Toronto Star

More often than not Critic's Eye columnist Christopher Hume has criticized condo developments for their uninspired design and disregard for context. Whether Hume's short succinct commentaries have had an impact on what is now going up in the ctiy might be subject to debate, but it's gratifying to see some innovative and pleasing residential designs taking shape on Toronto's streets. As Hume points out in his column this week, some major new projects look promising. And some recent condos, such as Mozo or the Chocolate Company, which earned high marks from Critic's Eye, show how well-designed buildings can enhance the urban environment. Architect Babak Eslahjou, partner in the firm of Core Architects Inc., has concentrated on designing buildings downtown. Some of the condo projects his firm is working on are on sites too small and tight for traditional underground parking. Stacked parking systems, imported from Germany, have opened the possibility of development.