“I’m a Toronto traditionalist, because I remember Osgoode Hall, University Avenue, the Parliament Buildings, and the Royal York Hotel. There is a feeling of Toronto that I had as a kid, and I wanted that to be in the DNA of our design,” says Frank Gehry, Gehry Partners LLP. “Every city in the world has its own light and the light is modified by the buildings in the city. I wanted this building to capture the essence of Toronto. It’s not like everywhere else. The light is different. The heritage is different. It’s a different place. I hope that is what people see when they look up.”

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.

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 73^rd 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.

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.

Gehry’s work has been considered among the most influential in contemporary architecture. Throughout his illustrious career he has been recognized with numerous awards including the Pritzker Prize, the world’s most prestigious architecture award. A few of Gehry’s most notable projects include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.

“In many ways, Forma is a celebration of Toronto, marking the exciting homecoming of top international talent back to this wonderful and beautiful city. Frank and Paolo are among the top visionaries in their respective fields, and we are honoured to work alongside their teams to create a beautiful landmark that will become an architectural hallmark on the world stage,” says Mitchell Cohen, Chief Operating Officer of Westdale Properties.