google's sister company Sidewalk Labs has reached a conditional agreement with Waterfront Toronto for the planned smart neighbourhood development on the city's eastern waterfront. Sidewalk Labs was set up by Alphabet to reimagine how cities can approach the challenges of urban growth using technology and innovative planning. In 2017, it was announced that the company's first real-world project would be in Toronto. After 18 months of research and consultation, Sidewalk
Allies and Morrison design green and urban lakefront neighbourhood in Toronto
by Stu Robarts | 07 Nov 2019
Allies and Morrison has designed the masterplan for a new urban lakefront neighbourhood in Toronto with areas with greenery and water, public spaces and mixed-use promenades. The Humber Bay Shores site is located to the west of Toronto city centre and the Humber River and is intended to form part of a new high-density centre in the city. Currently empty, the triangular, 11.5ha (28ac) site is positioned between one of
Shim-Sutcliffe and Kengo Kuma are designing Ace Hotels in Toronto and Kyoto
by Stu Robarts | 04 Nov 2019
Ace Hotel has partnered with Shim-Sutcliffe Architects and Kengo Kuma & Associates for two 2020 openings in Toronto and Kyoto, respectively. Founded in 1999, Ace has eight locations across North America and one in London. The boutique operator seeks to embrace local culture with each of its hotels, which can result in strikingly different designs from place to place. Ace Hotel Toronto, which is slated to open in mid-to-late 2020,
Serpentine Pavilion opens with Unzipped exhibition in Toronto
by Luke Cloherty | 19 Sep 2018
The 2016 Serpentine Pavilion installation, designed by renowned architectural practice Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), has now opened in Toronto having been rebuilt in the Canadian city. Originally designed for Kensington Gardens in London for the Serpentine Pavilion event – an annual architectural installation in the English capital commissioned by the Serpentine Galleries – the structure has been created out of 1,802 fibreglass 'blocks' that create a wall at the top,
Cirque du Soleil set to transform face of family entertainment centres with new business venture
by Alice Davis | 13 Jun 2018
Cirque du Soleil, the world renowned acrobatic circus, is increasing its presence in the attractions industry by launching its own brand of family entertainment centre (FEC). Parent company Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group revealed that the iconic performance troupe inspired the design and concept of the FEC, which will offer immersive, creative and active experiences for young children and their families. Called Creactive, it will now be rolled out to
'The public respects civic spaces': Brad Golden on how Toronto's expanded subway stations merge joyful art with architecture
by Kim Megson | 05 Mar 2018
One of Canada’s leading public art consultants has told CLADglobal how the integration of art and architecture on Toronto’s expanded subway system is invigorating one of the most mundane moments of the day – the commute to and from work. The long-awaited York Spadina 8.6km (5.3mi) subway extension, which opened in December 2017, has seen six new stations created, each incorporating a piece of permanent and playful public art. Interactive
Anticipation mounts for Drake's Toronto restaurant and sports bar
by Kim Megson | 17 Jan 2018
Canadian rapper, producer, actor and entrepreneur Drake is turning his attention to the restaurant business. The rapper, singer and songwriter is opening a high-end restaurant and sports bar in his hometown of Toronto, in a development on the corner of Yonge and Wellington Street. Called Pick 6ix and run by Drake’s OVO brand and record label, the restaurant is due to open in the very near future, with an official
An abandoned baseball field, a ravine and a floodplain? Architects Perkins+Will complete Toronto leisure centre challenge
by Kim Megson | 20 Oct 2017
The lead architect behind a major new community and fitness complex in Toronto has told CLADglobal how difficult landscapes and vacated brownfield sites can be transformed into high-functioning public facilities. Phil Fenech, principal of architecture firm Perkins+Will in Toronto, was project manager for York Community Centre – an aquatics centre, gym, health club and community hub constructed on the site of an abandoned baseball field. Located at a major arterial
How can new software guarantee that citizens retain their right to sunlight?
by Kim Megson | 21 Jul 2017
Architects, developers and local governments must work collectively to ensure that the demand for taller and taller buildings in cities does not constrain sunlight access. That is the view of architect and urban planner Paul Kulig, principal of Perkins + Will in Toronto; a city whose leaders are cracking down on shadowing as sunlight becomes an increasingly precious commodity. “Sun and sunlight have always been critical to the way we
Toronto Zoo opens new Wildlife Health Centre
by Tom Anstey | 28 Jun 2017
Toronto Zoo is about to open its CA$18m (US$13.6m, €12.1m, £10.7m) Wildlife Health Centre – a brand new high-tech zoo hospital and laboratory with visitor facilities for the public. The zoo held an official opening ceremony for the 50,000sq ft (4,645sq m) centre on 26 June, with the facility opening to the public on Saturday (1 July). Once open, visitors will be able to access a public viewing area, which
Canada welcomes 'cutting edge design products' for Architect@Work Toronto show
by Kim Megson | 16 May 2017
Over one thousand architects and interior designers will flock to Canada’s biggest city tomorrow (17 May) to discover a selection of the new industry products deemed most interesting by a special panel of judges. The Architect@Work festival was first developed by design collective Creative Fo(u)r for the Kortrijk Xpo exhibition arena in Belgium. The idea was to “strip down the exhibition model to feature only the most cutting edge innovations”.
Upended forest, water bottle whale and Japanese foot spa feature as Winter Stations open in Toronto
by Kim Megson | 07 Mar 2017
Torontonians have flocked to the city’s beach in record numbers to experience the unveiling of eight brand new Winter Stations installations along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. The creators of the attractions, who were chosen in a design competition, were tasked with designing “playful” structures – based around the beaches’ lifeguard stations – capable of drawing people into the chilly outdoors to interact with the icy environment. The installations include
Hands up! Large-scale art installations warm up Toronto's winter waterfront
by Kim Megson | 07 Feb 2017
Toronto's urban waterfront has been transformed with the temporary addition of five mysterious installations in the parks, bridges and squares along Queens Quay. The large works of public art, dubbed ‘Ice Breakers,’ have been added to animate the city’s public areas during the cold winter months. The initiative is a collaboration between community group Waterfront BIA and the annual Winter Stations competition – which creates installations in the lifeguard posts
Toronto tackles winter blues with 8 thought-provoking beach installations
by Kim Megson | 10 Jan 2017
The windswept beaches of Toronto, Canada are set to once again host a seasonal design spectacle, with the eight winners of the third annual Winter Stations Design Competition revealed today (10 January). Entrants were tasked with designing “playful” temporary installations – based around the beaches’ lifeguard stations – that can draw people to brave the chilly outdoors and interact with the icy environment. The theme of the contest this time
Public realm investment is 'good for business' says designer of Toronto's agora-inspired square
by Kim Megson | 30 Sep 2016
The architecture of the ancient Greeks has inspired the reinvention of Canada’s largest public square, the project’s design director has told CLAD. Andrew Frontini, a design director at global architecture studio Perkins and Will, was speaking after the practice won Canada’s top architecture accolade, the Governor General Award, for their renovation of Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. Frontini said the concept of the project was inspired by the traditional Greek
Street artist Phlegm creates eight-storey mural in Toronto as public art meets placemaking
by Kim Megson | 19 Sep 2016
Renowned street artist Phlegm has created an eight-storey mural in Toronto as part of a giant revitalisation project bringing art to the city’s busiest intersections. The enormous untitled artwork was created by Phlegm over the course of a month-long residency at the midtown Yonge and St. Clair junction, which saw him dramatically suspended 12-storeys in the air outside the 1 St. Clair West building. Small images of the cityscape were
Adaptable architecture is the future of our cities, says RAW Design princpal
by Kim Megson | 04 Jul 2016
Design studios should embrace temporary architecture projects as a means of experimenting with how buildings can shape our environments. That is the view of Roland Rom Colthoff, principal of Canadian firm RAW Design. The practice have organised several temporary events celebrating adaptive reuse of structures, including Winter Stations – an exhibition of art installations built around lifeguard points on Toronto’s wintry beaches – and a series of one-night “architectural stunts”
Towering aliens will take to streets of Toronto as developers push public art for placemaking
by Kim Megson | 22 Jun 2016
Toronto citizens will soon be able to take an intergalactic journey on their way to work, thanks to a sci-fi tinged public art installation that will encourage placemaking in one of the city’s burgeoning neighbourhoods. Artistic collective Blue Republic will create a pair of 15ft (4.5m) alien characters to stand guard over the cafes, offices and a new residential development on Redpath Street. The group won the contract after coming
Forrec expands landscape architecture portfolio with Toronto studio acquisition
by Kim Megson | 04 May 2016
Global entertainment designers Forrec have acquired Toronto-based Scott Torrance Landscape Architects as part of a strategic expansion of their portfolio. The practice – who create theme parks, water parks, resorts, mixed-use destinations and visitor attractions for brands such as Universal Studios, Legoland and BBC Worldwide – said the move reflects their drive to “help lead the next wave of landscape architecture design and build on our roots of offering Toronto
Beach art competition: Winter Station winners go on display in Toronto
by Kim Megson | 25 Feb 2016
Citizens in Toronto, Canada have taken to the city’s wind-swept beaches to enjoy the 2016 Winter Stations art festival, which features seven creative architectural installations built around existing lifeguard stations. A special competition was held last year to choose the winning designs for the festival, with the only stipulation being that the structures had to be in some way interactive and able to inspire Torontonians to brace the chilly winter
Translucent lakeside sauna wins Toronto design competition
by Jane Kitchen | 23 Feb 2016
London-based architecture firm Fox Fernley Landscape Office have designed a three-person, translucent sauna as part of a winning design in the Winter Stations Design competition in Toronto. The Winter Stations design competition had a theme of Freeze / Thaw this year, and asked designers and artists to respond to the changing conditions and transitions of the Toronto winter. “Most of the artists took this to be something about the natural
Rooftop ice rink assembled on 32-storey Toronto tower
by Kim Megson | 11 Jan 2016
A Canadian beer brand has assembled a custom-built ice rink on the rooftop of a 32-storey building in downtown Toronto. Molson Canadian – a subsidiary of the Molson Coors Brewing Company – has created the unique venue to celebrate ice hockey; Canada’s national winter sport. As part of the brand’s longstanding #anythingforhockey media campaign and competition, hockey fans were asked in December to share stories, images and videos over social
Foster + Partners unveil plans for 'The One', a vertical mixed use development in Toronto
by Katie Buckley | 20 Mar 2015
International architecture firm Foster + Partners have revealed plans for an 80-storey mixed-use skyscraper in downtown Toronto, Canada. Called ‘The One’, the project has been termed ‘a new model of vertical retail in the city’ by the firm. At 318m (1,043 ft) tall, the scheme will incorporate nine levels of shops, cafes and restaurants, centred around a 60m (196 ft) high atrium at its base. The base of the skyscraper
Ripley to open Toronto aquarium this summer
by Tom Anstey | 17 May 2013
Attractions operator Ripley Entertainment is set to open a CA$130m (£83.7m, US$126.8m, 98.5m euro) aquarium in Toronto, Canada this summer. When completed, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will home 15,000 inhabitants in its 12,500sq m (135,000sq ft) facility and is expected to have a projected annual economic impact of more than CA$35m (£22.5m) for the Toronto area. The traditional layout walk through aquarium will include a 96-metre long (315ft) walkway in
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