Urban Structure Study - Analysis IV

Before 1960's, downtown had characteristics of cohesiveness:

• harbour orientation
• waterfront of finger piers and buildings associated with waterfront uses
• network of small blocks and streets; permeable grid
• views and circulation along both north-south and east-west axes
• important landmarks provided visual and spatial structure
• incremental changes to buildings were compatible with existing urban fabric

After urban renewal, no longer cohesive:

• orientation to water lost in many sections
• large areas vacant or disjointed
• large scale developments not integrated into existing structure
• human scale and positive spaces preserved in Historic Properties
• some massive blocks are barriers to views and pedestrian circulation
• permeability of grid destroyed in these sections
• sections still with historic patterns are isolated and interrupted by large blocks or empty spaces
• circulation concentrated on a few north-south roads
• Cogswell Interchange is visual and functional barrier between city core and North End

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This document was last modified on August 25, 1999.