Another day, another round of heated discussion on our Forum revolving around the controversial aesthetic developments on display at The Hat in East Village. Our faithful readers have had an endless supply of criticisms - and a few spirited defenses - in terms of the the decision to ply the exterior with what by all appearances seems to be a heavy amount of spandrel. At stake as well, appears to be a debate over whether or not rental properties should be built to the same design standards as condominium projects. 

The Hat, podium cladding nearing completion, image by Forum contributor 1875

In the majority, appear to be a large amount of commentators who have expressed what can politely be relayed as disappointment in what is perceived to be an over-reliance upon spandrel in lieu of glass, or some other more imaginative (read: higher quality) material. In the minority, however, there have been one or two steadfast commentators who have come to the defense of the abundant spandrel, pointing to its superior thermal/energy consumption properties over and above a simple pane of vision glass. 

The Hat, as it will appear upon completion, image via Cidex Group

Digging deeper into the debate, it seems that at the bottom of it lays a much larger discussion about the type of city one desires to be built. In the ongoing battle of form vs. function, there will always be passionate opinions on both sides of the fence. In an ideal world, however, there would be a way to marry the two together in such a way as to ensure a best of both worlds. 

SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.