FORMA | Gehry Partners LLP

Marking Gehry’s first residential tower in Canada and tallest building in the world yet, the new designs for the 73-storey east tower include a thoughtfully-appointed Gehry-designed lobby along with a striking custom art installation that reflects his visionary approach.

Great Gulf, Dream and Westdale Properties have unveiled design details for Frank Gehry's newest masterpiece in Toronto.

From the onset, Forma has been an exercise in defining the urban space along King Street and Duncan Street in Toronto with a set of towers that would inject visual dynamism and movement onto the skyline. The relationship of the various building volumes, as well as the void between the towers, change as onlookers move around the site, creating an effect that’s further amplified by the material selection and the geometries of the façade. The resulting undulating fluidity is meant to become even more dynamic over the course of the day because of the way the metal reflects the changing light.

Forma is a set of two towers that will inject visual dynamism and movement onto the Toronto skyline.

Born in Toronto, it was important to Gehry that Forma’s design harken back to some of the buildings that were important to him growing up, like Old City Hall, where the architectural definition and texture of the sandstone helped establish an air of gravitas. 

Not only did that feeling guide the design of the façade, which aimed to achieve a unique presence in Toronto, it extended into the Gehry-designed lobby, inspired by the Group of Seven and the ties between the natural landscape and Canada’s identity.

The Gehry-designed lobby is inspired by the Group of Seven and the ties between the natural landscape and Canada's identity.

The material palette of the east tower lobby offers a counterpoint to the stainless steel of the tower with curved wood furniture and accents, along with limestone cladding the walls and flooring. The ceiling is dominated by a sculptural installation designed by Gehry’s design team, offering a shimmering motif of maple leaves that can be viewed from the street. 

Drawing on the vocabulary of the façade, alternating stainless steel and glass canopies wrap the corners of both towers at street level, giving coverage to future potential commercial tenants and maximizing the public realm with active street frontage. 

Remaining interior spaces were helmed by internationally-acclaimed designer, Studio Paolo Ferrari, who built on Gehry’s initial inspiration, delivering designs that served as a metaphor for the city. Drawing on the studio’s extensive international hospitality experience designing five-star luxury hotels and resorts, Forma marks Ferrari’s first condominium residence design in his studio’s hometown of Toronto. 

Ferrari’s designs strike a balance between spaces that feel exuberant and lively, and others that are serene. Amenity spaces highlight the importance of a user-centric approach that reflects how future residents will live in and use the spaces. Rather than concentrating amenities in one area of the building, spaces were grouped by theme and strategically located throughout. Separating the amenities in this way allowed the design to focus on the actual uses of each space, providing spaces that are more intimate and accessible. 

Hospitality and entertainment amenities are grouped in the Grand Suite on the 73rd floor, taking advantage of spectacular views. Conceived as a generous extension of the building’s residences, the Grand Suite features a chef’s kitchen, interconnected entertainment rooms and an intimate theatre intended for smaller groups of ten or twelve. 

Within the Grand Suite, residents can enjoy interconnected entertainment rooms and a chef's kitchen. 

The Grand Suite features an intimate theatre intended for groups of ten or twelve.

The Creator’s Club focuses on moments of inspiration and creativity, featuring a multi-functional co-working space, which shifts from private and semi-private spaces to more open areas for working and collaboration. An adjoining Maker’s Studio offers space for hands-on tasks, crafts, and hobbies, while the soundproof recording studio allows content creators to record podcasts, or work on social media videos and other creations.

Finally, the Health and Wellness Retreat balances the amenity offering, with a focus on the duality of restoration and high energy. Grounded in mind, body, and wellness, Forma features a spa, a jacuzzi with warm grey stone, and a sauna, which complements a warm, lively fitness studio complete with the latest equipment, including a dedicated spin room.

The Creator's Club amenity space features a multi-functional co-working space.

The Health and Wellness Retreat focus on the duality of restoration and high energy, including a lively fitness studio complete with the latest equipment. 

Project type: Mixed-use residential tower

Project location: 266 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario

Completion Year: 2028 for east tower