# Stairs and balconies

By [Brandon Donnelly](https://paragraph.com/@brandondonnelly), 2022-08-21

architecture, balcony, exterior-corridors, exterior-stairs, globe-and-mail, montreal, outdoor-space, patio, rooftop, terrace, urbanism

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Perhaps the two most distinctive features of Montreal's low-rise architectural landscape are (1) lots of exterior stairs and (2) lots of balconies. (Their density is, of course, also noteworthy, particularly in a North American context.)

The exterior stairs are somewhat curious to outsiders given all the snow the city gets. But it's maybe a good case study and follow-up to yesterday's post about [1925 Victoria Park Road](https://brandondonnelly.com/2022/08/20/project-profile-1925-victoria-park-road-toronto/) and its proposed exterior corridors.

As for the second feature, the Globe and Mail recently published [this wonderful little ode to the Montreal balcony](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-balconville-is-an-integral-part-of-montreals-cultural-dna/). It is a great reminder that, when designed well, people really do love balconies and exterior spaces.

This is an ongoing debate in the world of multi-family development, and the outcomes often vary by city and sometimes by housing tenure. But at the end of the day, I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't appreciate getting outside in the summer.

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*Originally published on [Brandon Donnelly](https://paragraph.com/@brandondonnelly/stairs-and-balconies)*