The Great Canadian Skyline thread for CMAs 1 million and under

[Hali87]

Few pics to illustrate what I was talking about re: Spring Garden:













(all photos my own)

There are a few more funky new buildings in the works for the area, including this one, currently under construction:


Source

[Nouvellecosse]

Originally Posted by Hali87

But who can really explain taste? Regina has a pretty cool skyline that exists in a context that's about as different from Halifax's as you can get. Totally flat, no water, visible from a very long distance. In terms of modernity, I'm guessing he meant street level, which would be true. Downtown Halifax is mostly very old streetscapes with some modern buildings. Regina is basically the opposite if I remember correctly.

On the flip side, (East) Spring Garden is worth checking out, for those into more "contemporary" urban areas. Modern wouldn't be a very good word for it, it's more of a mashup of early 20th century and wacky post-Y2K po-mo, coming together in a way that I haven't really seen anywhere else in Canada. Streetview doesn't really do it justice; I'll try to get some pics.

I don't see how he could have meant street level as that would be irrelevant to a skyline comparison. As far as taste, it isn't the issue of personal taste that's in question (ie finding one thing more beautiful or attractive than another), it's the attempt to use objective characteristics (height, size, density, age etc.) to "measure" if you will, the quality of different skylines and getting those characteristics wrong.

[SignalHillHiker]

Originally Posted by Nouvellecosse

...it's the attempt to use objective characteristics (height, size, density, age etc.) to "measure" if you will, the quality of different skylines and getting those characteristics wrong.

That cracked me up. Like my comment about Saint John having grander architecture than Halifax. I was convinced theirs was a floor taller on average than yours.

[Hali87]

Originally Posted by Nouvellecosse

I don't see how he could have meant street level as that would be irrelevant to a skyline comparison. As far as taste, it isn't the issue of personal taste that's in question (ie finding one thing more beautiful or attractive than another), it's the attempt to use objective characteristics (height, size, density, age etc.) to "measure" if you will, the quality of different skylines and getting those characteristics wrong.

It seems foolish to me to try to rank skylines as being "objectively better" than other ones. Ultimately it really is the issue of personal taste that's in question. What's the point of determining which city has the best skyline "on paper" when the actual enjoyment of a skyline's characteristics is completely subjective and personal? Metrics like building heights and # of buildings above X height ignore things like architectural style and detail, relationship of buildings, context, topography, etc, which are all factors that can't be abstracted out in real life.

[middeljohn]

Like I said, Halifax and Regina are about even in my rankings, I gave Regina the edge. On a different day I may have given Halifax the edge. Objectively Halifax is taller, however Regina looks denser. Further, there seems to be a higher percentage of condos/apartment buildings that make up Halifax's skyline, which I don't find nearly as appealing as well built office tower.

It's just my opinion of that one day though. I don't know why you're taking it so personally.

[Chadillaccc]

Oh 🞵🞵🞵🞵, I didn't realize you guys were having an argument about Regina vs. Halifax. If I knew, I wouldn't have posted that skyline pic just yet. If that aided to fuel the flames of this debate, I apologize.

[Hali87]

Originally Posted by middeljohn

Further, there seems to be a higher percentage of condos/apartment buildings that make up Halifax's skyline, which I don't find nearly as appealing as well built office tower.

Which begs the question, why did you put Hamilton at #1? Haha

This is what you get for making a list.

[Hali87]

Originally Posted by Chadillaccc

Oh 🞵🞵🞵🞵, I didn't realize you guys were having an argument about Regina vs. Halifax. If I knew, I wouldn't have posted that skyline pic just yet. If that aided to fuel the flames of this debate, I apologize.

Nothing wrong with a little context.

[GlassCity]

Originally Posted by Hali87

Which begs the question, why did you put Hamilton at #1? Haha

This is what you get for making a list.

It's subjective!

But I agree, I don't think I've ever saved a Hamilton photo

[middeljohn]

Originally Posted by Hali87

Which begs the question, why did you put Hamilton at #1? Haha

This is what you get for making a list.

Haha, it's more of a personal bias if I'm going to be completely honest.

Hamilton kind of looks like a Brazilian city in terms of its towers.

[Chadillaccc]

Here's a pretty sweet one of Halifax too, just for context.



http://www.governinggood.ca/about/


In my opinion, Halifax has the benefit on an ocean front and large bridges so it is unfair to compare.

[GlassCity]

For me Purdy's Wharf just steals the show

[Chadillaccc]

Me as well.

[SignalHillHiker]

My favourite one in Halifax is that old one just left of centre.

Purdy's Wharf is cool, though. And it's aging well. Looks a little like spacesuits for alien octopus invaders, but it's good.

[Hali87]

The Aliant Building? (The one that looks like a giant waffle?) Or the one with the flag on top?

Purdy's Wharf is an example of the difference that context can make. I doubt the towers would look nearly as good if they were far from the water, for example. Otherwise they're just a couple of fairly basic glass boxes. The white "bracing" holds pipes that form a "hydrothermal" system (not sure if that's the correct word, but basically geothermal-using-water). I've always liked how much Purdy's Wharf is such an integral part of Halifax's modern identity - the complex is still very young in east coast terms but it's hard for my generation to imagine the city without it, just as much as the Citadel or Grand Parade.

[middeljohn]

One London Place would look fantastic in Halifax if it were right by the water.

[Dwils01]

Originally Posted by Hali87

I knew I've seen that CIBC building before and I finally figured out that it's in Sim City 4.

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by Chadillaccc

Regina Saskatchewan



http://www.reginacondo.com/contact/regina-skyline/

And the "Chunky Monkey Skyline Award" goes to..... Regina!

[someone123]

Originally Posted by Hali87

Few pics to illustrate what I was talking about re: Spring Garden:

Halifax is actually fairly unique in that it is an older city that saw a protracted period of economic stagnation in the early 20th century followed by lots of downtown development afterwards. As you've pointed out there's also a lot of urban infill happening right now and it's producing a pretty unique aesthetic. There are plenty of prettier mid-sized or small older cities but most of them have kind of ossified.

I used to think Spring Garden Road was OK; fairly busy but kind of shabby and low-slung. The parking lots behind the little commercial buildings on the south side of the street looked like something out of a small town. Today it's becoming more layered and interesting, and the commercial areas are extending out in a couple of directions. I can imagine "Spring Garden Road" one day referring to the stretch between Barrington and Robie, not just Barrington to South Park.

[Nouvellecosse]

Originally Posted by middeljohn

Like I said, Halifax and Regina are about even in my rankings, I gave Regina the edge. On a different day I may have given Halifax the edge. Objectively Halifax is taller, however Regina looks denser. Further, there seems to be a higher percentage of condos/apartment buildings that make up Halifax's skyline, which I don't find nearly as appealing as well built office tower.

It's just my opinion of that one day though. I don't know why you're taking it so personally.

I don't recall seeing anyone make anything personal. The discussion has never strayed away from the skylines and their respective characteristics.