Boldface names are designing Canada’s first all-electric, zero-carbon masterplan in Toronto Quayside

International consortium co-lead by Adjaye Associates, Henning Larsen Architects, and Alison Brooks Architects has been selected to design new waterfront neighbourhood in Toronto.

Working with developers, Dream Unlimited Corp and Great Gulf Group (together known as Quayside Impact Limited Partnership), the team was appointed among the star-studded shortlist which included Foster + Partners, MVRDV, Cobe and Diamond Schmitt Architects.

The 12-acre site will deliver much needed affordable housing and public spaces in downtown Toronto, creating a landmark cultural destination, bringing people together to the waterfront.

The proposal is set to be ‘Canada’s first all-electric, zero-carbon masterplan’ (3.4 million square feet), featuring a ‘variety of sustainability innovations’. In addition, the L-shaped side will include five towers and feature Canada’s largest mass-timber frame building designed by David Adjaye.

Copenhagen-based practice, SLA is the Lead Landscape and Public Space Designers behind the Quayside development, which will feature 0.8-hectare community forest, providing network of car-free green spaces for residents and visitors.

The landscape is designed as a barrier-free public network and made accessible for all ages and abilities.

Another addition is the 0.5 hectare urban farming, greenhouses, and community gardens on top of the David Adjaye’s designed timber building.

Heatherwick Studios and Snohetta, in collaboration with Sidewalk Labs Alphabet’s smart city subsidiary, had previously submitted proposal for a high-tech utopia. Given the economic uncertainty caused due to COVID-19, the project was scrapped in 2020.

In next steps, the Waterfront Toronto — a government entity that oversees and leads the renewal of the city’s waterfront — will negotiate a project agreement with Quayside Impact Limited Partnership, before signing a development contract.

“We set out to make Quayside the kind of community that meaningfully improves the lives of its residents, neighbours and visitors. The proposal from Dream and Great Gulf will make a real difference in the lives of those who live near the waterfront or come to visit, by creating affordable rental housing, extensive public spaces, and new jobs and business opportunities,” said George Zegarac, Waterfront Toronto President and Chief Executive Officer.