What happens when you love a condo project? You might want to buy a unit. It might be the kind of building you’d like to see more of in the city. The annual Pug Awards gives everyone the opportunity to express what they like and dislike in new construction. That can influence what gets built in the future.
Founded by Anna Simone, principal of design firm Cecconi Simone, and Gary Berman, president of real estate financier Tricon Capital Group, the Pug Awards engage the public to vote on the best and worst of Toronto’s newest condos and other construction over the month of May.
Buildings that qualify for consideration must have been completed in the previous calendar year, be located in the city of Toronto and have an area equal to or greater than 50,000 square feet. The Pug Awards Advisory Board and Executive Committee also considers significant buildings that don’t meet the formal criteria. The public can vote on whether they love, like or hate recently completed projects.
Why ask ordinary people about topics they might not know much about like architecture? Everyone sees these buildings every day and has their preferences. Architecture shapes how we perceive our city.Developers can gain insight over what ordinary people like in new architecture and what doesn’t work. They can make changes to their projects to respond to tastes and preferences. Though there has been variation among the winners, projects that have a heritage preservation component tend to stand out.
Developers’ portfolios of completed projects are their legacies—something new condo buyers might look up before deciding to buy a unit in one of their new projects. Buildings that leave generally negative impressions may suffer from worse resale value over time versus other buildings in a neighbourhood. Condo buyers might be less inclined to buy units in such buildings in the future.
It isn’t just about developers’ portfolios; the Pug Awards promotes an important civic discussion. We need to talk about the quality of what gets built in Toronto. Strong architecture and urban planning is critical for quality urban environments that people want to spend time in. The quality of the urban environment encourages or discourages investment.
The winners of the 2014 awards will be announced at the closing ceremony on June 18, 2014.
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