Quote:
Originally Posted by defishel
Unquestionably it should be the default, but we should be open to a variety of different buildings. I think a lot of the buildings presented in this discussion may not be the greatest at street level, but there is a good reason for it, as it's apart of an interesting design.
Why can't this building that looks pleasant from far away not look pleasant close up while not being mixed use? For example, the Lithwick Building in Ottawa has mixed use at street level, but the stores are not right up against the sidewalk. It may not be an "abortion at street level" but it's not perfect either, yet it's a great building.
This thread is about sharing buildings that we personally would like to see in Ottawa. What I would suggest for both of you is to contribute buildings that you would like to see in Ottawa that you think are aesthetically pleasing and also perform the jobs that you look for in a great building. They can be old, new; demolished or extant; fantasy ones you drew up yourself or one's that someone else designed. But the point is we're sharing buildings we like and think might make an interesting addition to the city in some way. In fact, they do not need to be 100% the same buildings in the pictures, but take some sort of architectural inspiration from them. So the buildings that are terrible at street level could potential be changed so that they work well at street level.
I was hoping that this would be a friendly place to discuss buildings other than what's currently going on in Ottawa, but could still be fun to have here.
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Please don't interpret my sharing an opinion of buildings needing to be good for the street as contrary to "a friendly place to discuss buildings other than what's currently going on in Ottawa." I simply don't see how it would be. You have some already that look to be excellent at street level, such as the proposed Holt Renfrew Centre, Cumberland Terrace, etc.
I generally don't go for the notion of dropping in architectural gems onto the map like chess pieces, but prefer to see buildings respond to their site and context. I travel extensively and read lots about architecture all over the world, but the notion of 'buildings I would like to see built here,' I would really only see them as examples to be interpreted in a local context.
But just for shits and giggles, a couple interesting projects in New York:
![](http://ny.curbed.com/uploads/1-EAST-RIVER-DAY-thumb.jpg)
Two luxury rental towers, developed by JDS Development and designed by SHoP Architects. They will hold 800 apartments and be connected by a "show-stopping" skybridge that has an indoor pool and lounge.
![](http://ny.curbed.com/uploads/1_Landingsoori2-592x489-thumb.jpg)
How about a building with some private pools, one for each apartment?