Unlocking density with world class public artwork

Renowned artist Tony Cragg has unveiled his latest art piece titled ‘Points of View: Looking North’.

The installation is located in the courtyard of The Hampton (101 Roehampton Avenue), a soon to be completed 38-storey rental tower near Yonge and Eglinton in Midtown Toronto. The stainless-steel sculpture is part of Cragg’s ‘Points of View’ series that combines precise geometries with expressive organic form — an exploration between the rational and emotional aspects of material forms.

“The entire material world, whether natural or man-made, consists on a fundamental level of rational geometries-ratio.” says Tony Cragg. “Our appreciation of their complex appearances is, however, our emotional response. ‘Points of View: Looking North’ combines these apparently very different worlds and traits of human thought.”

Unlocking density with world class public art, creative design and preservation

The Hampton is an intensification project from Roehampton Apartments LP, that unlocks density on a site occupied by a 19 storey apartment building constructed in the 1970’s. The new 38 storey tower, designed by BDP Quadrangle, is integrated along the west side of the existing apartment building, which was preserved and allowed existing residents to remain in their homes throughout construction. The Hampton adds 255 purpose-built rental units to the 128 existing apartments.

“Our vision for this project was rooted in the understanding that density and preservation need not be at odds.” says Petra Schadeberg-Herrmann of Roehampton Apartments LP. “By thoughtfully incorporating this new building, we have not only enhanced the community but also addressed the urgent need for additional housing. The seamless fusion of vintage and contemporary elements showcases our unwavering commitment to socially sustainable, forward-thinking development.”

The design of the building features a disciplined window grid inserted into a solid brick and precast concrete panel exterior, as well as advanced mechanical features that offer both energy efficiency and a high degree of resident comfort.

“It was important that the new tower feels like it belongs in the neighbourhood,” says Ken Brooks, Senior Associate at BDP Quadrangle. “We wanted to keep it classy and create a sense of solidity by working with quality materials, as well as contextualize the height with the other buildings in the area.”

Activating the streetscape and public realm

Cragg’s sculpture is part of the public art component in the new development, or Section 37 of the Planning Act, also known as the Community Benefits Charge (CBC). It is strategically located in a shared courtyard located between the podium’s of the old and new buildings, which faces Roehampton Avenue, and offers seating areas and spaces to relax and socialize.

“We are very proud to bring Tony Cragg’s ‘Points of View: Looking North’ to Toronto, with its installation signaling the commencement of leasing at the building. Embedded in the energetic architecture, ‘Points of View: Looking North’ pays tribute to the European roots of Tony Cragg and ourselves” says Ms. Schadeberg-Herrmann. “This globally recognized art will create a sense of dynamism and activity that speaks to street life and the community.”

A number of design decisions were also made to activate and pedestrianize the streetscape surrounding the new development. This includes the placement of key building amenities on the ground level, with additional amenities located on the 5th floor, including an outdoor terrace that overlooks the courtyard and Roehampton Avenue.

Projects like The Hampton reflect the changing dynamics of the rapidly growing Yonge and Eglinton area, as the neighbourhood intensifies and pedestrianizes. It also serves as a case study for new residential developments providing opportunities to engage and improve the public realm, through thoughtful design and public artwork.

To learn more about The Hampton, visit www.thehampton.ca