I love the height and location, but I don't know why I'm not loving the design as much as CIBC Square. Feel like this wont age well. The previous version looked better.


The previous rendering was far superior IMO. I think for this version, a lot depends on how the balconies turn out. So far for me, they are too big and taking away from nice cladding that would give the building a better look. I'm waiting to see some of the balconies to get finished in order to get a better of idea of how the end result will be.
 
Why does every residential building need to have balconies? Especially ones these tall. New towers would look so much sleeker without balconies and I don't know who is actually using balconies at that height. I really wonder whether Toronto developers truly know what people want to purchase or if they just stick with the supposed tried and true approach that's so geared towards investors who don't have any plans to live in the building. It's this type of mentality that's led to the glut of condos in the city that no one wants to live in.
 
Why does every residential building need to have balconies? Especially ones these tall. New towers would look so much sleeker without balconies and I don't know who is actually using balconies at that height. I really wonder whether Toronto developers truly know what people want to purchase or if they just stick with the supposed tried and true approach that's so geared towards investors who don't have any plans to live in the building. It's this type of mentality that's led to the glut of condos in the city that no one wants to live in.
I do agree, but it does provide such great views of the city.
 
Why does every residential building need to have balconies? Especially ones these tall. New towers would look so much sleeker without balconies and I don't know who is actually using balconies at that height. I really wonder whether Toronto developers truly know what people want to purchase or if they just stick with the supposed tried and true approach that's so geared towards investors who don't have any plans to live in the building. It's this type of mentality that's led to the glut of condos in the city that no one wants to live in.
As far as I know, contemporary condo and apartment units have windows that can only be opened by tilting the (usually) lower part. No sliding windows or any other types that provide an opening big enough for air to freely circulate, but presumably also pose the risk of a person or large object falling through. To compensate for this, the units have balconies, even if they're just Juliette balconies. I don't know if there are restrictions on bigger window openings, so this is pure speculation. All I can say is that living in units where you only have tiny openings to get some fresh air is not a pleasant experience.
 
Residents want balconies.... and they put their needs and wants ahead of the architectural goals of building enthusiasts.
I suspect it's more complicated than that. As often unit sizes do not meet the needs and wants of residents..rather token floor space given by developers to squeeze as much units they possibly and legally can in a given tower...

I mean, the view is great...as long as you don't mind the tight fit! /sigh
 
Why does every residential building need to have balconies? Especially ones these tall. New towers would look so much sleeker without balconies and I don't know who is actually using balconies at that height. I really wonder whether Toronto developers truly know what people want to purchase or if they just stick with the supposed tried and true approach that's so geared towards investors who don't have any plans to live in the building. It's this type of mentality that's led to the glut of condos in the city that no one wants to live in.
Because residential buildings are constructed for … residents, not for aesthetes. Most people want to have immediate personal outdoor space, as the idea of essentially living in an office tower is not particularly appealing.
 
Because residential buildings are constructed for … residents, not for aesthetes. Most people want to have immediate personal outdoor space, as the idea of essentially living in an office tower is not particularly appealing.
Yeah, I'm torn. I think balconies detract from the overall building aesthetic, but I used my balcony all the time when I lived in Toronto. We love our balconies, what can I say?
 
Yeah I don't think I could live in a space that I didn't have the ability to walk outside at my own leisure and in a lot of cases I actually find that the balcony structures end up being what give some buildings their look and distinctness
 
I think it is nuanced. I want a balcony but not if it’s impracticality small - also if the unit could be physically larger without the addition of a balcony (inset type) I would say make the unit larger and provide more operable windows, but that’s just me.

Also does the balcony have unobstructed sun making it uncomfortable in the summer? Does it have an electrical outlet? Are there glass railings that are caked in crud that the condo corp or property manager doesn’t maintain?

It’s not just balcony vs no balcony, but rather balancing useable interior and exterior space.
 
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