Patrick Condon, chairman of the urban-design program at the U.B.C., believes that Vancouver’s current housing plans to build “high-density tall towers” expanding outside of downtown is not the direction the city should keep growing in. Condon thinks Vancouver should focus on townhouses and low-rise buildings instead of “expensive, energy inefficient and, to many, an alien building form.” towers ; plus preserve small parks and walkways to create more neighbourhoods like Kitsilano and Granville Island.
Like most other citizens, I agree with Condon views on the future development for Vancouver. From a personal point of view, there are currently two buildings being built in a one block radius of my apartment building. Also both of the new ‘towers’ block my view and sunlight. Vancouver should redirect its direction of expanding from vertically to horizontally, so growing the downtown area and Vancouver as a whole by creating more townhouses and low-rise buildings outside of downtown.
Why is this better? For many reasons explained by Condon, but simply because smaller buildings are safer (earthquake), cheaper, more efficient and more appealing than living in a concrete and glass jungle. I believe it is not to late for Vancouver to adapt and change its goals in order to create an even more ‘liveable’ city.