What Absolute COULD Have Been: A Look at the Finalists

Absolute Condos (affectionately dubbed the “Marilyn Monroe Towers”) are almost complete and are arguably the most visually stunning towers in not just the GTA, but possibly all of Canada.  Back in 2006, an international design competition was held, where over 92 designs from 70 countries were received and a panel of architects, civic leaders and members from Cityzen & Fernbrook Developments voted the on the submissions.

Rendering of the Absolute Design Competition Winner – now almost ready for occupancy and looking stunning at the corner of Hurontario and Burnhamthorpe in Mississauga

In January 2007, they narrowed down the list to just 6 finalists – and this post is a look at what “Absolute Condos could have been”.

FINALIST 1 – Boyarsky Murphy Architects (United Kingdom)

FINALIST 2 – Rojkind Arquitectos (Mexico)

FINALIST 3 – Quadrangle Architects Limited (Canada)

It’s difficult to see in the renderings, but this top down view shows the “Shape” of the building proposed by Quadrangle

FINALIST 4 – Studio MWM (United Kingdom)

FINALIST 5 – Zeidler Partnership Architects (Canada)

FINALIST 6 – MAD Office (U.S.A)

There you have it.  These are the 6 finalists that the panel voted on.  Of course, MAD Office was the eventual winner, but what are your thoughts? Was it the best option? Which would you have voted for? Let us know if the comments below!