TORONTO, ON
Transformation AGO
Transformation AGO, an innovative expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, established the Art Gallery of Ontario as a prime cultural hub in step with leading worldwide destinations.
Transformation AGO, an innovative expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, established the Art Gallery of Ontario as a prime cultural hub in step with leading worldwide destinations.
Transparency, city views, and a relationship to the historic Grange Park characterized the project, establishing the institution as a centre for art display, programming, conservation, storage, creation, and research.
The former space features a custom hinge connection developed by the team, allowing multi-directional movement to separate the glulam mullion façade from the sloped main backup glulam framing.
Project led by an Entuitive leader while employed at a previous firm.
The project included the addition and renovation of almost 100,000 ft²and 200,000 ft² respectively, for an increase of close to 50% in dedicated art-viewing space. Notable features include the striking Galleria Italia atrium along the AGO’s north façade, and a spiral staircase on the south side, linking the gallery’s first two levels to the three new floors above.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
CLIENT
Art Gallery of Ontario
ARCHITECT
Gehry International Architects Inc.
OUR ROLE(S)
Structural Engineering Consultant
SIZE
Addition: 97,000 ft²;
Renovation: 200,000 ft²
BUDGET
$276 M
MARKET (OFFICE)
TORONTO
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Challenge One
Design the new art gallery to sit over the existing building.
Solution One
A limited number of strategically located steel columns were threaded through the existing structure to support the new superstructure. The new columns were founded on a system of mini piles suitable for installation in low headroom locations.
GALLERY
