This thread has become nearly devoid of useful information. I loved the former plans and I was devastated for their loss but get over it — this is now a new project altogether and it will go through the same iterations that the previous one did.
Two notions bring me comfort:
1)
The previous design was not realistic. One need to look no further than the misalignment of the windows. Unless Gehry planned to build slanted floors and ceilings, this was simply a rough idea of a concept which would have been watered down substantially once real engineering and construction drawings began taking place. What we are mourning the loss of are toys — a maquette, not a real building.
2)
The latest design wasn't designed by Frank Gehry. It was designed by Gehry Partners, LLP. Frank barely touched these and it shows. Every indication has been given that what we've seen of the new design is a massing concept for what is required to get city approval. The lack of
Gehry flourishes has been misconstrued as him throwing his hands in the air and giving up on Toronto but it's in fact lacking those
Gehry flourishes because he barely had any input at this stage.
According to the project's Twitter account:
Mirvish+Gehry @MirvishGehryTO
We're still working on permissions & planning. When details are finalized we will release more information & images. Stay tuned!
I'll add one more:
we've put Frank Gehry on a pedestal. When he's constrained by budget he doesn't always deliver. See the stairs facing Grange Park:
Yuck.
See the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health:
Gehry's style only really works when it follows through on the illusion of being a solid building with organic forms. When he has to sell that illusion from only the most viewed angles, in person his work is terrible because you can see all the backing and scaffolding holding it up like a mask. The Pritzker Paviillion was the first time that this bubble was popped for me:
On his buildings where the illusion is preserved like the Disney Concert Hall or the Guggenheim, it's absolutely fantastic. Now how do we think the original plan would have turned out with those misaligned windows at skyscraper height and forms bulging out far over the sidewalk on a condo budget?
Stepping into reality brings me comfort that we'll ultimately get something that is beautiful and practical all at once. I for one am extremely excited about what the next set of images will look like after Frank has taken his time with this new project.
, I gather the 1 Yonge street development, will be the next one to be all bottled up by the same red tape @ Toronto City Planing
