Vancouver is denser than Auckland and feels busy with building activity. In some places façades are being saved as great towers emerge behind while in other places huge deep holes are being sunk. Tall buildings (many apartments/condos and almost always mixed use) are abundant and often with shape and form to them that suits the site and orientation.
Some areas are packed very tightly but there is space in the closeness so it doesn't feel dark and cold and the tall structures grace the skyline almost like mature trees. Sometimes they even have trees growing on them:
Hundertwasser would have appreciated it! I even saw some balcony/porch type spaces on apartments that looked a little like his 'tree-rooms'.
Residential neighbourhoods are all at least double storeyed, with many higher still. The principles are similar to those in the Auckland plan - denser centres, villages, and transit lines and stations areas. It's a good use of space and often building height is balanced and complemented by tall trees too. Many of these are underplanted by neighbours although there was not nearly as much of this as in Portland and Seattle and in these neigbourhoods at least very few people grow veges in their front gardens. Roof gardens are not uncommon either.
There are many community gardens too. Some function as market gardens (see Sole Food Farms) and education spaces (City Farmer). I'll talk more on these in a future blog because their existence (since 1978 in the case of City Farmer) offers much to learn from, in terms of the community side of things as well as a glimpse into some of the heart of Vancouver.
Others are publicly enjoyed private allotments in public space, some more controlled than others. One runs alongside an old trainline. It was started by one woman...and now extends at least the 3 blocks I walked along! How's that for heart and action!
All in all, the city has been stunning on the gorgeous days we have had so far (note to self – book more down time in here next time – yes, next time!). Our small apartment on Davie has a view over the village towards the harbour and it is a short walk to beaches where everyone is out and about til late doing all kinds of stuff from just walking or running to various team sports or fitness groups and simply sitting watching the sun glint on the water. Humming.
Some areas are packed very tightly but there is space in the closeness so it doesn't feel dark and cold and the tall structures grace the skyline almost like mature trees. Sometimes they even have trees growing on them:
Hundertwasser would have appreciated it! I even saw some balcony/porch type spaces on apartments that looked a little like his 'tree-rooms'.
Residential neighbourhoods are all at least double storeyed, with many higher still. The principles are similar to those in the Auckland plan - denser centres, villages, and transit lines and stations areas. It's a good use of space and often building height is balanced and complemented by tall trees too. Many of these are underplanted by neighbours although there was not nearly as much of this as in Portland and Seattle and in these neigbourhoods at least very few people grow veges in their front gardens. Roof gardens are not uncommon either.
There are many community gardens too. Some function as market gardens (see Sole Food Farms) and education spaces (City Farmer). I'll talk more on these in a future blog because their existence (since 1978 in the case of City Farmer) offers much to learn from, in terms of the community side of things as well as a glimpse into some of the heart of Vancouver.
Others are publicly enjoyed private allotments in public space, some more controlled than others. One runs alongside an old trainline. It was started by one woman...and now extends at least the 3 blocks I walked along! How's that for heart and action!
All in all, the city has been stunning on the gorgeous days we have had so far (note to self – book more down time in here next time – yes, next time!). Our small apartment on Davie has a view over the village towards the harbour and it is a short walk to beaches where everyone is out and about til late doing all kinds of stuff from just walking or running to various team sports or fitness groups and simply sitting watching the sun glint on the water. Humming.
Just like this city. I like it :-)
Denise
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so, what do you think??