Thanks for the pics, Delerium. Though I see the projects quite a bit, I haven't taken photos in quite a while. In order of preference, here are my three favorites of the current projects:
1) Woodwards. I have always liked this project, but as the buildings have topped out, I am even more impressed. I just think it's very iconic in a way, and makes such an imposing presence on that end of town. I love when you're at about the midway point along Hastings between it and the Fairmont. They both seem like well placed anchors on either end. Visually they do connect or stretch the downtown further east into the Gastown / Down East area.
2) Onni. This is one project I wish wasn't turning into apartments (isn't that correct?). Even in the photos it seems rather pedestrian, but when you see it in person it really does stand out above the look of the other new projects. It just looks handsome and even stately. Very nice proportions on the overall scale of the building as well as the components - window sizes, balcony sizes, the shapes of the sections of the structure. I think it will age well.
3) Atelier. I could change my mind later if the finished don't follow through on the promise of the building at this point. But the scale of the building and the floor on the podium is very impressive. It just feels monumental, which is interesting considering there are several other buildings in work near it. Raffles, TV Towers and even Dolce in a way just don't seem to match the scale from the street. Feels very "big city"
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There is something to be said for buildings tending to "match" when built near the same point in time, no matter how different their shapes may be (even worse when they are all shaped the same). It's that texturing of various styles that make cities so interesting over time. Some of what folks see as blandness in Vancouver is in part because it just isn't as old as some other cities. It just hasn't had the years and years of overlaying and intermingled styles and trends. That doesn't mean one shouldn't push for variety and diversity in individual designs. But the reality some of what makes architectural cities special is the pieces and parts - some not even that notable when they were built - adding to the fabric and feel of a city.
Vancouver is still very young in that sense, though I have to say I love the feel of downtown more than some posters here. Walking down Georgia Avenue or down Burrard or Granville towards the mountains and harbour is really quite intesting, with great sight-lines at and through some really nice and diverse buildings.
That's my opinion anyway.
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And I agree with giallo that some of these podiums are shaping up to be pretty sharp.
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