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Saying the buildings blend into the background in Rittenhouse is basically admitting the architecture is less interesting than Copley.
IMO arguing Rittenhouse has better architecture is like arguing Copley has a better park.
It’s absurd.
Copley has better standout architecture as individual entities. I think the Philly posters have basically all admitted that. But standout architecture does not inherently create a better urban square.
Standout architecture also doesn't make non-standout architecture "disinteresting;" it's just not quite at the same level.
I'll try some math here that may get at the point (assuming equal weighting to landscape and architecture):
If Boston's Copley is a 9 on architecture, but a 6 on park landscaping, that's only a 7.5 overall.
If Philadelphia's Rittenhouse is 7 on architecture, but a 10 on landscaping, that's an 8.5 overall.
To me, this roughly captures how both parks could be objectively judged.
And yes: it’s a square that is immediately surrounded by shops, restaurants, churches, offices, hotels, and a library. I guess I don’t really understand your point or argument?
Copley is a square in Back Bay. Rittenhouse Square is an entire neighborhood.
You sound like you're are comparing Copley Square architecture and including all of the Back Bay offerings. This discussion isn't supposed to be about Back Bay.
If this poll and this thread said Copley + Back Bay vs. Rittenhouse Square, then what you're saying is true. But it doesn't.
Not to mention, Rittenhouse Square itself is simply a better urban space than Copley Square is. It's larger, better landscaped, and an overall more pleasant escape from the surrounding cityscape.
City vs. City as a whole, my vote is for Boston. But I'm really having a tough time seeing how Copley is somehow superior to Rittenhouse. I don't think it's an apples to apples comparison to begin with, but it's clear to me that Rittenhouse is the better spot and Copley folks are really reaching to make their case.
Yes, and very well said.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duderino
That's not at all what's being argued, though. The architecture around Rittenhouse is still very objectively interesting, even if it's being dismissed by some Bostonians.
If a building isn't considered a "landmark," is it automatically "disinteresting?" Those are some incredibly high and absurd standards. The built environment makes Rittenhouse just as much as the park itself; there's no doubt about that.
Also very well said. The architecture surrounding Rittenhouse (for the most part) is stately, elegant and timeless, not quite landmarks like The Philadelphia Museum of Art, but hardly bland or dis-interesting.
A few Boston posters are completely overlooking that point.
Finally, if we put the architecture argument to bed, I don't see any other way Copley Square outshines Rittenhouse?... Unless a Burger King on the square is a positive?
The layout and landscaping of Rittenhouse Square makes you want to hang out. To me, Copley Square is a place you walk thru to get to the other side of the street. IMO, it's not a place to hang out.
The layout and landscaping of Rittenhouse Square makes you want to hang out. To me, Copley Square is a place you walk thru to get to the other side of the street. IMO, it's not a place to hang out.
Also very well said. The architecture surrounding Rittenhouse (for the most part) is stately, elegant and timeless, not quite landmarks like The Philadelphia Museum of Art, but hardly bland or dis-interesting.
The many times I walked east on Walnut Street past Trinity, I was generally looking into the square to see what was going on rather than looking at architecture. It's like Boston Common where I'm looking into the Common rather than at any building surrounding it. The whole point of Rittenhouse is you have greenspace, very desirable residential, and an upscale street level restaurant scene all in one spot. Boston really doesn't have anything like that.
The layout and landscaping of Rittenhouse Square makes you want to hang out. To me, Copley Square is a place you walk thru to get to the other side of the street. IMO, it's not a place to hang out.
I think that's pretty accurate. I've never once stopped to sit and hang out at Copley. However, I've done it at Rittenhouse and I've been there far less than I've been to Copley. In Boston, I'd rank Copley maybe 5th or 6th best park/plaza in the urban core. The Common, Public Garden, Columbus Park, Greenway, and P.O. Square would all get the nod from me over Copley - the Esplanade would too if you want to consider that a downtown/urban core park. I've spent many weekday and weekend afternoons/evenings hanging in those other places. I've never done the same in Copley unless there was an event there. Rittenhouse is far more appealing from that standpoint and I don't think there's a good comparison in Boston.
I think that's pretty accurate. I've never once stopped to sit and hang out at Copley. However, I've done it at Rittenhouse and I've been there far less than I've been to Copley. In Boston, I'd rank Copley maybe 5th or 6th best park/plaza in the urban core. The Common, Public Garden, Columbus Park, Greenway, and P.O. Square would all get the nod from me over Copley - the Esplanade would too if you want to consider that a downtown/urban core park. I've spent many weekday and weekend afternoons/evenings hanging in those other places. I've never done the same in Copley unless there was an event there. Rittenhouse is far more appealing from that standpoint and I don't think there's a good comparison in Boston.
Yeah, you only stop in Copley Square to get that pic of Trinity Church and the John Hancock Tower, then you move along. Rittenhouse Square itself is way more photogenic and appealing to me.
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