Thursday, April 19, 2012

Maybe the Dutch aren't so crazy after all!



As I wandered around the latest 'Self-build' developments in Almere, I couldn't help but be a bit astounded that government planners would allow people to build whatever they wanted in terms of design, as long as certain fire and safety codes were met. I worried that the 'hodge-podge' of houses would look odd years from now.

But in reviewing some wonderful photos provided by the Amsterdam city communications office, I realized that the 17th century streetsapes we so admire around the country are essentially the same thing...people doing their own thing on narrow lots, side by side, without spaces between the buildings.Admittedly, the level of detail was much more elaborate compared to what it is today; but the concept is the same.

I share this because I think the time has come for cities like Vancouver to start to encourage new more urbain 'zero-lot line' developments on narrow lots, without any wasteful side yards. While the streetscapes might look a bit odd in the beginning, with gaps between the buildings, over time some very attractive streetscapes could result.

This is what we do along commercial streets. Maybe it's time to do the same along residential streets.

Just a thought....

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's remarkable to pay a quick visit this web site and reading the views of all friends regarding this article, while I am also zealous of getting knowledge.

Look at my website - Healthy Diet Plans For Women

Anonymous said...

I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage's articles every day along with a cup of coffee.

my site - http://criminaliteitswijzer.nl/wiki/index.php?title=Gebruiker:Loujknnfz

Anonymous said...

I have read so many articles or reviews about the blogger lovers however this paragraph is genuinely
a good article, keep it up.

My blog post :: Author's external home page...

Anonymous said...

Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own
a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks?
If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can
advise? I get so much lately it's driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.

Take a look at my website Saffron X Supplement

Anonymous said...

Thanks designed for sharing such a pleasant opinion,
article is nice, thats why i have read it entirely

my page ... Download Muscle Maximizer

Anonymous said...

We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.

Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on.
You've performed an impressive job and our entire community can be grateful to you.

Have a look at my weblog - Home income kit reviews

Anonymous said...

I really like it when individuals get together and
share opinions. Great site, keep it up!

Here is my website ... Beta Force

Anonymous said...

Asking questions are in fact fastidious thing
if you are not understanding something totally, however this paragraph presents good understanding yet.



Take a look at my web-site: Grow XL Review

Anonymous said...

Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did
you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a
few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine.

Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks a lot

My homepage; Muscle REv Xtreme REview

Anonymous said...

This excellent website truly has all of the information I wanted concerning this subject and didn't know who to ask.

Visit my blog post: Le Parfait Apple Stem Cell

Anonymous said...

This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Cheers!

Here is my blog post - build muscle fast

Anonymous said...

Awesome blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I'm planning to start my own website soon but I'm a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
There are so many options out there that I'm completely confused .. Any tips? Bless you!

my blog ... pay day loans online

Anonymous said...

Hello, its pleasant post regarding media print, we all understand
media is a wonderful source of information.

Also visit my website; Power Precision

Anonymous said...

Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to
my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

my page Low T Treatment

Anonymous said...

Having read this I thought it was very informative.
I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this short article together.
I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and posting comments.
But so what, it was still worth it!

my website - Lose wegiht

Anonymous said...

I have fun with, result in I discovered just what I was having a
look for. You've ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

my web-site ... Order Natural Cleanse

Anonymous said...

It is appropriate time to make some plans for the longer term and it's time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I could I desire to counsel you some fascinating issues or tips. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles relating to this article. I desire to read more issues approximately it!

Feel free to surf to my web blog; payday Loans