...It sounds like that large "back" corner section of the building... would effectively be windowless? That seems crazy to me. I'm really starting to wonder, is the CoV trying to position itself as the world leader in excessive use of spandrel panels (or otherwise blank surfaces) on prominent new buildings?

The Penwill elevation is actually quite striking. But methinks that corner section would be diminished mightily if it gets rendered in mostly solid wall. The manner by which they've tried to transition from walls to windows seems like a decent effort, and I sympathize if they're responding to concerned residents next door who (mistakenly) think having a view of nothing is preferable to having a view of something. But crikey, that seems like a lot of non-window wall. I thought this was supposed to be prominent showpiece of a building? And it seems like such a slap to that wide walkway, to have a towering blank wall for much of its length. I'm not picking on the developer, I actually like a lot of the language in the document. But this aspect is very disappointing.

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"To balance concerns around material use and perceived environmental detriments, the revised design will substantially increase the area of spandrel panel and solid building envelope. Angled panels will receive a solid wall return on all three upper facades - Douglas, Humboldt, and Penwill."

"On Penwill and Humboldt, significant portions of the facade will be solid angled panels echoing the glazed panels and tying into the overall language and texture of the building. These solid panels replace glazed and spandrel panels to further address privacy concerns from the neighbouring buildings."

^Summary: it's really too bad the back side has so many blank surfaces. Even the seashell/waves detailing is lacking on that side.

Should you ever observe a questionable character trudging up and down the little hill between the Hilton and the Marriott, looking back wistfully, and seemingly straining to transform the back corner of Telus Ocean into what it could have been by the power of his sheer will... please allow me my privacy.

to further address privacy concerns from the neighbouring buildings

This is downtown. Sounds like a made up reason to account for bad design.

The developer wanted the back side to be more appealing but they made blandifying changes in order to appease the complaints. Note that cheeky little word "perceived" in their statement.

(There's a thousandth time for everything in Victoria.)