The Cadillac Fairview (CF) Toronto Eaton Centre Bridge, a roughly 35m long footbridge weighing approx. 200t, has been lifted into its final position. Located at third-floor level, it spans over Queen Street West between the Hudson?s Bay building and CF Toronto Eaton Centre (CF TEC). The new CF TEC Bridge replaces an older footbridge and fits in with the bridges system of the city centre.
Visually, its design creates a smooth transition between the two buildings. The initially twisted brass portal frames on the historic Hudson?s Bay building side resolve into a stricter glass design language that blends in with the modern architecture of the CF TEC building.
CF held an international design competition and ultimately selected architects WilkinsonEyre based on its design (design pedigree) and relevant experience. Featuring glass and etched bronze cladding panels, the structure will provide memorable vantage points for both users looking outward and street-level pedestrians looking up at the new bridge. The effect is one of creating a feeling of engagement between levels and the two retail destinations. ?We designed the bridge?s form to connect together the two inherent geometries of each building, transforming from the historical, circular arches of the Hudson?s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue building to the modern rectangular geometry of CF Toronto Eaton Centre. This union of the two buildings is further reinforced by the use of bronze and glass cladding, inspired by the materia...