5 design teams shortlisted for Toronto ferry docks redevelopment project

Five design teams have been shortlisted to participate in an Innovative Design Competition that will set the stage for the revitalization of the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Harbour Square Park in Toronto.

In total, 33 design teams from twelve countries submitted proposals outlining their qualifications.The proposals were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team that included both Waterfront Toronto and City of Toronto staff and the selection process was overseen by an independent fairness advisor. The five shortlisted teams are:

• Clement Blanchet Architecture (Paris) + BatlleRoig (Barcelona) + RVTR (Toronto and Ann Arbor)
• Diller Scofidio + Renfro (New York City), architectsAlliance (Toronto)
• KPMB Architects (Toronto), West 8 (Rotterdam), Greenberg Consultants (Toronto)
• Quadrangle Architects (Toronto), aLLDesign (London), Janet Rosenberg & Studio (Toronto)
• Stoss Landscape Urbanism (Boston), nARCHITECTS (New York City), ZAS Architects (Toronto)

“The level of interest from design teams around the world is a testament to the importance of this site and international awareness of the transformation underway on Toronto’s waterfront,” says John Campbell, President and CEO, Waterfront Toronto. “Given the incredible roster of shortlisted teams, we expect that the calibre of the designs will be very high and we are looking forward to seeing how the teams propose to connect this orphaned site with the rest of the city.”

As a gateway to the Toronto Islands, the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Harbour Square Park is a unique waterfront site with historical significance. It occupies prime waterfront space at the end of two of Toronto’s most important streets – Bay Street and Yonge Street. 

“With this competition, we have an exciting opportunity to develop an inclusive vision for the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal that promotes outstanding park and building design and reflects the needs and aspirations of the park and ferry users,” says Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell. “This will create a beautiful gateway to the Islands for residents and visitors and play an important role in the larger revitalization of the waterfront.”

The shortlisted teams will take part in an intensive 6-week design exercise followed by a public exhibition in March 2015, for a distinguished independent jury of design professionals and members of the general public.

For more information, please visit www.waterfrontoronto.ca.