That mostly depends on the local rules which are unique to each city. In most cases it will require changes to planning rules.
Many architects in Canada do want to start changing this. Even if they can't use that balcony space to increase actual indoor space of the building, it could indeed at the very least be enclosed so its adaptive uses increase. To quote the Building Design Partnership Quadrangle of Toronto:
The balcony is really the LARPing suburbanite who wants to be a city dweller's version of a green front and back yard or a garage: most likely entirely unnecessary, underutilized and a total waste of money, a reduction in available housing units, has negative environmental impacts and so on. That's why I hate the argument that "well you can sneak out for a smoke...you could drink your coffee out there". That is ignorant and misses the more important points of maximizing our land use in the most ideal way we can for those who choose to live in the city.
Many architects in Canada do want to start changing this. Even if they can't use that balcony space to increase actual indoor space of the building, it could indeed at the very least be enclosed so its adaptive uses increase. To quote the Building Design Partnership Quadrangle of Toronto:
Quote:Currently, the roadblock to enclosing our balconies is not in its technical challenges, but our attitude towards them. Balconies are widely perceived as a prerequisite of a quality condo unit, but we argue that its adapted use in a larger, more functional unit will be highly desirable for demographics not adequately served currently. Simultaneously, we tackle key climate change issues of operational and embodied carbon in doing so. In our current practice where newly constructed units are decreasing in size but balconies remain constant, we need a method to enlarge our existing condo stock incrementally, giving the opportunity for balconies to adapt.
For this to happen, city planners need to propose policy changes that encourage this practice. Architects and consultants are responsible for resolving the technical obstacles, finding construction methods that are cost effective for both the tenant and the condo management group. In thinking towards the future, developers and designers need to examine new ways to make the balcony better adaptable for change.
Toronto’s balconies are an important opportunity for us to evaluate our existing building stock, and to take progressive action to address key problems of our housing market. Toronto’s balconies are an opportunity for us to design, and adapt.
The balcony is really the LARPing suburbanite who wants to be a city dweller's version of a green front and back yard or a garage: most likely entirely unnecessary, underutilized and a total waste of money, a reduction in available housing units, has negative environmental impacts and so on. That's why I hate the argument that "well you can sneak out for a smoke...you could drink your coffee out there". That is ignorant and misses the more important points of maximizing our land use in the most ideal way we can for those who choose to live in the city.