JOIN USWhen designing a residential building for a location with a great waterfront view, it is wise to maximise the number of occupants that can actually enjoy that view. Architecture and design firm ODA New York recently proposed a building for Toronto, Canada, that would accomplish just that, thanks to its novel twisting form inspired by the way plants follow the sun.
Currently in the proposal stage (and with no immediate plans to build), the project is envisioned as being a part of Toronto’s Bayside development. The architecture firm began with a plan for a basic L-shaped building, before raising, staggering and twisting its profile by 45 per cent.
According to the firm, nearly 71 per cent of the 24-storey building’s units would be able to enjoy a view of the waterfront — comparable to what the firm says would otherwise be around 25 per cent with a typical rendering. Additionally, the twisting design offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor areas — some 68,550 sq feet (6,368 sq metres) and 221 out of the 228 units would feature a terraced area.
Eran Chen, ODA New York’s founder and executive director is of the opinion that they are leading a quiet but unyielding revolution to replace the dogma of resigned and compromised city living for one that enriches our lives. Designers can and must rethink their reliance on the extruded big box concept and instead design permeable residential buildings more as a collection of individual private homes. Restoring our relationship to nature within our most private spaces is a crucial element in maintaining both our physical and psychological wellbeing, he said.