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A landmark before it's even constructed.
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, Forma is a two-tower mixed-use building complex in downtown Toronto. As with all Frank Gehry projects, the renderings really do speak for themselves. In addition to the stunning residential towers, one of which is an 84-storey “supertall” skyscraper, the project also consists of retail and office space, and six storeys of below-grade parking.
Smith + Andersen provided mechanical engineering and electrical engineering for the project.
A landmark before it's even constructed.
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, Forma is a two-tower mixed-use building complex in downtown Toronto. As with all Frank Gehry projects, the renderings really do speak for themselves. In addition to the stunning residential towers, one of which is an 84-storey “supertall” skyscraper, the project also consists of retail and office space, and six storeys of below-grade parking.
Smith + Andersen provided mechanical engineering and electrical engineering for the project.
A tall order.
Due to its height, systems for the 83-storey west tower required careful attention – especially around system pressures, anchoring, and support – as well as detailed phasing and occupancy scheduling. A four-pipe fan coil system, with in-suite energy recovery ventilators serves the residential floors. Commercial office and retail areas consist of central air handling units with base building distribution for future retail tenant fit-outs.
The mechanical team arranged the placement of venting penetrations, services, louvres, and distribution locations to minimize disruption of the sculptured exterior. The fire alarm system is a fully-addressable, two-stage system that allows for a future connection to the east tower.
Energy-efficient LED lighting and controls are utilized throughout the west tower. These play a key role in highlighting the unique features of the building while also conserving energy. Residential suites are serviced by multiple electrical risers and individually sub-metered.
The electrical team installed an emergency standby diesel generator at the podium level to allow for early staged occupancy, and provide future backup power for the building.
The Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University Visual Arts Centre is integrated into the 74-storey east tower, offering studios, seminar rooms, a gallery, a public theatre, and a lecture hall.
