“Everything that we program on the inside, we want to be able to do that on the outside,” said Menkes. Condo owners want mini dog parks and outdoor theatres, lounges and barbecue settings too. “This is a complete extension of my living space.”īut it's not just the balcony people are thinking about. “I think we've all decided that this is not throwaway space,” she said. People didn't think much about balconies before, but now they're asking if they're large enough for an outdoor seating area, lounge or space to enjoy a meal, said Rankin.Īrchitects are also mulling whether they should dedicate space on balconies for hanging a yoga mat, storing weights or exercising, even when temperatures begin to drop, Rankin said. “They want that balcony, even if they're just going to put their bike out there,” said the executive vice-president of Menkes Development Ltd.'s highrise residential business. While there has long been demand for outdoor amenities, Jared Menkes said the pandemic cranked up the interest condo dwellers have in outside spaces. These people are sparking a shift in condo features and amenities as they seek opportunities to enjoy fresh air and be productive without venturing far from home or exposing themselves to the virus. “We've all discovered over (the pandemic) how important the home is, but we have a lot of people who cannot afford amplified homes or individual spaces dedicated to working, especially if there's two people working from home,” said Rankin. The managing principal of B+H Architects' Vancouver studio and others working in real estate say more outdoor spaces, areas catering to those working from home, touchless technology and additional elevators will feature heavily in post-pandemic condos.

When Adele Rankin envisions condos of the future, she sees people exercising on balconies, booking “Zoom rooms” or using coworking spaces within their buildings.

Zoom room space