Introduction
CF Eaton Centre Bridge revitalizes a connection between two shopping malls in downtown Toronto by providing an attractive, landmark pedestrian crossing above the street. The brief required a new enclosed bridge to replace an outdated and inefficient span between two important shopping destinations.
Reason to Be Selected
The design had to resolve a disparity between the architecture of the historic Hudson's Bay Centre and the 1970s Eaton Centre. The springing point for the bridge was predefined emerging from the existing arches of the older building on one side, and on the other, taking the opportunity to move the landing point at the Eaton Centre from a hidden position into the main atrium.
Highlights:
The benefit would be three-fold; efficiency of movement, a more enjoyable experience for visitors, and minimizing the gradient of the crossing.Details
The form of the bridge and choice of materials now create a metaphorical handshake between the two buildings at the first-floor level. The architectural response is a graded shift, through geometry, from a traditional arch in the facade of the Hudson Bay building to a modern rectangular opening in the Eaton center; the twisting, warping form accommodating two very different architectures.
Recommended
The bridge enclosure - graded strips contrasting bronze cladding and clear glass - also marks the change from the solid architecture of the traditional building to the all-glass Eaton Center. Lining the cladding are extruded aluminum profiles, which follow the twisting geometry of the bridge as it spans across the street.
These profiles contain heat traced cables, which reduce the risk of ice building up in winter and falling off onto the sidewalk below. The new bridge interior suitably reflects the quality retail environments of both malls. The glazing provides excellent views along Queen Street and promotes natural daylighting.
Conclusions
Providing a light and spacious crossing between the two buildings, the bridge is a functional and beautiful addition to the public realm and a new civic landmark.
FULL STORY:
| Lat: | 43.4 |
| Lng: | -79.25 |
| Type: | |
| Region: | NorthAmerica |
| Scale: | District |
| Field: | Infrastructure |
| City: | Toronto |