Client: Freed Developments

Overview

JUST ADD WATER: a 2.75m porcelain-white, sculpture has been created by Canadian artist Tim Forbes to float in a 4.5m sq. water feature overlooking Toronto’s skyline at the intersection of art, fashion and lifestyle – in collaboration with Freed Developments, architectsAlliance, JRStudio Landscape Architects and Karl Lagerfeld.

Goals

The site brief from premiere landscape architects JR Studios requested a signature work to stylistically harmonize with the ambient design elements of the 13th floor rooftop – a unique art focus for lofty terrace gatherings.
With year round exposure to hot summer sun and cold winter freeze-ups, the commissioned work needed to be fabricated to survive extreme elements -- engineered to float effortlessly centimeters above the surface of the water feature.

Process

Sculpture models supporting the design aesthetic and technical needs of the site were developed with fabrication specifications for marine grade fiberglass, premium paints finishes and protective UV coatings. Weight of materials used was important in creating a substantial work that was easily wrangled for installation without the need of cranes or helicopters.
An innovative aluminum undercarriage with connecting stainless steel plates was developed for installation to allow hidden under-pinning to the tight clearance of the site’s concrete plinth to be easily detached should maintenance be required in the future. (Final installation photo to to come. Delayed by Covid access.)