Would love to see some suggestions for how to add better streetscapes around these massive buildings. I also think I’ve seen suggestions of styling the first couple of floors to have different entrances and colors so that they feel more human scale
I like those ideas. This is a really important challenge for architects and designers. I think some amount of ground level open space, preferably publicly accessible, can help a lot. Being conscious of facade color and materiality seems important, too, to harmonize with the surroundings.
Build where and what makes the most sense, right? What I like about the substance of your article is just that. It’s ticking up our density meter for all places and not being fearful of intense density where it makes the most sense. So a focus on a process rather than singularly on a type of development applied everywhere.
If you want to see what’s possible in suburban planning, as opposed to urban core planning, I highly recommend visiting Dontang Lake Park region in S. Korea. People live in high rise apartments which leaves plenty of space for parks and hiking trails. They do have cars, but most parking is underground. Basically all amenities are within walking distance, including playgrounds and kindergartens, restaurants, fountains, gardens, outdoor seating areas, outdoor exercise areas and so on. The bus service is excellent if you need to get further. And yes they use cars too, but there isn’t a constant need to use them for everything.
This is a great take. The taller, the greener, and we can revitalize our trains and buses by bringing people to places where there’s freedom of movement (by a train hub)
Just a slight correction: I would say that while Journal Square has built by far the most residential density around the station, the number two spot would actually go to either Grove St or Newport, with Exchange Pl in fourth place.
Yes! Pack as many people into the smallest area possible. Efficiency first! It’s the only way humanity will survive. With high technology there is no reason anyone should have to leave their unit.
Would love to see some suggestions for how to add better streetscapes around these massive buildings. I also think I’ve seen suggestions of styling the first couple of floors to have different entrances and colors so that they feel more human scale
I like those ideas. This is a really important challenge for architects and designers. I think some amount of ground level open space, preferably publicly accessible, can help a lot. Being conscious of facade color and materiality seems important, too, to harmonize with the surroundings.
The photos remind me of “village in the city” in Shenzhen and Guangzhou
Build where and what makes the most sense, right? What I like about the substance of your article is just that. It’s ticking up our density meter for all places and not being fearful of intense density where it makes the most sense. So a focus on a process rather than singularly on a type of development applied everywhere.
My favorite massive building in the DC area is 712 North Glebe Rd in Arlington, VA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KdSz5oXXLm7g9Jn89
My personal take is that warm color palettes and ornamentation at street level can do a lot to make a building look friendly.
Yeah, that’s a nice one
Great read and good analysis
If you want to see what’s possible in suburban planning, as opposed to urban core planning, I highly recommend visiting Dontang Lake Park region in S. Korea. People live in high rise apartments which leaves plenty of space for parks and hiking trails. They do have cars, but most parking is underground. Basically all amenities are within walking distance, including playgrounds and kindergartens, restaurants, fountains, gardens, outdoor seating areas, outdoor exercise areas and so on. The bus service is excellent if you need to get further. And yes they use cars too, but there isn’t a constant need to use them for everything.
This is a great take. The taller, the greener, and we can revitalize our trains and buses by bringing people to places where there’s freedom of movement (by a train hub)
Just a slight correction: I would say that while Journal Square has built by far the most residential density around the station, the number two spot would actually go to either Grove St or Newport, with Exchange Pl in fourth place.
Thanks for this feedback. The article has been updated to better reflect this information.
Yes! Pack as many people into the smallest area possible. Efficiency first! It’s the only way humanity will survive. With high technology there is no reason anyone should have to leave their unit.