Toronto Aqualina at Bayside | 47.85m | 13s | Tridel | Arquitectonica

[freshcutgrass]

I want my Miami Vice Arquitectonica.

 

[condovo]

I want my Miami Vice Arquitectonica.

The problem isn't Arquitectonica. The problem is Tridel.

 

[Torontovibe]

 

[ADRM]

A bunch from today. I actually don't mind the built form quite as much as some others, and there's some semi-interesting detailing in places, but it really is just all ruined by that God awful window wall (@Tridelwebmaster).

Spandrelicious on the lower half; just nuts, @Tridelwebmaster:

This cut-through is a really nice break from the massing; very generously sized and well-placed vis-a-vis Sherbourne Common:

Yuckers:

 

[condovo]

The window wall is horrendous. I guess I'm repeating myself but this is really inexcusable.

 

[northto]

Cold, dehumanizing, Stalinist fail. Cozy in a Blade Runner or Total Recall kinda way.

 

[syn]

Quite awful for a waterfront property.

How did this pass the design review panel??

 

[old boy]

The cut-out in ADRM's picture is a good thing that somewhat mitigates the clumsiness of the north-south massing. This is a design element that should be mirrored in all the projects in this waterfront stretch so that another east- west and mid-block vista might be created. That would have been a value added.

 

[someMidTowner]

Today:

 

[ptbotrmpfn]

Personally I think it's turning out really eye catching. In a good way... I don't even mind the spandral, it kinda works for this project in my opinion. And from several skyline shots I have seen floating around these pages... it's really standing out on the skyline. It's future neighbouring buildings will help it look even better with their different shapes, assuming that their materials are just as good or better. Here's hoping.​

 

[someMidTowner]

One more shot from Friday:

 

[Edward Skira]

 

[Edward Skira]

 

[someMidTowner]

Update from Tridel: http://www.tridel.com/blog/drywall-on-12th-floor-at-aqualina/

April 2017 Construction Update

Window installations are now 99% complete at the Aqualina community. Drywall is being installed on the 12th floor for the suite exterior walls, while suite channeling is being installed on the 10th floor and boarding is being completed on the 8th floor. Interior finishes such as trim are complete on the 6th floor and kitchen and tile installations are on the 4th floor.

The Pre Delivery Inspection Specialist within the Customer Care team for the community has started the inspections of the lower floors as we move closer to the starting of Homeowner Orientations and closings.

 

[junctionist]

Personally I think it's turning out really eye catching. In a good way... I don't even mind the spandral, it kinda works for this project in my opinion. And from several skyline shots I have seen floating around these pages... it's really standing out on the skyline. It's future neighbouring buildings will help it look even better with their different shapes, assuming that their materials are just as good or better. Here's hoping.​

I agree. It's a distinctive design that doesn't have many analogs in Toronto. The external framing creates a visually engaging rhythm. The spandrels, though not a premium material, add visual texture. However, I'm not a fan of the hefty massing. I would have preferred the north/south block to be divided into 2, with two smaller buildings separated by a narrow road to make the area more walkable. That would also make the urban fabric seem more fine grained and varied.

As one of the only buildings in the area, it's an instant landmark, though the cladding isn't what you'd want on a landmark. One should remember, though, that it isn't meant to be a standalone landmark but another thread in the urban fabric of the area.