AARoads Forum

Non-Road Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: papaT10932 on February 13, 2010, 06:34:04 PM

Title: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: papaT10932 on February 13, 2010, 06:34:04 PM
I was standing along the Hudson River in Weehawken, NJ not too long ago looking at the NY skyline. For the first time, I was not impressed by the view. It just seems that NY has SO MANY tall buildings now thats its no longer a "skyline" with distinguishable features. I couldn't even see the Chrysler Building and I was standing directly across from 42nd street. Anybody else notice other cities losing their distinguished skylines due to overbuilding and clutter?
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: mgk920 on February 13, 2010, 10:57:46 PM
IMHO, NYC's skyline has been blah ever since 2001-09-11 - the WTC 'Twins' were its exclamation point.

:-(

Ever since then, Chicago has been the USA's best skyline.

Mike
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Chris on February 14, 2010, 04:27:13 AM
I also think NYC's skyline is too massive with not enough tall buildings that accentuate the skyline like Chicago's skyline does. So yes, I would also vote for Chicago. There is a huge amount of buildings in NYC between 500 and 800 feet, but only like 5 which are significantly taller.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: rickmastfan67 on February 14, 2010, 05:01:12 AM
I personally think Pittsburgh's is perfect as is.  Especially the view you get when you come out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel on the Parkway West (I-376; former I-279).  That never gets old. :)
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Ian on February 14, 2010, 10:02:50 PM
The only spot where I think the NYC skyline looks good, is ontop of the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, and the Chrysler Building. It has always been a neat experience seeing the city ontop of those buildings.

I also enjoy seeing the Philadelphia skyline. There are numerous spots around the western suburbs where the hills are high enough to see the buildings (the most notable one is on US 1 at the start of the Media By-Pass).
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 14, 2010, 10:42:36 PM
Quote from: PennDOTFan on February 14, 2010, 10:02:50 PM
The only spot where I think the NYC skyline looks good, is ontop of the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center, and the Chrysler Building. It has always been a neat experience seeing the city ontop of those buildings.

I also enjoy seeing the Philadelphia skyline. There are numerous spots around the western suburbs where the hills are high enough to see the buildings (the most notable one is on US 1 at the start of the Media By-Pass).

I like the photo I got of the NYC skyline from cliffs above the Weehauken ferry landing.
Some years back I asked about where to get the Philly skyline and was told from Fairmount Park (I forget which hilltop, sorry)
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: njroadhorse on February 15, 2010, 10:32:53 AM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on February 14, 2010, 05:01:12 AM
I personally think Pittsburgh's is perfect as is.  Especially the view you get when you come out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel on the Parkway West (I-376; former I-279).  That never gets old. :)
No it doesn't get old at all, and its so well proportioned too that you always find something new to like about it.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Scott5114 on February 15, 2010, 12:04:30 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F0%2F03%2FOKC_Skyline.jpg&hash=68e5afba997c1250f70d526153b1f27a01ff8910)
Oklahoma City could stand to use some fleshing out. From this angle (from I-40) it looks decent but when seen edge-on it looks kinda threadbare. However, Devon is working on what will become the tallest building in OK, so I expect that will make a nice addition to the skyline.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Chris on February 15, 2010, 12:57:04 PM
Even mid-sized cities like Oklahoma City, Kansas City or Indianapolis have a more impressive skyline than 95% of European cities.

There are only a few "skyscrapercities" in Europe, most notably Moscow, Paris, Rotterdam, Frankfurt and Warsaw.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on February 15, 2010, 04:02:20 PM
European skylines consist mostly of churches and old buildings , which is what are older parts of our cities look like.

City of Newark - Art Deco & Modern Skyline

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.static.flickr.com%2F2460%2F3922038525_6b331e9b17_b.jpg&hash=528b01966d1c709a38b307b592fe267372604e36)

Expect to change when the economy rebounds , major investments are flying back into Newark , mainly in High Rises and condos.

~Corey
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 07:39:02 PM
Quote from: Nexis4Jersey on February 15, 2010, 04:02:20 PM
major investments are flying back into Newark , mainly in High Rises and condos.

those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.  okay, how do I sign up for not wanting to repeat it with them?
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on February 15, 2010, 07:51:41 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 07:39:02 PM
Quote from: Nexis4Jersey on February 15, 2010, 04:02:20 PM
major investments are flying back into Newark , mainly in High Rises and condos.

those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.  okay, how do I sign up for not wanting to repeat it with them?

What do you mean , Newark has been getting better since Cory Bookers days in office.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 08:19:47 PM
I mean investing in real estate in general - we all know how that turned out.  Thousands of houses sit abandoned and we are building new ones?  Will we sell them to people who cannot afford them and should not be buying them?
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Nexis4Jersey on February 15, 2010, 09:34:52 PM
Well there tearing those down and redeveloping those areas and rebuilding the city itself slowy, the Downtown will have mostly private residencies & Investment.  And other neighborhoods will have city investments and other stuff.  During the last 4 years , Mayor Booker has focused on lowering crime and attracting back the Suburban people.  And Bettering Police forces and rebuilding parks , Newark is setting a great example for Urban Renewal.

~Corey
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 09:47:51 PM
Chicago is best with great views from the expressways(you can see it best on the Kennedy Cameras)
What about Asia Esp China -Massive skyscraper constuction. They bulldozed their old buildlings.

I was in London 20 years ago looking at a book on Motorways. It said thye could not be built inside cities-I laughed then thinking they should have added "in Europe" because the US and now China sliced them throgh town

Oh Peoria has a nice skyline for a small city and a great view Interstate 74
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 10:01:06 PM
Quote from: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 09:47:51 PM
Chicago is best with great views from the expressways

where can I stop and park and get a great night skyline view?  I will be in Chicago on Wednesday night (Thursday early morning) so it will be a tripod shot... not something to attempt from the Dan Ryan, but I'd love to get some good photos of the skyline.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 10:03:26 PM
Quote from: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 09:47:51 PM
the US and now China sliced them throgh town

don't forget Japan and also Singapore and Hong Kong, where the freeways are often viaducts that snake around buildings. 

Here is a photo from Osaka with a freeway through a building

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.neatorama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2008%2F12%2Froadoffice2.jpg&hash=899b3dbb64c26da7dcaa8b6eeada8348ee3f85bc)
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 10:54:24 PM
Try 31st street off Lake Shore Drive if you want a view from the south
If you want North try Lincoln Park also off Lake shore drive.

Soem great views off all the expressways You can ususally see the skyline as far out as lemont road on 55 and as far south as the Tri-State near 57. and 90 near the 290 But be careful
Due to the economy and weather traffic has been lighter and more dangerous(faster moving)
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 11:01:10 PM
That is neat from Osaka. I would ad US is more like Europe now
We can barley build anything anymore A shared 4 is a big accomplishment anymore
And we may not have a space program anymore
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 11:46:38 PM
Quote from: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 10:54:24 PMtraffic has been lighter and more dangerous(faster moving)


yeah, I've learned from experience, that at 2am, four-way stops are optional - the faster you go, the more optional they get; by the time you reach around 90mph down a residential street with a four-way on every block, stopping is the last thing on your mind.

also, if my last night-time trip through Chicago is any indication, I am quite sure that I will encounter many possibilities to purchase delicious narcotics.  
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Brandon on February 16, 2010, 11:21:12 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 10:01:06 PM
Quote from: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 09:47:51 PM
Chicago is best with great views from the expressways

where can I stop and park and get a great night skyline view?  I will be in Chicago on Wednesday night (Thursday early morning) so it will be a tripod shot... not something to attempt from the Dan Ryan, but I'd love to get some good photos of the skyline.

Exit LSD just south of the Field Museum (Mc Fetridge Dr) and take the street (Solidarity Dr) that leads out to the Alder Planetarium and Northerly Island.  That's where most of those photos with the Lake in the foreground are taken from.  You'll have the skyline behind Grant Park and a bit of Lake Michigan in the foreground.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: PAHighways on February 16, 2010, 08:36:00 PM
Quote from: njroadhorse on February 15, 2010, 10:32:53 AM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on February 14, 2010, 05:01:12 AM
I personally think Pittsburgh's is perfect as is.  Especially the view you get when you come out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel on the Parkway West (I-376; former I-279).  That never gets old. :)
No it doesn't get old at all, and its so well proportioned too that you always find something new to like about it.

All of the expressway entrances offer a nice view.  Parkway East as you make the Bates Street bend and from the Parkway North where the skyline can been seen far off in the distance near Perry Avenue, disappears in the East Street Valley, then appears right in front of you at the I-579/PA 28 interchange.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Brandon on February 16, 2010, 09:25:23 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on February 15, 2010, 10:03:26 PM
Quote from: 3467 on February 15, 2010, 09:47:51 PM
the US and now China sliced them throgh town

don't forget Japan and also Singapore and Hong Kong, where the freeways are often viaducts that snake around buildings. 

Here is a photo from Osaka with a freeway through a building

Sort of like the Congress Pkwy through the old post office in Chicago.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: njroadhorse on February 17, 2010, 06:25:19 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on February 16, 2010, 08:36:00 PM
Quote from: njroadhorse on February 15, 2010, 10:32:53 AM
Quote from: rickmastfan67 on February 14, 2010, 05:01:12 AM
I personally think Pittsburgh's is perfect as is.  Especially the view you get when you come out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel on the Parkway West (I-376; former I-279).  That never gets old. :)
No it doesn't get old at all, and its so well proportioned too that you always find something new to like about it.

All of the expressway entrances offer a nice view.  Parkway East as you make the Bates Street bend and from the Parkway North where the skyline can been seen far off in the distance near Perry Avenue, disappears in the East Street Valley, then appears right in front of you at the I-579/PA 28 interchange.
The best view is definitely up on top of the hill on Federal Street.  Trumps Mount Washington any day of the week.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Scott5114 on February 18, 2010, 03:02:22 AM
I got a rather decent shot of the skyline from Navy Pier. Probably not the best place to get the whole thing unless you're wanting to use a fiskebol fisheye lens.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: SSOWorld on February 18, 2010, 09:44:23 AM
The best place to get a shot of Chicago is from the Museum Campus - preferably from by the Planetarium.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Mr_Northside on February 18, 2010, 10:49:05 AM
Quote from: njroadhorse on February 17, 2010, 06:25:19 PM
The best view is definitely up on top of the hill on Federal Street.  Trumps Mount Washington any day of the week.

It is a really great view.... of downtown.
If you're at the top of Federal street and looking anywhere else than downtown, the view is pretty crappy.
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Stephane Dumas on February 21, 2010, 07:57:59 AM
For the best views of Montreal skyline is from the Mount-Royal and coming from the Champlain and Jacques-Cartier bridges.

I spotted a good pic of Quebec City skyline, the skyline from the area known as "Vieux-Quebec"  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg97.imageshack.us%2Fimg97%2F4178%2Fquebeccity.jpg&hash=19a267d467692c20df016bdad64c5e1603348e50) (http://img97.imageshack.us/i/quebeccity.jpg/)

I also found a interesting stuff from the following blog http://criticaldetroit.org/unbuilt-detroit/ about Detroit unbuilt buildings, A good article from the Detroit Free Press magazine from 1991
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3674043/Unbuilt-Detroit-Detroit-Free-Press-Magazine-October-27-1991
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: english si on February 21, 2010, 10:55:22 AM
Quote from: Chris on February 14, 2010, 04:27:13 AM
I also think NYC's skyline is too massive with not enough tall buildings that accentuate the skyline like Chicago's skyline does. So yes, I would also vote for Chicago. There is a huge amount of buildings in NYC between 500 and 800 feet, but only like 5 which are significantly taller.
Watching Spiderman last night, I thought "Is any other city suitable for him?" I can't think of a western city where he can shoot web up nearly indiscriminately and it stick to a building, giving him a long pendulum.

There's worry about London's skyline becoming more cluttered. Most buildings are 4-5 storey affairs, and there were few places where there were taller buildings - church spires, St Paul's Dome, 'Big Ben', Lloyds Building, the BT/GPO tower. Now there's Canary Wharf a couple of miles downriver (like Paris' La Defence, it's where there's a large amount of skyscrapers all next to each other), the Gerkin and some others. Plus you have the Bishopsgate development, London Bridge shard, etc in the pipeline. The skyline will have gone from a couple of things breaking out of the low rise, to clumps of skyscrapers (at least they mostly won't be similar looking, with the exception of the slightly smaller ones in Canary Wharf).
Title: Re: Are city skylines becoming too cluttered?
Post by: Bickendan on February 23, 2010, 05:00:38 AM
Portland has largely deliberately averted this, by preserving line of sight to Mt Hood from the Rose Garden in Washington Park and of Mt St Helens from I think OHSU. Downtown could stand to gain a few more towers, IMO, and still preserve the iconic views.

On the other hand, with the towers going up in the North Macadam/South Waterfront District, that could possibly become too cluttered, even though none of those towers comes close to challenging the Wells Fargo Tower as the tallest in Oregon.

It's interesting how the view works coming into Portland on I-5 from the south. Literally the first thing you see on the skyline coming out of the Terwilliger Curves is OHSU; the freeway corrects out of the curves and the Wells Fargo peers over the hill in front. As the freeway descends toward river-level out of the West Hills (Tualatin Mountains) and arcs to the northeast under Corbett Ave, the towers of the North Macadam District fill in the view, almost more majestically than the entirety of the Downtown proper skyline, which comes into view as the freeway begins the approach into the Ross Island Interchange.