Density
Density is something I think about a lot. I work for an architecture firm so I see the word and hear it discussed constantly. I used to be pro-density, because I didn’t really understand it. It makes sense: get more people to live in the city. They’ll commute less and build support for public transportation. They’ll use and encourage the arts and culture scene. They’ll make cities vibrant and livable. Cities for everyone!
Unfortunately what I didn’t really understand, or care to consider, is that density is not driven by well-meaning people who want to make the city a better place–it’s driven by developers, and the market. Right now, the market is all about high-end, luxury condominiums and penthouses that are out of reach for everyone I know. Nobody is interested in affordable housing, because it doesn’t make money and there’s enough people out there buying high-end condos that they don’t need to. In fact, the condo boom has gotten so crazy that many apartment buildings have converted and now there’s a shortage of rental inventory, which means landlords can now jack up rents. Many cities are becoming ghettos for the wealthy, and I think Seattle is poised to as well.
It’s almost kind of funny: a lot of the marketing for these types of buildings encourage city living because it’s hip, edgy, arty, even a little risky/dangerous/sexy. But who makes it that way? Certainly not balding middle age white guys with kids in college. No, it’s the artists and young people they are pushing out with their characterless buildings and high priced furniture. It’s also kind of funny that cities went into decay for so long because of white flight, and now the opposite is happening. Funny until I have to live an hour outside of the city because I can’t afford anything else, anyway.
