Skybridges aren’t a new idea by any means, but rarely are they used as ambitiously as for the massive Orca Toronto project from Safdie Architects. The firm envisions a collection of nine new towers, most of which will be connected by skybridges to allow people to move around and enjoy amenities without ever touching the ground. Those who do venture down to terra firma though will be able to enjoy an extensive new public park.

Orca Toronto also involves engineering firm Arup and, assuming it actually goes ahead as planned, will span an area of 16.5 acres (6.5 hectares) just west of Toronto’s famous CN Tower. A total of 10.5 acres (4.5 hectares) of space is earmarked for the park, with the remaining space reserved for the nine towers.

We’ve no word on how tall the towers will be at this point, however we do know that they will incorporate significant greenery and that eight of them will be residential towers containing around 3,000 units of housing between them. The one remaining tower will be used to host office space.

The skybridges will connect the residential towers and contain gardens, amenities, and some additional housing. Elsewhere in the development will be hotel space, transportation facilities, and a retail arcade that will be open during the summer and covered with a glazed roof during winter to encourage year-round use.

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