The Gehry Effect: Forma Toronto and the Impact of Architectural Criticism
- Anthony Youssef
- May 15, 2023
- 3 min read
I recently spoke with Kristen Harrison about Forma Toronto, a project a decade in the making. Previously Mirvish+Gehry Toronto, Forma Toronto is slated to be the first freestanding project by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry. Originally a partnership between Gehry and developer David Mirvish, its design received unprecedented critical reaction prompting a significant redesign at both the urban planning scale and in terms of its architectural expression. Through her professional and academic work Kristen has written extensively on this project. In her most recent paper published in On the Duty and Power of Architectural Criticism which came out of the International Conference on Architectural Criticism, Kristen wrote that this project raises many issues related to signature architecture and cultural capital.
"There was this idea that Toronto was finally going to have something that it could be proud of in terms of built form.” - Kristen Harrison
Models showing Mirvish+Gehry Toronto original scheme (left) and updated scheme (right). Image courtesy of Gehry Partners, LLP.
Signature Architecture and Cultural Capital
Kristen explains that when the project was first unveiled in the fall of 2012,Toronto itself was in search of a distinct architectural identity, one that would reflect its status as an international city. The inclusion of Frank Gehry's name, a renowned architect, along with the involvement of developer David Mirvish added an intriguing layer to the project's significance. The project represented an opportunity to acquire cultural capital by associating with a star architect and creating an iconic landmark for the city. But, the economic benefits of signature architecture might have come at the expense of heritage conservation and urban density.
“…the idea of having something to write about that was so different than anything else happening in the city at the time…was enticing” - Kristen Harrison
Critical Response
For Kristen, there were very few projects that compared to the Mirvish and Gehry collaboration and the idea of having something to write about excited critics. The critical response, though initially positive, gradually shifted towards skepticism and opposition. The project was first revealed through a series of speculative models and renderings. As more details emerged, concerns arose regarding issues of heritage conservation and urban density. The original scheme included three towers that would have added approximately 2,600 residential units in an area whose city services were already strained. The scheme would have also seen the demolition of the Mirvish-owned Princess of Wales Theatre and some early 1900s-era warehouse heritage buildings. These concerns prompted a series of town halls and the striking of a review committee to work with the architect and developer.
Significant Redesign
The second scheme was released in the spring of 2014 and showcased a more refined and responsive approach to the concerns raised by the city. The project transformed from a three-tower complex to a two-tower development, with the preservation of two heritage buildings and the Princess of Wales Theater. But, the redesign also saw significant changes to the towers’ formal architectural qualities. Gone were the cloud-like forms reminiscent of the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris and the folds seen in New York’s 8 Spruce Street. Perhaps Gehry himself acknowledged the value of the criticism, stating that the revised design had more integrity and was "more Toronto” adding “In a way, two towers feel better. It’s not so crowded” (Hume, 2014).
“...I do think we are starting to enter the post-signature era of architecture, which I'm a little bit thankful for. I think we're seeing more nuanced contextual design…” - Kristen Harrison
In 2017, Mirvish sold the project to a team of developers including Westdale Properties, Dream Unlimited and Great Gulf (CBC, 2017) Condominium sales are said to be coming soon. The project did spark a significant debate and demonstrated the influence of criticism and public opinion on architecture. But what does this mean for signature architecture? For Kristen, cities are moving towards a post-signature architecture era with an increase of nuanced contextual design. And for that she’s thankful.
This article is based on an episode of “Talking Architecture”, a podcast on architecture narrative, buildings and the stories they tell. You can listen to the full episode in the player below.
CBC. (2017, October 2). Mirvish selling Toronto high-rise condo development to Great Gulf | CBC news. CBCnews. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/mirvish-gehry-great-gulf-1.4316699
Hume, C. (2014, August 15). Mirvish Towers develop a new dignity. thestar.com. https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2014/08/15/mirvish_towers_develop_a_new_dignity.html
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