Quote:
Originally Posted by phoenixwillrise
Why the hate for podiums? It's not like these apartment buildings are architectural marvels. Don't understand the angst. I would rather have the height as it looks better from a distance and creates more shade.
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With a few exceptions, they're quite ugly. They usually involve monotonous blank walls that diminish the walk appeal of a neigbhorhood, dissuading pedestrian activity and street life.
They're cheaper to build, so they allow developers to include more parking than is absolutely necessary for a project. That surplus can induce more driving among people who might otherwise use other modes.
The entrances and exits to parking podiums interrupt sidewalks and bike lanes, creating a hostile environment for users of non-automotive modes of transport. Admittedly, this is also a problem with underground parking.
They take eyes off the street by eliminating dwelling units on lower levels. That makes the street outside less safe and less interesting. Ground floor retail can help, but only if actually leased. Vacant retail space hurts as much as blank walls.