What the architecture says about a building

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed an increasing passion for architecture when it comes to residential condominiums in Toronto and around the GTA. Just as purchasers of lowrise homes consider “curb appeal” when they choose their designs, so do condominium buyers. Before they zero in on the perfect condo suite, they typically narrow down their selections by location and what the building looks like on the exterior. The architecture sets a style preference buyers identify with and it provides the all-important first impression of their home. Suite owners want to feel “at home” the moment they drive or walk up to the building.

Of course, people have varying opinions of what looks good – and fortunately, condominium shoppers in Toronto and the 905 areas have a wonderful array of architectural choices. In fact, Toronto is a desirable residential choice for people from all over the world. I recently visited Lisbon, and in my hotel room was a large book containing photos of cityscapes from around the globe, including Hong Kong and London. The section on Toronto was stunning. Our city definitely holds its own on the world stage.

There is a difference, however, because Toronto’s condominium market is much younger than most major international cities. The result is that we have tremendous choice – condo shoppers can find just about anything in the way of architecture. Perhaps you love modern and contemporary, or maybe a more classic, traditional look feels like home. Whatever your preference, you will find a tempting selection of buildings designed by world-renowned architects who continually raise the bar for excellence.

Several GTA cities such as Mississauga present awards to recognize buildings that enhance the municipality’s vision for urban design excellence. The Daniels Corporation’s No. 1 City Centre Condominiums and The Capital and Capital South Towers are examples of residential condominiums that have received this distinction. Elsewhere in Toronto and the GTA, Daniels has responded to the demand for contemporary buildings, including Kilgour Estate in midtown Toronto, One Eleven Forsythe in Oakville, and The Bayview in North York – all designed by Toronto-based Kirkor Architects and Planners. Kirkor is also on the architectural team at Festival Tower, along with home-grown Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects.

Sometimes the developer’s vision includes a heritage aspect, and condominium such as 100 Yorkville preserve the historic façade of the original building (in this case, Mount Sinai Hospital) and incorporate it into the ground level to add beauty and distinction. We are also seeing tremendous interest in high-end luxury condominium residences on top of five-star hotels. Two gorgeous examples are Four Seasons Private Residences Toronto, and The Residences at The Ritz Carlton, Toronto.

Our local architectural firms have gained international acclaim, and sometimes developers call on the expertise of companies from the U.S. and beyond. The sophisticated exterior of the Toronto Ritz Carlton building is the brainchild of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) Architects and Planners, which has offices in New York, London and Tokyo.

Of course, landscaping is an important part of a condominium’s exterior, and today’s buildings may encompass any number of fabulous natural elements. In Toronto, there are condo communities with lush courtyards, verdant parks, inviting rooftop gardens and other natural spaces that contribute to greening the streetscape and softening the condominiums’ urban edge. Some developers are even including public art in their exterior design, expanding Toronto’s cultural appeal.

Toronto’s cosmopolitan flair continues to attract buyers of all ages from around the world. Whatever their architectural fancy, they find it in Toronto, which is becoming more beautiful, condominium by condominium.