These are called double-loaded corridors, which are basically buildings required by North American fire codes to have two accessible interior stairwells for eac

These are called double-loaded corridors, which are basically buildings required by North American fire codes to have two accessible interior stairwells for each unit. Unfortunately due to architectural constraints, this means that all new buildings built in the past few decades have interior "hotel-like" corridors and exterior flat, boxy frames. North America is the only country that requires this type of fire construction--most other countries allow one interior staircase and an exterior staircase out of a window (like a ladder). Without this requirement, you're able to build buildings that are shaped differently, have windows in multiple directions, better support 3/4/5 bedroom condos, and are cheaper. There's a movement to harmonize our fire codes with international standards; you can read more here: https://www.centerforbuilding.org/blog/we-we-cant-build-family-sized-apartments-in-north-america https://www.centerforbuilding.org/blog/we-we-cant-build-fami...