Balconies, Terraces, Loggias

Nearly seven years ago, Stefano Boeri completed his first green residential high-rise – Bosco Verticale in Milan. The Italian architect has since designed similar vertical forests around the world. Be it in Utrecht, New Delhi, Cairo or Chicago, when their inhabitants look out onto their balcony, the impression is the same: that they are in the midst of nature yet in the centre of the city.

In our May issue we focus on balconies, terraces and ­loggias – features that are currently more popular than at any time since the 1970s. Every square metre outdoors counts and every opportunity to enjoy fresh air and sunshine must be taken. Balconies have long been part of the standard repertoire not only for luxury homes, but also for subsidized housing. Frank Kaltenbach compiled this issue’s project documentations with a clear focus on housing estates. Different concepts in Grenoble and Aarhus implement thoughtful architectural and structural solutions to get residents out into the open air. Some are covered while others are exposed to wind and weather, like the terraced apartment building by Bjarke Ingels at the North Sea. MVRDV’s new mixed-use building Werk 12, on the other hand, uses balconies that wrap around each floor to provide access and to extend the public space – a bold project with a touch of humour that brings a breath of fresh air to Munich. From page 65 onwards in this issue our special section, green, features an outstanding multigenerational home in Amsterdam.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we had to improvise on a few points in the production of our May issue. We ask for your understanding in this respect. Rest assured, however, that in the coming months we will remain your reliable partner. We place great value on the quality of the architecture we present-not only in the magazine but also in our books and online offerings. In this time of crisis we will continue to provide you with first-hand expert information.