Core Points - The new regulations on balcony area calculation in Shanghai aim to enhance residential quality and provide clearer guidelines for developers and buyers [1][2] - The updated rules allow for balconies to be counted at half their horizontal projection area under specific conditions, which could lead to an increase in usable space for homeowners [1][2] - The regulations also include provisions for open balconies and improvements in building facades, which are expected to elevate the overall quality of new residential projects in Shanghai [2][3] Summary by Sections Balcony Area Regulations - New rules state that balconies (including enclosed ones) can be counted at half their horizontal projection area if they meet certain criteria, such as not exceeding 10% of the unit's building area and a maximum of 16 square meters [1] - For units under 80 square meters, balconies can be up to 8 square meters [1] Open Balconies and Facade Improvements - Open balconies with a depth not exceeding 0.75 meters will not count towards the floor area ratio (FAR) and can only be one per unit, with a maximum width of 3 meters [2] - The use of high-quality materials for building facades, such as stone and metal, will not be included in the FAR calculation, encouraging developers to enhance exterior aesthetics [2][3] Enhancements for Existing Communities - The regulations support the improvement of living conditions in older residential areas, allowing for the installation of elevators and other facilities without needing planning approval [3] - The inclusion of features like car and pedestrian separation, as well as covered entrances, will also not count towards the FAR, promoting better urban design [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding the layout and density of the Shougang Jingyue Chang'an residential project in Beijing, highlighting concerns about insufficient spacing between buildings and the implications of the "good house" concept on actual living conditions and density [3][5][10]. Group 1: Project Overview - Shougang Jingyue Chang'an is located in Beijing's Shijingshan District and is noted as the first "good house" in the area, but it has been criticized for its tight building spacing [3]. - The project consists of 16 residential buildings ranging from 6 to 18 floors, with at least 7 buildings having very short spacing between them, with minimum distances of 9.96 meters and 9 meters [5]. - The site covers an area of 28,000 square meters with a total above-ground construction area of 75,900 square meters, indicating a rectangular layout [5]. Group 2: Density and Building Height - The maximum planned height for the buildings is 54.6 meters, which is below the allowed height of 60 meters (with some areas permitted up to 80 meters) due to concerns about sunlight impact on surrounding properties [5]. - The actual density of the project is higher than the stated floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.71, with calculations suggesting an effective FAR of 3.16 when accounting for non-counted areas [8]. Group 3: Non-Counted Areas - The project includes several types of non-counted above-ground areas, such as four ground-level voids totaling approximately 1,200 square meters and various balcony types that do not count towards the building's total area [6][8]. - The inclusion of these non-counted areas has led to an increase in the effective density of the project, raising concerns about the implications for living conditions [10]. Group 4: Market Trends - The article notes a broader trend in Beijing's real estate market where many new developments are incorporating high-gifted areas, leading to increased invisible density in residential projects [10]. - Since the introduction of the "good house" guidelines in November of the previous year, there has been a notable rise in the number of new projects featuring balconies and other non-counted areas, which may lead to tighter living conditions despite the perceived benefits [10].