Parks Vs. Density

In Toronto, a developer is balking at the zoning that would force him to build a podium-style building out to the sidewalk, and wants to build a park with a tower instead. Can open space and density coexist?

1 minute read

April 15, 2011, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Ryan Donahue at The Trust for Public Land looks at the case of developer Brad Lamb in Toronto and other cases where proposals for urban parks and plazas clash with cities' desire to encourage a dense street fabric.

Donahue writes:

"With more people yearning to move into cities, it is critical to ensure that densification and parks are mutually reinforcing. And in the end, there is no reason why they should not be: people in dense areas need nearby parks for health and relaxation, and parks benefit from a lively atmosphere that comes from being close to homes, shops, transit and workplaces."

FULL STORY: Of Parks, Podiums and Penumbras: How Density Changes Development

Friday, April 15, 2011 in The Trust for Public Land

Urban Development United States Open Space Density Urban Parks

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.