(06-07-2023, 04:37 PM)ac3r Wrote: Is it real brick or just pre-assembled panels? Either way I'm glad they went with that colour. It's a nice break from the current trend of white/grey we are seeing everywhere.

I would have kept it all red brick, though, rather than the dark grey they're also using. Then for the section that is currently cinderblock (it'll have signage) I would have used some nice steel or another metal rather than what appears like will be more "ornamental" stucco-like junk. It could have made this look really contemporary yet paying homage to early 20th century industrial heritage the city was once known for.

It's not hard to design a good building...or maybe it is? I'd love to know where half these architects studied. If in my university days I presented buildings like many things we see in our region I'd be failing classes.

(06-08-2023, 01:11 AM)nms Wrote:

(06-07-2023, 06:31 PM)tomh009 Wrote: The new pavers are different. One hopes that they will turn out to be more durable.

Cobblestones on European city streets might last the better part of a century, and that's with far more traffic on them.

Is it a salt and snow plow issue? Or is it the more rapid freeze-thaw cycles that we have here?  Do the Finns have cobblestones that last longer?

Of course, every now and then the French pull theirs up and throw them at each other.

(06-08-2023, 08:58 AM)westwardloo Wrote: I wish The Region could get mid-rises like those. I know Europe has its fair share of Architectural stinkers, but by in large most of the cities I have been to are filled with beautiful well thought out mid-rise developments. I just don't understand what is wrong with architecture in Canada? Do our developers just not give a shit? or are our architects just incapable of thoughtful design? Does the lack of historic buildings in Canada cause an indifference to architecture?  It doesn't cost that much more to choose the right materials for a project. 

It's like we just throw exterior cladding at the walls and hope it makes a building.

(07-11-2023, 05:16 PM)tomh009 Wrote: I think those brick colours look quite all right. Between this and the Market Flats, it's a massive change to this one-block stretch of King St E.

(07-11-2023, 05:58 PM)panamaniac Wrote:

(07-11-2023, 05:16 PM)tomh009 Wrote: I think those brick colours look quite all right. Between this and the Market Flats, it's a massive change to this one-block stretch of King St E.

I could do without the band that looks like cinder blocks along the top of the first floor.  Something stone-looking might have worked better if they felt they had to break up the brick.

(07-11-2023, 04:44 PM)dtkvictim Wrote: Regarding the flowerbeds, I actually think these east end ones might be nicer. At least they add some more "natural" colour, instead of just adding more grey to the existing grey.

(07-12-2023, 09:01 AM)SF22 Wrote: Yes, love the red brick! It's such a simple thing that embraces the age of the downtown neighbourhood instead of making everything Modern Greige. I hope whatever cladding gets added over the 1st floor commercial spaces is something that aesthetically fits with the brick to look really classic.

(07-12-2023, 02:18 PM)tomh009 Wrote: I wonder whether the partial top floor is for amenity space, with a rooftop patio next to it?