I originally posted on this site to express my opinion that I thought the proposed building for the 819 Yates is too big for the site. My thoughts were that it wasn’t designed with the site or surrounding area in mind. This is an opinion. It is not right, nor is it wrong. I have been studying urban design and architecture informally for over 20 years, so at the very least my opinion is informed and based on my experiences of other cities and other examples of architecture. I mentioned other concerns such as the viability of more retail space in an area that already has many empty spaces and the idea of rentals being turned into condos after ten years. These were just minor considerations brought up for the point of discussion.
Every point I brought up with dismissed with sanctimonious, condescending and on occasion, rude responses. I couldn’t figure out if I had entered a shark tank, a dragon’s den, or the mean girls' table in a high school cafeteria. When I mentioned ‘set-backs’, the immediate response was “I hate set-backs”. When I mentioned I liked the idea of one part of the building being much lower and the other part being taller, the response I got was “that will never happen”. When I incorrectly sited stats based on what a reputable business owner told me, I was called a “troll”.
Oddly enough when I expressed my concerns about the building with David Chard, the developer, he invited me out for coffee to discuss my ideas. I would like to suggest to all the people that found it necessary to immediately put down my opinions that there is no need to be so defensive about your stance. I understand that you are pro-development, pro-density, pro-high rise. Ironically your side does not need to be defended. You are on the side of money, and money usually wins in the end. I only expressed my opinion to give voice to aesthetic side of things. Ironically David was much more open to hearing my ideas than the people I encountered on this site.
I am currently in Chicago and I notice that most the high rise residency buildings in the downtown area have a lot of space between them and the next building. I also noticed this was the case in Seattle. High rise office towers are built close together, but high rise residencies are given space. And yes, even “views” are given consideration and are not dismissed as being irrelevant. My original opinion with regards to 819 Yates development is that it needs a little space around it or beside it based on the size and scale of other buildings in the area. Again this is my opinion. It is not wrong, nor is it right.
I realize some of you are probably already formulating mean things to say to me. But perhaps instead of lashing out, you could provide me with some reasons why you hate set-backs, why you think buildings should have no spaces between them, why density at all costs is worthwhile. Then we would have a conversation. And that would be a nice thing.