Quote:
Originally Posted by caltrane74
And the photo I took above, doesnt, kinda, even, just a bit, look like New York?
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Cal, lots of the photos you took look like various parts of Manhatten. The one above reminds me more of mid-town, and I think some of your other pics in Toronto are better examples.
Having walked down streets in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver (sorry Ottawa), the 'walk-feel' can be quite different than what a photo can capture. Maybe you can call it a claustrophobic effect.
In walking Calgary, it does really quite well. Some of the CBD blocks are very short and the streets narrow. With taller building flanking every side, it does feel canyony.
In walking Montreal, it's the uniformity and orderedness of some of the streets that make it feel like a canyon. It's more impressive walking them than in the pics. It's not really always about the height.
In walking Toronto, it has the height and density, and meets the street well, making them interesting and vibrant. (This is what makes Toronto feel more like Manhatten). In contrast to Calgary, TOs streets are wider and larger, which all else being equal makes streets seem less claustrophobic... and therefore less canyony.
In walking Vancouver, it's managed to create canyon effects without the packing of buildings together. I think it's the shorter blocks with anchor buildings on every corner that create that sense of continuity. Least canyony of the group, for sure tho.
So for me, canyon = claustrophobic effect. I know that may not be other ppl's definition. For that reason I put Calgary at the top. I should add tho, that in general I don't like canyons for the simple reason that 9 times out of 10 the street life along a canyon is terrible. Things like building entrances, retail, lobbies, etc do not meet the street well if at all; lack of open spaces for light and for ppl to stop or congregate; and the wind, omg the wind.