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Vancouverism

Does Vancouverism work elsewhere?

City planners around the world are simulating Vancouverism in their projects. The city of Vancouver generated this new concept in urban city design and renewed its fading inner city by creating thin residential towers on a pedestal comprised of townhouses and stores to promote downtown street life. Citizens sold their suburban dream homes to become a part of the high-density neighbourhood in the inner city. This dramatically boosted the downtown population, making it vibrant and more livable, with opportunities to create an efficient transit system.

Here are a few examples of how Vancouver resists urban norms:

1) City planning decisions are shielded from interference by the mayor and city councilors, which allows for long-term initiatives rather than basing it on more votes in the next election.
2) There are no highways within its borders
3) In return for public amenities, such as parks, schools and community centres, higher density is granted to housing developments
4) It is the youngest and also the fastest-growing North American city. This 'more people, the better' principle is considered to be a major drawback according to traditional urban standards.

Think about where you live. Do you think Vancouverism will work in your city? What are the advantages and disadvantages? If you were a city planner, which would you advocate: density or sprawl? Tell us what you think.

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