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of its details. The firm envisioned a structure whose materiality
would emit its own unique character, while blending into the built,
environmental, and social fabric of its surroundings.

In a return to design principles inspired by art, photography, and
fashion, ACDF’s powerful integration of contrasts paints and
frames The Pacific as a visual landmark devoid of sculptural drama.
Vertically, the structure’s slick north and south facades, layered with
glass and black granite, contrast with its more pictural east and west
facades, with the latter featuring protruding triangular balconies in a
woven pattern.

Taking a sensitive approach and putting people at the heart of all
its design decisions, ACDF Architecture made an exhaustive study
of all components of the project that could have an impact on the
immediate area, its residents, and passers-by: general volumetry,
materials (tonality, reflectivity, durability, etc.), shadows, winds,
and the obstruction of existing views. Accordingly, the east façade
of the tower, for instance, was designed in consideration of its west-
facing neighbours, while the omission of balconies on the building’s
north side was purposeful in order to prevent direct views between
neighbours. In giving careful consideration to each façade of The
Pacific, the architects quickly realized that the pedestrian view at
street level alone formed a new perspective, or a 'fifth façade'.

The ‘fifth façade’
At its base, ACDF committed to ensuring that The Pacific was
grounded to the site’s location, its history, and the vibe of the street,
not just in terms of materials, but also in terms of how the building
would be viewed from the ground up.

“While the allure of traditional skyscrapers often fades with closer
proximity, we created a ‘fifth façade’ for The Pacific in the form of
vertical views provided through strategically positioned design
elements,” explains Frappier. “You can look up from the street
level and discover a new skyscraper language in the form of new
relationships between pedestrians and the building.”

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