One of the most exciting developments in condo living is the recent emphasis we are seeing on architecture and interior design. Developers have been marketing to prospective purchasers using themes, usually based on a condominium’s location within the city, an obvious historical reference, or the prior use of the land on which the condominium is constructed. While these themes appeal to buyers, it’s rare that they translate into the design of the building or the units in any meaningful way.

But developers, perhaps motivated by the public’s considerable interest in the recent works of world class architects such as Canada’s Frank Gehry, are starting to look beyond simple themes to what I’ll refer to as statement buildings.