Star architect's AGO design 'thoughtful,' not splashy

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Archiseek / Canada / News / 2004 / January 29

A huge titanium-and-glass canopy and a tower looming almost 10 storeys above a historic Toronto park will be the most immediately noticeable features of Frank Gehry's much-anticipated $195-million redesign of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Mr. Gehry, 74, regarded by many as the world's greatest living architect, unveiled his plans for the 104-year-old institution -- his first major Canadian commission -- at a clamorous media reception yesterday morning in Toronto. "The big, big change is how it reforms and rebuilds this institution," Mr. Gehry told the crowd gathered in the AGO's Walker Court, what he terms the "historic heart" of the gallery. "It'll be an incredible transformation once it's done.

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