Building Up, Not Out

Singapore and Vancouver are two examples of cities where high-rise residential development is the norm.

1 minute read

July 21, 2006, 9:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"These [two] cities have nowhere to go but up. Constrained by borders and geography, they don't enjoy the luxury of endless space. That means they are forced to be smart"

"The case of Singapore is especially instructive. Occupying an island of less than 700 square kilometers (270 sq mi), the highly regulated city-state has a population of 4.4 million, 92 per cent of whom live in towers. These towers range from 40 to 70 stories, not quite like Hong Kong, where some residential skyscrapers stand 75 stories tall."

"'Vancouver has [also] embraced the highrise,' says senior city planner Ralph Segal. 'From the late 1980s and early '90s, it was a forgone conclusion that Vancouver would accept highrise living. We have been able to plug in highrise as a key element of city growth.'

But as Segal also notes, developers must abide by rules that are tough but clear."

Thanks to ArchNewsNow

Thursday, July 20, 2006 in The Toronto Star

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

6 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

3 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

4 hours ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive