I often hear these from friends — “you live in the city, right?”, “loft? How about those nice luxury condo buildings?”, “No? Why not? I thought that’s real city living….”. Don’t get me wrong. I grew up in Hong Kong, and lived in many high rise buildings. I was/am used to them. But given the choice, I very much prefer the real or fake (new) loft buildings that is at most 5 or 6 stories tall. Why?
It is because, part of the reason for living in the city is that I feel more connected to the neighborhood and people. From my windows, I can see the streets, and the city activities on the street, day and night. I can see the people in the next building. I can see the courtyard and parks. I feel like I am almost there. If I move to a high rise building, that visual connection is lost. You are now looking out a window far away from the ground. You cannot make out the details of the activities. You are not connected. It’s more like voyeurism rather than connected.
Also, most highrise are designed so that the connecting spaces, the corridors on each floor, are narrow and have way too many units per floor. It becames a very impersonal space, very disconnected. You live in a box within a box, and don’t know anyone around you. That’s not city living.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Jeremy // May 6, 2006 at 7:16 pm
I agree 100% … great post. Loft living is usually in buildings that are 4 stories or less. From your window, you should be able to see the street, the people, the neighborhood and feel the vibe. I recently purchased an old racquetball court in downtown Winnipeg, Canada. After months and months of renovations, this loft is now perfect. You feel the pulse of downtown Winnipeg from your loft home … see it http://www.520portage.com
Great site!
2 pk // May 6, 2006 at 8:20 pm
Jeremy,
Your building looks great. Nothing like an authentic converted loft. From the pictures look like the ceiling is very high — I guess that’s racquetball court part. I wish we have your prices !
3 Jeremy // May 7, 2006 at 9:34 pm
Yes, the ceillings are extremely high because of the racquetball court …
Winnipeg prices are still good … but climbing. Anyone could have a cheap loft if they used their imagination and coverted more unused space. The reason loft prices are out of control is because people are looking to buy “converted” lofts.
If you look in your own environment and city, there is no limit to the potential of unused space.
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