Making the Most of Urban Space
By IBI Insights
Date
June 20, 2016
Major increases in city land values, a side-effect of a revived appreciation for urbanity, have pushed planners, developers and designers to reconsider formerly overlooked spaces. To maximize the value of these spaces, a creative and pragmatic outlook regarding formerly “in between” or unused spaces has emerged and is illustrated in projects like New York’s Highline and Miami’s Underline. This exciting new generation of designs is continuing to develop, with new projects such as Toronto’s Under Gardiner and New York’s Lowline. The enhanced use of space is a positive step towards more livable cities, as long as cities and designers harness their distinct characteristics, rather than merely dreaming of “the next Highline”. With an eye for local strengths, the marriage of market and creativity can be a powerful force to improve our cities.
