A recently published book by the Neptis Foundation, entitled Impossible Toronto: On the Courtyard, calls for meaningful paradigm shifts in how we build our cities of the future.
"Toronto doesn’t just need more homes; it needs better homes" - I completely agree, having lived in a courtyard block in Amsterdam several years ago. Thank you for amplifying this message, Ian! It's incredibly important.
One additional factor to consider to increase feasibility: fast-track approvals for mid-rise of all types, especially courtyard blocks. The current approvals process requires these projects to undergo the same level of scrutiny as a 60 storey tower. Paired with features such as single stair, fast-track approvals would deliver the efficiency + certainty that developers need to make this typology a reality.
Thanks, Dennis. And yes, there are many layers variables that cost so much time and money. Can holding a mirror up to planning officials trigger rapid change? Who knows.
"Toronto doesn’t just need more homes; it needs better homes" - I completely agree, having lived in a courtyard block in Amsterdam several years ago. Thank you for amplifying this message, Ian! It's incredibly important.
One additional factor to consider to increase feasibility: fast-track approvals for mid-rise of all types, especially courtyard blocks. The current approvals process requires these projects to undergo the same level of scrutiny as a 60 storey tower. Paired with features such as single stair, fast-track approvals would deliver the efficiency + certainty that developers need to make this typology a reality.
Thanks, Dennis. And yes, there are many layers variables that cost so much time and money. Can holding a mirror up to planning officials trigger rapid change? Who knows.