Best urban square: Copley Square vs. Rittenhouse Square (people, market, restaurant)
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Wow, tough crowd on architecture. I personally love that there's some historic layering of different architectural eras surrounding Rittenhouse. It makes it feel much more multi-dimensional and cosmopolitan. I can also think of fewer things more subjective than architectural taste (although if one wants to be a historical purist, the rather clunky Westin building in Copley certainly detracts from that feel quite a bit).
Overall, in my view, Copley feels much more Spartan compared to Rittenhouse; that's for sure--it's just not the premier jewel of Boston. Architecturally, I also don't see the "wow" factor compared to Rittenhouse; mostly due to the surrounding buildings being notably smaller in scale, with less cohesion and "intimacy" to the pedestrian.
I have a feeling that some Boston posters do not want to admit a defeat for whatever reason.
I have been to both squares many times (also having lived in Philadelphia), I do not at all see how Copley is architecturally in the same league or superior to Rittenhouse.... and as you mentioned, Rittenhouse is much more designed at a pedestrian scale and is one of the few American public spaces that gives off a European flair, especially along 18th Street from Walnut to Spruce.
And that doesn't even get into the greenery, landscaping, dining and general options right on each square, in which Rittenhouse exceeds Copley, and you can live directly on Rittenhouse Square.
I agree that Copley (while still very nice) is not the premier jewel of Boston, Rittenhouse is the premiere center of Philadelphia and among the top (if not the top) urban square in the country.
Because the top 3 (maybe 4 with the Fairmont) buildings all belong to Copley Square which is like 1/2 the total frontage of the Square. Other than the Church and the aforementioned ornate building Rittenhouse and Coply are pretty generic urban.
So yes Copley is a step above Rittenhouse architecturally.
Again, all subjective. I'll certainly admit when Boston has more impressive architecture (such as Back Bay, which Philadelphia has nothing to compare in terms of grand/ornate scale). But Copley isn't such an example; Rittenhouse pretty clearly leaves a more grand impression in terms of both green space and architecture, in my view.
Because the top 3 (maybe 4 with the Fairmont) buildings all belong to Copley Square which is like 1/2 the total frontage of the Square. Other than the Church and the aforementioned ornate building Rittenhouse and Coply are pretty generic urban.
So yes Copley is a step above Rittenhouse architecturally.
To defend both, I don't think either are generic, both are wonderful public spaces, most American cities don't have anything close to what Boston and Philadelphia offer from an urban standpoint, so at least not generic by American standards.
You are definitely downplaying the architecture along Rittenhouse Square if you think there are only (2) structures worth mentioning. Off the top of my head, the former Barneys department store is stunning as is the Barnes and Noble and Anthropologie buildings next door, along with countless other handsome buildings, many of which follow a cohesive art deco, federal or Italianate style.
Are they all winners? No, same with Copley... we are just going to disagree on this point...
Last edited by cpomp; 11-18-2019 at 08:30 PM..
Reason: edited thoughts
Honestly, if Copley isn’t one of Boston’s “premier jewel”s, then I don’t know what is.
What? Did Copley Square detach itself from the Back Bay at some point in the last 2 months?
That was certainly a selective / passive post.
Also, do a little research regarding Americas best urban / public squares. You will see Rittenhouse again and again for a plethora of reasons, and they go beyond architecture.
I will post some architecture and greenery shots of Rittenhouse tomorrow (unless someone beats me to it).
What do you mean “selective” I searched each of the landmarks on Flickr, and picked the most popular photos. I really didn’t have to do much digging at all.
Quote:
and they go beyond architecture.
Yes, let’s go beyond architecture.
In addition to the bi-weekly farmers’ markets, Copley also hosts First Night every year, an event which includes ice sculptures, music performances, a light show, and a parade. It is the finish line of the annual Boston Marathon. It’s hosted a number of free concerts, and just last month it hosted the annual Book Festival.
How many free public events take place in Rittenhouse every year?
Last edited by Boston Shudra; 11-18-2019 at 08:41 PM..
Honestly, if Copley isn’t one of Boston’s “premier jewel”s, then I don’t know what is.
What? Did Copley Square detach itself from the Back Bay at some point in the last 2 months?
All of the pics you've posted are fantastic. Gorgeous buildings for sure individually, but they just don't appear as cohesive/densely sited as those surrounding Rittenhouse. That's all I was trying to convey with the term "wow factor." It's more of a nuanced way to judge appearance, but to me it makes a pretty substantial difference in feel.
Also, I was speaking strictly of the residential architecture, like Commonwealth Ave. and Beacon Street. The residential areas in the broader Rittenhouse neighborhood are certainly gorgeous in their own unique way, but to me there's no question that the former are grander and more "wow" in appearance.
but they just don't appear as cohesive/densely sited as those surrounding Rittenhouse. That's all I was trying to convey with the term "wow factor."
Thats intentional, though. The buildings around Copley are meant to stand out, not to form a street wall.
I’ll repeat my earlier assertion that in terms of cohesive and densely packed structures, Post Office Square is a better comparison. It’s just not the look that Copley is going for.
Last edited by Boston Shudra; 11-18-2019 at 09:03 PM..
To defend both, I don't think either are generic, both are wonderful public spaces, most American cities don't have anything close to what Boston and Philadelphia offer from an urban standpoint, so at least not generic by American standards.
You are definitely downplaying the architecture along Rittenhouse Square if you think there are only (2) structures worth mentioning. Off the top of my head, the former Barneys department store is stunning as is the Barnes and Noble and Anthropologie buildings next door, along with countless other handsome buildings, many of which follow a cohesive art deco, federal or Italianate style.
Are they all winners? No, same with Copley... we are just going to disagree on this point...
I guess I mean pretty generic for their cities. Like take a photo of the stretch of Boyston abutting Copley except the churches and you probably wouldn’t be able to place it unless you knew there was a Wendy’s there or you say the subway portal for the green line.
I feel like most buildings on rittenhouse are like that. Rittenhouse has some nice architecture but like 1/2 the buildings on Colpey are Boston Landmarks (granted the Hancock isn’t great on street level)
Thats intentional, though. The buildings around Copley are meant to stand out, not to form a street wall.
I’ll repeat my earlier assertion that in terms of cohesive and densely packed structures, Post Office Square is a better comparison. It’s just not the look that Copley is going for.
Both fair points; just different takes on the urban square concept that aren't inherently superior to one another.
Also, I do remember getting a Rittenhouse vibe when I first saw POS.
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