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^^ DevanXL, That graph is showing the weighted density of the selected metro areas. The data used is from the 2000 census for the American metros and the 2006 census for the Canadian metros, so there would be some changes in the rankings when more current data is used. For example, I believe Toronto has moved up in the rankings.
The numbers are weighted density, technically of urban areas not metro areas (slightly different definition), weighted by population by census tract. The graphs are not weighted, they count the number of people living in census tracts at different densities.
As I stated before, it can hold its own. If you've been to all 5 you would see, at least imo. Everybody? Whatever.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, but unlike some here I've actually been there. If you want to fake it, at least google some pics to bluff your way through the argument.
i am familiar with Vancouver and though it's not an intense hustle-bustle feeling you get in some US cities...it is surprisingly congested for its size and they have very bad traffic jams. It's bridges, narrow streets, no real freeways..if you take the light rail during rush hour- you can be packed like sardines.
It's not as fast-paced or as buzzy a city as those listed in the op but it is certainly dense and holds its own- maybe just a notch below. It does feel bigger than a 2.5 metro though
i am familiar with Vancouver and though it's not an intense hustle-bustle feeling you get in some US cities...it is surprisingly congested for its size and they have very bad traffic jams. It's bridges, narrow streets, no real freeways..if you take the light rail during rush hour- you can be packed like sardines.
From what I remember seeing, traffic flow was better than Boston, even though Boston has freeways into downtown and Vancouver doesn't. But Vancouver's light rail feels much better used than Seattle and Portland's, by crowdedness it was more similar Boston.
Also remember, Vancouver only has 2... count 'em... 2 buildings over 500 feet tall. From a frame of reference from like Chicago, as I'm sure you are familiar with their skyline has well over 100 of them. Don't let their pictures fool you, those buildings aren't that tall. You will definitely not get any "imposing" feel walking around.
LOL, I typed out a thorough response about how you are way over-valuing skyscrapers, especially supertalls. But I've changed my mind...although you put too much weight in skyscrapers I admit that your point is still valid to a degree.
Interestingly though, in doing some quick research to support my view that skyscrapers add little to the vibrancy and density of urban areas, I opened two google search results (searched "skyscrapers negative effect on walkability" or something like that) and both corresponding articles used Vancouver as a shining positive example, although one discussed ecology and not solely vibrancy.
This next link focuses on ecological benefits of skyscrapers (or lack thereof) but part of the ecological focus is on walkability and vibrancy on the street level.
Quote:
Two, research shows that the benefits of density are not linear, but taper off as density increases. In other words, there is an optimum density, above which the negative effects of density start to increase over the positive ones. That "sweet spot" seems to be in the neighborhood of about 50 people per acre. And many cities around the world achieve this density without tall buildings, and while creating a very appealing, livable environment (e.g., Paris and London, as well as the aforementioned parts of New York, Vancouver et al.).
Do you have any links or resources to show this is true?
I'm having trouble believing it.....
It was actually a local tourguide that quoted that along with the supporting stats. Having stayed in the West End, I found that believeable. The only lowrise development I saw there were some townhouses on the waterfront. Remember, I'm comparing particular districts within cities, not the cities themselves.
DC has 1, so what. Comparing the cities mentioned bldgs 300' and above, San Francisco has 80+, Vanvouver 70+, Montreal, Boston and Philadelphia are all in the low 50s. Still Vancouver can easily hold its own in urbanity, built up enviornment, walkability, shopping, amenities and people in the streets. San Francisco is the most densly packed and urban of them all imo.
Tallest Buildings:
1. Philadelphia: Comcast Center- 975 ft
2. San Francisco: TransAmerica Pyramid- 853 ft
3. Boston: Hancock Place- 790 ft
4. Montreal: Le 1250 Boulevard Rene-Levesque- 743 ft
5. Vancouver: Living Shangri-La- 659 ft
Tallest Five: 1. Philadelphia:
Comcast Center- 975 ft
One Liberty Place- 945 ft
Two Liberty Place- 848 ft
BNY Mellon Center- 792 ft
Three Logan Square- 739 ft
2. San Francisco:
TransAmerica Pyramid- 853 ft
555 California Street- 779 ft
345 California Center- 695 ft
Millennium Tower- 645 ft
One Rincon Hill- 605 ft
3. Boston:
Hancock Place- 790 ft
Prudential Tower- 750 ft
Federal Reserve Bank Building- 614 ft
One Boston Place- 601 ft
One International Place- 600 ft
4. Montreal:
Le 1250 Boulevard Rene-Levesque- 743 ft
Le 1000 de la Gauchetiere- 673 ft
Tour de la Bourse- 623 ft
1 Place Ville-Marie- 617 ft
La Tour CIBC- 590 ft
5. Vancouver:
Living Shangri-La- 659 ft
The Private Residences- 517 ft
One Wall Centre- 491 ft
Shaw Tower- 489 ft
Harbour Centre- 481 ft
Buildings Taller than 500 ft 1. San Francisco- 18
2. Boston- 16
3. Philadelphia- 10
4. Montreal- 6
5. Vancouver- 2
Buildings Taller than 300 ft 1. San Francisco- 94
2. Vancouver- 82
3. Philadelphia- 68
4. Boston- 55
5. Montreal- 54
Your numbers are mostly right, but slightly off. I used Emporis for all sources.
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