Debunking the high-rise myth
The new myth in urban design is the failed capitalist idea that more high-rise buildings are the density solution. Like the greedy political leaders who deforested and destroyed Easter Island to erect giant stone head symbols of their own self importance and power, some present-day politicians and business leaders want developers and architects to immortalize them with higher and higher towers made from stones cheaper cousin concrete. High-rise buildings are simply a New York-style concrete jungle version of unsustainability or vertical suburbia the greatest misallocation of resources in history, according to author/blogger Howard Kunstler. Arthur Erickson designed the law courts as a 55-storey building laid on its side with a three block green roof as a great example of an accessible for all, sustainable design integrated into the downtown core. Chinatown and Mount Pleasant are trying to protect their livable, Paris-style, village neighbourhoods from the fate of much of Gastown which has been destroyed by greed, leaving only facades with gutted and modernized interior spaces. Still believe high-rises are sustainable? Watch Power of Community How Cuba Survived Peak Oil for a reality check, and remember Kanada is First Nations for the village.
Greg
Joggers dont need dedicated lanes
Im calling in regard to the jogging lanes needed rant. Joggers have lanes: there are called trails, they are called the seawall, they are called Stanley Park. I totally agree that bikes on the sidewalk are super annoying but so is five to 10 sweaty, iPod-wearing keeners jogging down a sidewalk when the average person is trying to window shop. Joggers dont need lanes, they just need to know where to jog.
Anonymous Rantline caller
Game over?
The Sedin sisters just dont have it in the playoffs. Roberto Luongo? He gets tired if he works too much. Go Chicago go. Four games straight. Maybe let them win one. Its going to be over soon. Thank you hockey gods.
Anonymous Rantline caller
Drive me crazy
I own and drive a car. I also ride a bike often (for commuting, errands in my neighbhourhood and recreation). I like living in both these worlds. It seems so normal to do both drive and ride in Vancouver. Why has this been such a polarizing issue? Dont all of us use the roads as well as the bike lanes? This is just the way we live now.
Anonymous
Pay it forward
Id like to send a big thanks to David for picking up my bus pass, calling me and returning it! Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
Erin
