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BCE Place: Finished - An Urban Space

Toronto
Ontario

A view into the extension that marks the south entrance to the Galleria.

A view into the extension that marks the south entrance to the Galleria. A view to the canoes that form the structure for the roof of the Galleria. A view down the length of the Galleria. Detail of the valley of a canoe showing the method of attachment of the ribs. The point of a canoe is supported. Exterior view of the south (Front Street) entrance to the Galleria. Heritage Square is a classic 9-square grid. A view into the roof of Heritage Square. Column base detail for Heritage Square. A closer look at one of the complex intersections of the roof steel in Heritage Square. Large operable "windows" separate Heritage Square and the Galleria. A view up a central column in Heritage Square.

Project Description: Project Team

Project Description:

The Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel that creates what IS BCE Place, is some of the highest quality, and most carefully fabricated and erected steel in the City. The enduring popularity and grandeur of the space as an urban entity owe much to the choice and design of the tectonic qualities of the space.

Santiago Calatrava used a variety of steel shapes, detailing and connection types, each chosen to suit the location of the element as well as its proximity to view and touch. Where the steel comes into constant contact with the public, the finish is smoother and the elements more massive. The lightness of the "canoe" roof over the Galleria and the complexity of the vaults over Heritage Square make use of lighter members that can accommodate the highly articulated connections.

photos: Terri Meyer Boake

BCE Place: Galleria and Heritage Square - an Urban Meeting Place

BCE Place is a very successful interior urban space in downtown Toronto. It is an attraction for visitors to the city, who come to marvel at the work of Santiago Calatrava. Many different functions and shows are held in the space. Its exquisite Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel skeleton creates a wonderful backdrop for almost any event.

The exposed nature of the steel makes this case study a continuing source of inspiration and information about steel construction and design.


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