A Brief History of Condos and Architecture in Toronto

Condo architecture in Toronto has evolved significantly over time, reflecting the city's growth, changing demographics, and architectural trends. Here is a comprehensive history of condo architecture in Toronto:

1. Early Development (1960s-1970s):

   • The concept of condominiums was relatively new in Toronto during this period.
   • Early condo buildings were often modest in scale and design, featuring low-rise and mid-rise structures.
   • Many of these developments were concentrated in downtown neighborhoods, such as St. Lawrence and Yorkville.

2. Rise of High-Rise Condos (1980s-1990s):

   • The 1980s and 1990s saw a significant increase in high-rise condo development in Toronto.
   • This period marked the transition from low-rise and mid-rise buildings to taller structures, driven by increasing land values and the demand for denser urban living.
   • Glass and concrete became prominent materials, reflecting a modernist aesthetic.

3. Postmodern Era:

   • Postmodern architecture gained popularity during this period, characterized by its playful and eclectic design elements.
   • Condo buildings began incorporating postmodern features such as decorative facades, varied rooflines, and vibrant color schemes.
   • Notable examples include the Absolute World Towers in Mississauga, designed by MAD Architects, known for their curvilinear forms.

4. Contemporary Design and Architectural Diversity (2000s-Present):

   • In the 2000s, Toronto witnessed a surge in condo construction, driven by a booming real estate market and a desire for urban living.
   • Architectural diversity became more pronounced, with a range of styles and designs being employed, including modern, minimalist, and contextual designs.
   • Toronto's skyline experienced a vertical expansion, with numerous high-rise condo towers reshaping the cityscape.

5. Sustainable and Green Design:

   • In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable design and green building practices in Toronto's condo developments.
   • Developers are incorporating energy-efficient systems, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and other environmentally friendly features into their designs.
   • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification has become increasingly sought after for condo projects.

6. Mixed-Use Developments:

   • Mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial, and retail spaces have become a prevalent trend in Toronto's condo architecture.
   • These developments aim to create vibrant, walkable communities by integrating residential units with amenities, offices, shops, and entertainment options.

7. Iconic Landmarks:

   • Toronto is known for its iconic condo landmarks that have become synonymous with the city's skyline.
   • Examples include the CN Tower adjacent to the CityPlace development, the distinctive Absolute World Towers in Mississauga, and the Aura at College Park, Canada's tallest residential building.

8. Urban Planning Considerations:

   • The city of Toronto has implemented urban planning policies to manage and shape condo development.
   • Guidelines and zoning regulations focus on factors such as building height, setbacks, pedestrian connectivity, and public space provision to maintain a balance between development and urban livability.

Condo architecture in Toronto continues to evolve, influenced by factors such as urbanization, sustainability, and community planning. The city's skyline continues to transform, reflecting the dynamic nature of Toronto's real estate market and architectural innovation.

A Layman's Guide to Architectural Styles of Canadian Homes

Here's a layman's guide to some common architectural styles found in houses across Canada:

1. Colonial Revival: This style draws inspiration from traditional British and American colonial architecture. Common features include symmetrical façades, rectangular shapes, central entrances, and double-hung windows. The houses often have pitched roofs, decorative columns, and may incorporate elements such as dormer windows and porticos.

2. Victorian: Victorian architecture is characterized by ornate details and rich embellishments. Houses in this style feature intricate woodwork, decorative trim, and elaborate facades. They may have asymmetrical designs, steep roofs, bay windows, and ornamental porches. Sub-styles within Victorian architecture include Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Gothic Revival.

3. Craftsman: The Craftsman style emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and craftsmanship. Houses in this style typically feature low-pitched roofs with wide eaves, exposed wooden beams, and a front porch with square columns. They often have a combination of stone, wood, and shingle siding, and showcase handcrafted details.

4. Tudor Revival: Inspired by English Tudor architecture, this style is characterized by half-timbering, steeply pitched roofs, and prominent chimneys. Houses in this style often have decorative brickwork, casement windows, and arched doorways. The overall appearance is picturesque and evokes a sense of medieval charm.

5. Modernist: Modernist architecture focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. Houses in this style typically have flat or low-pitched roofs, open floor plans, large windows, and a minimalist aesthetic. They prioritize natural light, open spaces, and a connection to the surrounding environment.

6. Ranch: The Ranch style is known for its single-story, low-profile design and a focus on casual, indoor-outdoor living. Houses in this style have long, horizontal layouts, often with a U or L shape. They typically feature attached garages, large windows, sliding glass doors, and a blend of natural materials such as wood and brick.

7. Contemporary: Contemporary architecture emphasizes innovative design, experimentation, and a forward-thinking approach. Contemporary houses can vary greatly in appearance, but they often feature clean lines, large windows, and a mix of materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. They embrace new technologies and sustainable design principles.

8. Canadiana: The Canadiana style takes inspiration from Canada's rural and agricultural heritage. These houses typically have steeply pitched roofs, dormer windows, and a symmetrical façade. They often feature wood siding, shutters, and a welcoming front porch. The Canadiana style reflects a rustic and charming aesthetic.

Remember, architectural styles can vary in different regions of Canada, and houses may exhibit a mix of influences or unique interpretations. It's also common to find hybrid styles or houses with elements from multiple architectural traditions. This guide provides a general overview, and it's always best to consult with professionals or local experts for specific architectural styles in your area.

 

Architectural Trends in the 1990s

An Example of Postmodern Revivalist Architecture

 

Here are some architectural trends that emerged during the 1990s in the housing and real estate industry:

1. Postmodernism: The 1990s witnessed the continuation of postmodern architectural styles. Postmodern designs often featured eclectic combinations of historical references, playful colors, and exaggerated forms. Architects incorporated decorative elements, varied materials, and diverse architectural references to create visually striking and contextually responsive buildings.

2. Sustainable Design: Environmental consciousness began to influence architectural practices in the 1990s. Architects focused on incorporating sustainable features and energy-efficient technologies in residential designs. Concepts such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and the use of eco-friendly materials gained attention.

3. Minimalist Aesthetics: Minimalism also gained popularity during the 1990s. Architects embraced clean lines, simplicity, and the use of minimal ornamentation. Minimalist designs often featured open floor plans, neutral color palettes, and a focus on functional spaces.

4. Open Plan Layouts: Open plan layouts became increasingly favored during this period. Architects designed homes with interconnected living spaces, removing or minimizing internal walls to create a sense of spaciousness, flexibility, and improved social interaction.

5. Blurring of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: The 1990s saw a focus on blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Architects incorporated large windows, glass doors, and atriums to create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior, allowing for increased natural light, views, and connections to the surrounding environment.

6. Multi-Functional Spaces: Architects responded to changing lifestyles by designing homes with multi-functional spaces. Flexible layouts allowed for adaptable use of rooms, accommodating various activities and evolving needs of homeowners.Use of Technology: The integration of technology began to influence residential architecture during the 1990s. Architects incorporated advanced systems for lighting, heating, and security. Home offices and media rooms also became more prevalent as technology advancements allowed for remote work and entertainment options.

7. Contextual Design: Architects increasingly considered the surrounding context and neighborhood aesthetics when designing residential buildings. Buildings were designed to respond to the scale, materials, and architectural language of the surrounding environment, aiming to create a harmonious and cohesive urban fabric.

8. Emphasis on Privacy: Privacy became a significant consideration in residential design during the 1990s. Architects incorporated features such as screening devices, landscaping elements, and strategic placement of windows to balance the desire for natural light and views while maintaining privacy for homeowners.

9. Revivalist Architecture: Alongside modernist and minimalist styles, there was also a revival of traditional architectural styles during the 1990s. Architects incorporated elements of historical architectural movements such as neoclassical, Victorian, or Craftsman styles, often with a contemporary twist, to create visually appealing and diverse residential designs.

These architectural trends from the 1990s reflect a mix of postmodern influences, sustainable design considerations, evolving technology, and changing lifestyle preferences. It's important to note that architectural styles and trends can vary across regions and individual preferences.

Architectural Trends in the 2000s

Here are some architectural trends that emerged during the 2000-2009 period in the housing and real estate industry:

1. Modernist and Contemporary Designs: The 2000s saw a continued emphasis on modernist and contemporary architectural styles. Clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and open floor plans were popular features in residential designs, reflecting a shift towards simplicity and functionality.

2. Sustainable Design: The awareness of environmental concerns led to an increased focus on sustainable design practices. Architects incorporated energy-efficient materials, passive solar design, and eco-friendly technologies to create more environmentally conscious homes. Features like solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems gained prominence.

3. Mixed-Use Developments: The concept of mixed-use developments gained traction during this period. Architects designed buildings that combined residential, commercial, and retail spaces in a single development, creating walkable neighborhoods and promoting a live-work-play lifestyle.

4. Loft Living: The conversion of former industrial spaces into residential lofts became a popular trend, particularly in urban areas. Architects transformed old warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings into stylish loft apartments, featuring high ceilings, exposed brickwork, and open floor plans.

5. Open Plan Layouts: Open plan layouts became increasingly prevalent in residential architecture during the 2000s. These designs eliminated traditional partition walls, creating expansive and flexible living spaces that fostered a sense of connectivity and encouraged social interaction.

6. Use of Glass and Natural Light: Architects embraced the use of glass extensively to maximize natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows, glass curtain walls, and skylights were common features, allowing for ample daylight and providing a connection to the surrounding environment.

7. Technological Integration: The rapid advancement of technology during this period influenced architectural design. Architects incorporated smart home technologies, integrating automation systems for lighting, heating, and security. Home theaters, media rooms, and dedicated entertainment spaces also became popular.

8. Multi-Level Living: Architects explored multi-level living designs to maximize space and create visual interest. Split-level layouts, mezzanine floors, and multi-story homes with interconnected spaces offered unique architectural experiences and added a sense of dynamism to residential designs.

9. Customization and Personalization: Homeowners increasingly sought customization and personalization options in their residences. Architects responded by designing homes with flexible layouts, allowing owners to adapt and customize spaces to suit their individual preferences and lifestyle needs.

10. Outdoor Living Spaces: The integration of outdoor living spaces gained prominence during the 2000s. Architects designed homes with outdoor decks, patios, and balconies to create inviting and functional spaces for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.

These architectural trends from the 2000-2009 period reflect a mix of contemporary design principles, sustainability considerations, technological advancements, and evolving lifestyle preferences. It's important to note that architectural styles and trends can vary across regions and individual preferences.

Architectural Trends in the 2010s

 

Here are some architectural trends that emerged in the 2010s in the housing and real estate industry:

1. Open Floor Plans: Open floor plans gained popularity in the 2010s, with a focus on eliminating barriers between different living spaces. This design concept promotes a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining area, and living room, creating a sense of spaciousness and facilitating social interactions.

2. Energy-Efficient Design: Energy efficiency became a prominent consideration in architectural design during the 2010s. Architects incorporated sustainable features such as energy-efficient windows, improved insulation, LED lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs for homeowners.

3. Smart Home Technology: The integration of smart home technology became increasingly prevalent in residential architecture. Architects started incorporating features like home automation systems, smart thermostats, voice-activated assistants, and remote-controlled security systems to enhance convenience, connectivity, and energy management.

4. Sustainable and Green Design: With a growing focus on sustainability, architects embraced eco-friendly practices. The use of recycled and renewable materials, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, passive solar design, and solar panels became more prevalent, promoting energy conservation and reducing environmental impact.

5. Multi-Generational Housing: The 2010s witnessed an increased demand for multi-generational housing to accommodate changing family structures and cultural preferences. Architects responded by designing homes with flexible layouts that provided separate living spaces or incorporated "granny flats" or guest suites within the main residence.

6. Outdoor Living Spaces: The importance of outdoor spaces expanded, and architects prioritized designing functional and inviting outdoor areas. Patios, decks, rooftop gardens, and landscaped yards were incorporated to create outdoor extensions of living spaces, allowing for relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature.

7. Minimalist Aesthetics: Minimalist design principles gained popularity in the 2010s, emphasizing clean lines, simplicity, and uncluttered spaces. Architects focused on creating sleek and minimalist facades, using neutral color palettes and minimalist interior design elements to promote a sense of calmness and simplicity.

8. Aging-in-Place Design: As the population aged, architects incorporated aging-in-place design features to accommodate the needs of older adults. These features included wider hallways, barrier-free showers, grab bars, and lever-style door handles to improve accessibility and ensure long-term comfort and safety.

9. Mixed-Use Developments: The 2010s witnessed an increased emphasis on mixed-use developments that combined residential, commercial, and retail spaces in a single complex. Architects designed buildings that integrated different uses, creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that offered convenience and a sense of community.

10. Passive House Design: Passive House, a rigorous energy efficiency standard, gained recognition in the 2010s. Architects incorporated passive house principles into their designs, focusing on airtight building envelopes, superior insulation, high-performance windows, and energy recovery ventilation to create ultra-low energy buildings with exceptional comfort.

These architectural trends from the 2010s reflect changing lifestyle preferences, environmental consciousness, and technological advancements. It's important to note that architectural styles and trends can vary across regions and individual preferences.

Architectural Trends in the 2020s

Here are some architectural trends in the 2020s that have been observed in the housing and real estate industry:

1. Sustainable Design: With a growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, sustainable design practices have gained significant traction. Architects are incorporating eco-friendly features such as solar panels, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient materials, and passive design strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.

2. Multifunctional Spaces: As homeowners seek versatile living spaces, architects are designing homes with multifunctional layouts. Open floor plans that promote fluidity and flexibility allow for seamless transitions between different areas, accommodating various activities and adapting to changing needs.

3. Outdoor Living Spaces: The desire for connection with nature has led to a surge in the popularity of outdoor living spaces. Architects are integrating features like rooftop gardens, terraces, balconies, and covered patios to create inviting and functional outdoor areas that extend the usable living space.

4. Smart Homes: Rapid advancements in technology have given rise to smart homes that integrate automation and connectivity. Architects are incorporating smart features like programmable lighting systems, integrated security systems, energy management systems, and voice-controlled devices to enhance comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency.

5. Adaptive Reuse and Renovation: In response to sustainability concerns and the preservation of cultural heritage, architects are increasingly focusing on adaptive reuse and renovation projects. Transforming existing buildings, such as old warehouses, factories, and barns, into unique residential spaces or repurposing historical structures helps maintain the character of neighborhoods while providing innovative housing solutions.

6. Biophilic Design: Biophilic design aims to incorporate natural elements and patterns into the built environment, promoting health and well-being. Architects are integrating features such as abundant natural light, indoor plants, natural materials, and views of nature to create spaces that foster a connection to the natural world.

7. Minimalist Aesthetics: A minimalist design approach characterized by clean lines, simplicity, and a focus on essential elements is gaining popularity. Architects are designing homes with uncluttered spaces, minimalist facades, and neutral color palettes to create a sense of calmness, balance, and timeless elegance.

8. Accessible Design: With an increasing focus on inclusivity, architects are incorporating universal design principles to create accessible homes. Features like wider doorways, step-free entrances, accessible bathrooms, and adjustable countertops ensure that homes can accommodate people of all ages and abilities.

9. Energy-Efficient and Net-Zero Homes: Energy efficiency has become a priority in residential architecture. Architects are designing homes that meet or exceed stringent energy standards, aiming for net-zero energy consumption. These homes are equipped with advanced insulation, high-performance windows, efficient HVAC systems, and renewable energy generation technologies like solar panels.

10. Wellness-Oriented Spaces: Health and wellness are influencing architectural choices, with an emphasis on incorporating spaces that promote physical and mental well-being. Architects are creating dedicated areas for exercise, meditation, natural light exposure, and improved indoor air quality to enhance residents' overall wellness.

These architectural trends reflect evolving societal needs, technological advancements, and environmental concerns. However, it's important to note that architectural styles and trends can vary regionally, and individual preferences may differ.

Super Basements and Iceberg Homes

 Iceberg Homes are pretty much what you imagine them to be. Houses that are bigger below the ground than they actually appear to be. It is a growing trend in architecture (especially for homes belonging to billionaires) where they build a massive underground structure, but have lots of room to store all their things... And for entertaining guests / having parties.

Basically it is just another way for the rich to show off their wealth.

There's only one major flaw: They tend to get flooded easily. Definitely need flood insurance.

Hurricane Resistant Houses

Imagine building a house in a region that gets frequent hurricanes, usually once every year or two.

Shouldn't you be building the house in a manner that it is resistant to hurricanes? Thus saving you money in the long term on costly home insurance premiums?

Or...

Imagine your house gets destroyed by a hurricane in 2022. Okay, you rebuild using the insurance money, but you basically just rebuild the same house. Two years later in 2024 your house gets destroyed again. Did you not learn from the first time that the design obviously wasn't working???

Using smarter architectural design we can actually fix this problem. If all houses in the hurricane prone Gulf Coast were built to a new standard the people living there wouldn't have this problem.

You start by designing the house to have round corners, so that the wind bends and moves around the house, instead of ripping pieces off of it.

You attach the roof in a more durable way, so the roof doesn't just rip off during the first windstorm.

You anchor the entire structure into the ground, so that a really strong wind cannot just lift your whole house off the foundations and throw it.

We have the technology to make houses in the Gulf Coast hurricane resistant. Why aren't more people building such houses? Yes, it is more expensive, but you ultimately save money from insurance premiums and from not having all your belongings destroyed/lost again and again.

How many times does your house have to be destroyed before you learn from your mistakes?

 

Why did China ban skyscrapers?

China recently passed a ban on the building of new skyscrapers that are over 500 meters tall, leading to new buildings being cut short at 499 meters to make sure they fall within regulations.

But why?

Is it because the Chinese government is worried about earthquakes?

Is it because they are worried about shoddy construction?

Or is it because they are worried about Ponzi schemes in which real estate developers build new structures for investors, and then pay off older investors by attracting new investors for other buildings that haven't yet been built... and they still manage to make a profit because they are cutting corners on construction costs, which in turn contributes to shoddy construction and increases the risk of more damages if a big earthquake ever hits the region?

Honestly... probably "All of the above."

And even those buildings that are below 500 meters are now being reviewed for earthquake safety and energy efficiency.

Lastly the Chinese government also wants to make certain that the architects "better represent Chinese culture"... which is code for 'the architect has to be Chinese'. No hiring American or Japanese architects for example.

So clearly something is up.

China has been building up a huge real estate bubble for decades now and it is doomed to burst sometime.

It is quite possible that the Chinese government is now working to prevent such a bursting bubble by toning down the construction with more red tape and regulations.

Do Skyscrapers Predict Recessions, or is it a Coincidence?

I quite enjoyed this video. It certainly convinced me that the perception that skyscrapers are a warning sign of a recession to come is really just a coincidence of a boom period.

After all, it isn't like developers are lining up to build skyscrapers during an economic downturn. Large scale construction projects are very expensive after all, so building such structures during a recession or a depression doesn't make much sense.

London's Architectural Woes

Can too many skyscrapers make a city ugly?

Yes and no. Check out the video below wherein people in London England question the role of skyscrapers in British architecture.

Carports Vs Garages

It is cheaper to build a carport instead of a garage, and in Canada it is arguably also more practical.

Why?

Well, have you ever had to shovel snow out of a driveway just to get the garage door open?

Or is your garage so full of stuff that you park in the driveway anyway and don't actually park your car inside the garage?

That is why. Carports give you the advantage of being able to park your car in the driveway, but still have a roof over top of it so you don't have to shovel the snow so much.

Plus carports never have the problem of junk accumulating in your garage, stuff that rightfully belongs either:

In your basement.
In your attic.
In your recycling bins, because lets face it, a lot of the junk people keep in their garage is really just garbage.

Now I understand some people just love having a garage, but parking in a carport is so much easier and you get many of the benefits of having a garage, but without the cost and certain annoying factors that come with garages. Thus to me a carport makes a great deal of sense just for its convenience.

In the USA carports are more popular in the southern states and near army bases, thanks to the 1950s modernist movement which saw many residential communities built near military bases using the modernist designs, which in turn used carports as part of their designs quite often.

The designs shown above are by Mike Kopecky, who grew up near an army base in Texas and now lives in Toronto. He is the designing houses for a retro-modernist community in Leander Texas, but hopes that developers in Toronto may become inspired to try something similar here in Canada. You can read more about his development in Leander in the Globe and Mail.

Below are some different, interesting and innovative designs for carports. I especially liked the ones with the solar panels and plants.

Small Treehouse Home

I just like these little treehouse homes.

I think they are adorable.

If you want to see more treehouses like this explore my other website:

Project Gridless

I will point however that they will be quite cold and drafty in the Winter.

And I would not want to be in there during a windstorm, hurricane or tornado.

"Gee Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore."

September 11th 2001, controlled implosions in the WTC buildings

 
Buildings made of steel beams and girders don't fall straight down.

Not unless there is a controlled explosion causing the load bearing parts of the structure to be removed. The only way for a building to fall straight down is via explosives placed in key structural points in a building. It requires months of planning for a demolition team to take a building down like that.

Especially buildings designed to carry incredible loads. The World Trade Centre buildings in NYC were designed to carry weights many times their own, and the steel beams supporting the structure had a melting point far above the burning temperature of jet fuel.

Plus the steel beams were covered in a flame retardant, asbestos - which the WTC needed to remove sometime because asbestos causes a variety of health problems including cancer.

In other words there was no way that the WTC buildings could collapse straight down, without controlled explosions / implosions at multiple key points in the buildings' structures.




Anyone who is a structural engineer will be able to tell you, there is no way those buildings collapsed like that due to "jet fuel" melting the steel girders. Jet fuel simply is not hot enough. Not even close. Not even half. (Think of it this way, if jet fuel burned hot enough to melt or weaken steel, then airplanes would be crashing all the time as the engines would weaken, melt and fall apart.)

Thus the jet fuel certainly cannot cause steel girders further below to collapse due to "added weight" when the structure of the building was designed to carry many times the extra weight.

In other words "terrorists" could have crashed 20 planes into the WTC buildings and they still would not have collapsed. The only way to bring a building like that straight down is a demolition team with months of planning and tonnes of explosives.

It is a bit like crashing a plane into the Hoover Dam and expecting the dam to break. It won't happen. The Hoover Dam is just too big. It would just be a scratch on the surface.

Prefabricated Skyscrapers being built in record times

Imagine if you could buy and build a skyscraper in record time - in the same manner that you build furniture from Ikea.

That is the mantra behind a growing trend in the architecture industry, building prefabricated skyscrapers that have all the parts built in a factory and then are assembled on site in a record time frame.

The trend is growing quickly - and building quickly - in major cities around the globe, including New York and London, where the realization that such buildings can be built faster, cheaper and better by using prefabrication.

For example in the video below you can watch a Chinese construction crew building a new 30 story skyscraper in 360 hours - just 15 days.



And what is more...

Prefabricated buildings are cheaper to build - thanks to saving $$$ on construction workers who often spend half their time on the job standing around waiting for cement and materials to arrive - and then waiting for the cement to dry.

Prefabricated buildings are better quality - because factories have higher quality building standards whereas construction crews sometimes make mistakes and have to use a quick fix to solve a problem.

But the biggest change is SPEED, because prefabricated buildings are really fast to build. All the materials are built in a factory on production lines (which is more time efficient) and the construction crews just need to assemble and attach the final pieces.

What this means is that people could build whole new cities in a hurry if we wanted to, by using factories to build the parts.

The biggest delay is building the foundation of the structure, which would be unchanged from the current methods - but maybe in the future a genius will come up with a faster and more effective way to build foundations too.

Lastly, prefabricated buildings don't have to be boring. They're like Lego. You can make them look like any number of shapes and the technology is there to modify how you want a structure to look. We are only limited by our imaginations to design something better.

I think this is a trend we will see a lot more of in the future.

14 Interesting and Weird Examples of Condo Architecture

So I went looking for examples of strange condo architecture, and the top google images results were all from my website.

It took me a moment to realize. "Wait a sec, that is MY website!"

After my amusement wore off I realized I would need to look harder (and screen out examples of strange architecture that are already posted on My Search for a Home). I feel obligated that I don't post the same weird architecture twice (although I did make an exception for the hanging gardens photo on the right).

So I had to search a bit harder, but I found these examples which add to my collection of strange, interesting and weird condo designs.

Note some of these are actually hotels instead of condos, but they're still very interesting.