Alright, the debate is commonly found on these boards. You constantly see the thread pop up in the city vs. city forum. We're talking about skyline, since last I checked, not many believe Hong Kong is a better overall city than New York. Let's evaluate and compare the skyline though.

What are aspects we use to judge a skyline?

- Individual towers
- Night view
- Day view
- Density
- Architecture and variety
- Height
- Surroundings/nature
- New projects

Am I missing anything?

Where do you think NYC gets the advantage in these categories and where does HK get the advantage? I won't ask who you think gets the overall advantage as it is going to be biased here in the NYC forums.

Individual towers NY
Night view NY (I hate corny lightshows)
Day view NY
Density NY
Architecture and variety NY
Height HK
Surroundings/nature HK
New projects HK

Individual towers- NY......NY had a building boom decades before HK did, when it comes to that, nothing beats NY, nice mix of old towers and new.
Night View- NY.....I also hate corny lightshows, NY is not too lit but lit enough.
Day View- NY.....The variety of buildings to see, plus geography makes the skyline visible from further distances than HK.
Density- NY.......this one was tough, 8.2 million in NY with a land area of 309 sq. miles is more impressive to me than HK's 6.7 million in 386 sq. miles. Skyscraper density in Manhattan is also more impressive. Im not talking about those bland residentials in HK or NY.
Architecture and variety- NY.......NY is the best on the world with that.
Surroundings/nature - HK.......the geographical setting in HK is beautiful, forces everything upward.
Height- HK........Since 9/11, NY hasnt really built or proposed anything higher than the ESB except Freedom tower. Come on, build higher New York.
New Projects - HK........HK has some of the best skyscrapers going up, and the tallest. NY needs to get some taller ones, come on....its NEW YORK, the birthplace of the tallest.

Am I missing anything?



How about character...



<deepthoughts>I may be alone on this [which I could give two shits about], but imo its the single most important element a skyline can possess. Thats one reason I love ny the way I do.. The skyline, and city alike both have more character than they know what to do with.. NY has this "if these walls could talk" vibe that no other place on earth can even come close to, and it absolutely intrigues me to no end..

Please don't mistake my observation as being biased, but HK just can't compete in that respect. Understand that HK was the very first skyline that made me look outside of NY and fueled my fascination with architecture as an art, and culture. I was floored by these massive housing developments stacked like dominoes along the hillside that could house half the city of dallas.. It blew my fucking mind.. still does, but it had another quality that brings my point full circle. HK gave me this incredibly eerie, almost sterile - mass produced feel that I could never escape. It was this that made me realize how important character was..... to me.</deepthoughts>


Jack Handy ain't got shit on me....

- Individual towers NYC
- Night view HK
- Day view HK
- Density HK
- Architecture and variety NYC
- Height HK
- Surroundings/nature HK
- New projects HK

I just want to comment on a couple:

- Density: NY-- A lot of people forget that while HK has about as many tall buildings as NY, NY's are far bulkier on average. Most of NY's office buildings could be divided into at least four slimmer skyscrapers that would each be the size of an average HK residential tower. More bang for your buck, dispite sheer number stats!
- New projects: I'd actually say this one goes to NY easily. I wasn't sure, but I checked out the SSP diagrams for u/c and proposed buildings for the two cities. NY actually has more tall projects on the table, and I'm sure most would agree they're better-designed on average than their counterparts. Check em out.

New York won this one.

- Individual towers NYC
- Night view NYC
- Day view NYC
- Density HK
- Architecture and variety NYC
- Height HK
- Surroundings/nature HK
- New projects NYC

I actually like Hong Kong's skyline better because it is more compact. But if you are going to compare by variety, it is not even close, because NYC has had skyscrapers since the beginning of the 20th Century, and Hong Kong has only had scrapers since the 1970's. So the skylines are different. If you want to make comparisons, HK should be compared to other Asian cities, not NYC or Chicago.

Density- NY.......this one was tough, 8.2 million in NY with a land area of 309 sq. miles is more impressive to me than HK's 6.7 million in 386 sq. miles. Skyscraper density in Manhattan is also more impressive. Im not talking about those bland residentials in HK or NY.

Actually, HK's population (about 7 million) is spreaded out in only about 78 sq. miles.

- New projects: I'd actually say this one goes to NY easily. I wasn't sure, but I checked out the SSP diagrams for u/c and proposed buildings for the two cities. NY actually has more tall projects on the table, and I'm sure most would agree they're better-designed on average than their counterparts. Check em out.

You better check with emporis. SSP is extremely North American biased and doesn't contain much info about cities outside of NA.

My memory of Hong Kong, from way back in 1988 is that Aberdeen harbour by night was a fantastic sight and I'm sure it will be even more fantastic now with the development there has been since then.

Hong Kong does have a marvellous setting but so does NYC. I think NYC beats Hong Kong on the shear variety of its tall buildings. Whilst HK has some of the most modern buildings, it has nothing really to compare to the Chrysler, Empire State, Woolworth, Flatiron, Seagram etc.

Also, NYC is one of the few cities with tall buildings that looks like it was designed to have them. The orthogonal layout of the streets gives a uniformity of layout to its skyscapers that is missing in HK.

Individual Towers-HK. Hk's skyscrapers are more recognizable.
Night View-HK. HK has amazing lights and if you think that's corny, its is similar as saying Times Square is corny.
Day View-Tie. Both has great density and good looking skyscrapers.
Density-Def. HK. HK is squeezed in a small amount of land.
Architecture and variety-NYC takes the cake with variety but they are both tie in architect because both cities have great designs. NYC takes this one though.
Height-HK has more height in total and in tallest tower.
Surrounding-HK is hilly and looks nice while NYC is flat. HK takes this one.
New projects- HK has more projects going on and has completed recently more than NY. better modern architecture IMO.

Winner-HK

Individual Towers-HK. Hk's skyscrapers are more recognizable.
Night View-HK. HK has amazing lights and if you think that's corny, its is similar as saying Times Square is corny.
Day View-Tie. Both has great density and good looking skyscrapers.
Density-Def. HK. HK is squeezed in a small amount of land.
Architecture and variety-NYC takes the cake with variety but they are both tie in architect because both cities have great designs. NYC takes this one though.
Height-HK has more height in total and in tallest tower.
Surrounding-HK is hilly and looks nice while NYC is flat. HK takes this one.
New projects- HK has more projects going on and has completed recently more than NY. better modern architecture IMO.

Winner-HK

1) More recognizable than Empire or Chrysler???
2) IMO, HK is tooo colorful, something for the kids. NY is slightly conservative on the color side compared to HK, which I like. I like TXSQ.
3) HK has more land area than NY.
4) NY is hilly but not as hilly as HK. NY you can see the skyline from miles away, you cant in HK.
5) NY has better projects, ie: Freedom Tower.

just my opinion.

3) HK has more land area than NY.

No it doesn't. Only ~250 sq. km of land is usable in HK.


5) NY has better projects, ie: Freedom Tower.

Never heard of US7 (ICC) in HK?

Posting this in the New York forum will get you some biased answers obviously. How many of you have actually been to both cities within 5 years?

Individual towers (tie)

Night view (HK, there really should be no comparison on this one.)

Day view (Personally prefer HK, but NYC is also very iconic)

Density (without a doubt it's HK, more people and buildings in less area, less wide arterial roads.)

Architecture and variety (NYC has more varied architecture, but HK is also very nice)

Height (HK by fact)

Surroundings/nature (HK, this should be obvious if you have been to both cities - beaches, mountains and islands)

New projects (HK I think, US is really something)

So that's my take on it.

No it doesn't. Only ~250 sq. km of land is usable in HK.



Never heard of US7 (ICC) in HK?

Yea, probably before you did.

Freedom Tower.... :cheers:

Individual towers NY
Night view tie
Day view NY
Density NY
Architecture and variety NY-HK is full of cookie-cutter hi-rises
Height NY
Surroundings/nature TIE
New projects NY

I think you have to look at the overall cohesion of the skyline as well.

HK has amazing lights and if you think that's corny, its is similar as saying Times Square is corny.
The thing is, in Times Square, they don't shoot laser beams off the top of half the skyscrapers.

I tried to call it way too early.

Let me tell you. New York kicks Hong Kong's ass in every possible way, except in height, and as I will call it { skyscraper modernity }. New York 10/10, Hong Kong 7/10. HK really needs to improve on affordable desent living. It's all crowded, and there's such a high demand for luxury homes, but I don't see affordable housing projects.

but I don't see affordable housing projects.

Apparently, you don't know what you are talking about.

Let me tell you. New York kicks Hong Kong's ass in every possible way, except in height, and as I will call it { skyscraper modernity }. New York 10/10, Hong Kong 7/10. HK really needs to improve on affordable desent living. It's all crowded, and there's such a high demand for luxury homes, but I don't see affordable housing projects.

Other Angeleno is come... :cheers:

Honestly, HK does have alot of housing projects as called flat.

- Individual towers - NY by far, the history, the gotham look, everything about it
- Night view - HK is nice, but too corny, like a music video, but I guess the vote goes to HK cause of the effort lol
- Day view - NY hands down
- Density - NY
- Architecture and variety - NY is this even a question?
- Height - NY
- Surroundings/nature - NY
- New projects- HK

You better check with emporis. SSP is extremely North American biased and doesn't contain much info about cities outside of NA.

Of course there is less overall building data for HK than NY in the SSP diagrams, but I was only looking at the top few dozen tallest proposals and u/c's for both cities. The diagram data is always very up-to-date for such large buildings.

I'm from Hong Kong but I appreciate both skylines. Here's mine and I don't do ties :)

Individual towers: New York

New York has an edge over Hong Kong on Individual towers. New York is the showcase having skyscrapers of any period whether it may be Art Deco or contemporary. Some of the world's greatest skyscrapers are in New York especially in Manhattan. Also, New York has more reknowned skyscrapers than HK.

Night view: Hong Kong

Hong Kong has the edge over night view because of the lighting and neon effects on HK's major skyscrapers. Also, Hong Kong's skyscrapers are decorated with lights especially during Christmas and Chinese New Year. Add to that is The Symphoney of Lights show where HK skyscrapers emit laser beams and fireworks.

Day view: Hong Kong

New York is also breathtaking during the day but Hong Kong' natural settings gives it's skyline a more breathtaking look. Hong Kong's skyline is superb whether you view it on The Peak or in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Density: Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the world's densest cities. New York's main concentration of skyscrapers are mostly within Manhattan. There are also high-rises on it's other boroughs but not as dense as HK's. Hong Kong has skyscrapers all over from Hong Kong Islands, Kowloon, The New Territories to Lantau Island. It's interesting enough that you'll see 60 story flats even on it's New Towns.

Architecture and variety: New York

New York has it on every period while most of HK's is contemporary.

Height: Hong Kong

Hong Kong's buildings are taller and are building more supertalls!

Surroundings/nature: Hong Kong

Definitely Hong Kong. You got the peaks, harbour and coastlines. Try hiking on one of HK's hiking trails and you'll see :)

New projects: Hong Kong

Hong Kong has alot of new projects coming up like the Union Square, Nina Tower and more!

Alright then WANCH, you have motivated me to re-do my comparison... and without the ties.

Individual Towers -- New York

The ESB and Chrysler among others are just simply too iconic and well known throughout the world. Probably the most photographed as well.

Night View -- Hong Kong

I personally think it's a little too much, but this wins pretty much by default.

Day View -- New York

After some serious thinking, I believe New York looks more breathtaking on a clear day, even though Hong Kong has some of the best daytime views of any skyline in the world today.

Density -- Hong Kong

Comparing the overall sizes of the cities, Hong Kong wins this one easily. However, as far as specific areas within the two cities, there is nothing like Midtown Manhattan to me.

Architecture and Variety -- New York

NYC by the largest of margins, by far the easiest category to decide.

Height -- Hong Kong

For right now, Hong Kong has the advantage in overall height of their structures.

Surroundings/Nature -- Hong Kong

I've even got to admit that the natural surroundings are far nicer than those of New York.

Future Projects -- New York

One Bryant Park, New York Times HQ and the Freedom Tower with surrounding skyscrapers will lead the renewed NYC boom.

Height: Hong Kong

Hong Kong's buildings are taller and are building more supertalls!



I think NYC is. BOA, NYT, and Freedom Tower, Beekman (second tallest downtown after Freedom Tower, Calatrava, and theres a couple 800 footers i believe). HK's tallest is being built right now with none proposed taller than it. NYC also got cheated out for obvious reasons. (9/11)

BUT....Chicago beats both.

Night View-HK. HK has amazing lights and if you think that's corny, its is similar as saying Times Square is corny.


Times Square IS corny. What's your point? It's also not a skyscraper. "That's like saying LA Gear shoes that light up are corny". Well, yeah, they are, but that has nothing to do with this.

Your post wreaks of Boston jealousy.

I think NYC is. BOA, NYT, and Freedom Tower, Beekman (second tallest downtown after Freedom Tower, Calatrava, and theres a couple 800 footers i believe). HK's tallest is being built right now with none proposed taller than it. NYC also got cheated out for obvious reasons. (9/11)

BUT....Chicago beats both.

But they're either approved or under construction. Once they're finished then there's a competition.

I totally agree that New York has a much better skyline than Hong kong. Hong kong do not really maintain the buildings, I went there and the buildings behind the tall skyscrapers are black like charcoal. Unpleasing to the eye.

New York fair much better. Also, New York should get the vote because it is the master or king or queen or "starter" of tall skyscrapers.

I totally agree that New York has a much better skyline than Hong kong. Hong kong do not really maintain the buildings, I went there and the buildings behind the tall skyscrapers are black like charcoal. Unpleasing to the eye.

New York fair much better. Also, New York should get the vote because it is the master or king or queen or "starter" of tall skyscrapers.

It is true that there are alot of unpleasant buildings behind HK's finest skyscrapers but it's also the same thing with New York.

But we all have our opinions on which skyline is better.

It is true that there are alot of unpleasant buildings behind HK's finest skyscrapers but it's also the same thing with New York.

But we all have our opinions on which skyline is better.

Of course it is, both cities are incredibly dense and no city is perfect or has pure gold around every turn. I appreciate both cities and both skylines, even with the more unpleasant buildings included. They're managable when you're talking about two cities like New York and Hong Kong.

Individual towers
- While I prefer Hong Kong's post-modern architectural styles, New York's more historical buildings are quite nice.

Night view - HK

Day view - both

Density - HK

Architecture and variety
- New York has a more varied architectural history, but it lacks in the more modern and daring designs. Hong Kong has a lot more of that, but less of a historical variety.

Height
- New York's canyons are a lot more amazing than HK, but HKers come across much taller buildings in their everyday lives than New Yorkers.

Surroundings/nature - HK

New projects - HK

Keep in mind Hong Kong is located in the tropical areas, and humidity is very high. Ageing accelerates in this type of environment, so buildings may look dirty, but are not that old. New York doesn't have to deal with this problem. Some new commercial skyscrapers in Hong Kong have automatic window washers that descend along the buildings for cleaning, such as The Centre.

I think there's more room for debate in the night and day view categories because they are very subjective. To me, HK has clearly more wao effect at night, but NY is more elegant. For a skyline (not a lighting show) NY offers a better view. In the day, the flattened topography of NY allows a cleaner definition of the skyline. The background hills in HK detracts attention from the buildings. Again, NY is my choice.

I think there's more room for debate in the night and day view categories because they are very subjective. To me, HK has clearly more wao effect at night, but NY is more elegant. For a skyline (not a lighting show) NY offers a better view. In the day, the flattened topography of NY allows a cleaner definition of the skyline. The background hills in HK detracts attention from the buildings. Again, NY is my choice.

For me, The Peak isn't that distracting at all!

I find topography enhances the skyline by giving a natural backdrop to it, whether it be mountains or water. Does the Hudson River distract the buildings on Manhattan? Is the view from the Statue of Liberty spoiled by all the water?

Cities such as Rio, Vancouver, and Hong Kong provide a skyline that is more than a human creation of skyscrapers, but rather a co-existence with nature - it's all a complete package.

I get it hksyline. And Hong Kong really is unique, because of it.

I also think that for a skyLINE, hk wins. Though the majority of that skyLINE are trophy buildings, and it is quite a narrow stretch, blocking concrete clones behind it.
It is also my opinion, that new york has been a leader in this category for a much longer time, gone through recession, inflation, depression, boom periods, more so than one, and continues to redefine itself throughout different era's and will continue to do so.
In our lifetimes we will see no end to New York City's glory. We will only see her continueous growth. And to me that is so much , SO MUCH, so much better than the economic boost they are having in asia RIGHT NOW, or all the tall glass structures being built RIGHT NOW.

I find topography enhances the skyline by giving a natural backdrop to it, whether it be mountains or water. Does the Hudson River distract the buildings on Manhattan? Is the view from the Statue of Liberty spoiled by all the water?

Cities such as Rio, Vancouver, and Hong Kong provide a skyline that is more than a human creation of skyscrapers, but rather a co-existence with nature - it's all a complete package.

I think that , at least in this poll, nature would add to the "surrounding" category and, for that matter, HK has more to see for sure.

What I understand as a city skyline (and probably that's why I might be wrong :) ) is ideally the line drawn by the buildings meeting the sky, not mountains, and I don't mean that any city with no mountains has a better skyline by default. By the way, the Hudson doesn't get in the way between the buldings and the sky.

It is true that there are alot of unpleasant buildings behind HK's finest skyscrapers but it's also the same thing with New York.

But we all have our opinions on which skyline is better.

NY's clone brown-brick housing projects are uglier than HK's clone apartment buildings

- Individual towers: NY
- Night view: NY
- Day view: NY
- Density: NY
- Architecture and variety: NY
- Height: HK
- Surroundings/natur: HK
- New projects: NY

NYC easily. The mixture of old and new is really what seperates the two for me.

- Individual towers: NY
- Night view: NY
- Day view: NY
- Density: NY
- Architecture and variety: NY
- Height: HK
- Surroundings/natur: HK
- New projects: NY

NYC easily. The mixture of old and new is really what seperates the two for me.

-Individual towers: NY, because of history, variety, and iconic status

-Night view: NY, because its more elegant and classy

-Day view: HK, because of the mountains and water

-Density: NY, because you can't beat Midtown and the financial district

-Architecture and variety: NY, obviously

-Height: NY, because I am not going to count 9/11 against NYC

-Surroundings/natural: HK, obviously

-New projects: HK, because US7 is gonna be a monster

I still think Hong Kong is better at night and it's not just The Symphoney Of Lights but the lighting effects in some of it's skyscrapers.

NY's clone brown-brick housing projects are uglier than HK's clone apartment buildings

I actually find some of New York's projects more pleasant looking than some of HK's runned down flats especially the ones in Sham Shui Po.

1) Individual towers - New York. Both cities have numerous stand-out individual towers of the highest caliber. New York, of course, has the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Hong Kong has 2IFC and the Bank of China. But, ultimately, I think (1) New York’s best are better than Hong Kong’s best and (2) New York has a deeper pocket with respect to quality buildings. However, having said that, it’s important to note that both skylines suffer to some extent from a kind of architectural monoculture. New York has its share of poorly-designed, nondescript, boxy commercial buildings. Hong Kong is plagued by many similar-looking, pencil-thin residential towers. Nevertheless, I find New York’s boring boxes to be more attractive than Hong Kong’s boring high-rise apartments.

2) Night view - New York, but only slightly. I'm going to part ways with the prevailing sentiment on SSC that Hong Kong looks better at night. Both cities are extraordinarily beautiful at night, but Hong Kong comes off looking a bit too gaudy and overdone. New York has a more classic and understated appearance that I prefer. Basically, the skyline stands for itself. It doesn't need any gimmicks or other artificial means to look beautiful.

3) Day view - New York. I’ve always loved the visual journey of Manhattan. You begin with Lower Manhattan, a small area of concentrated skyscrapers that features some great historic buildings. Then, the buildings lower themselves significantly but remain dense, only to rise dramatically as the Empire State Building signals the arrival of Midtown. Midtown, the most visually stunning collection of skyscrapers in the world, continues unabated–-almost to the point of absurdity–-until it finally exhausts itself. But the journey isn’t over. The old, quintessential New York apartment buildings of Uptown are there to take the reigns along both sides of Central Park. In my opinion, nothing can top this.

4) Density - Both. Density is a more complicated issue. Each city creates density in completely different ways. Hong Kong-–with its lack of a grid, highly irregular topography, and overabundance of thin towers-–takes a kind of density-through-chaos approach. It is able to accomplish density through the seemingly random placement of thin buildings of varying heights at varying points along its topographical continuum, i.e., at sea level or perched up on a hill. The result is a suffocating, incoherent sense of density aided by the fact that shorter buildings can appear to be taller than they really are because they’re placed high on a hill and because they blend in with the seamless cacophony of buildings in the foreground. New York, on the other hand, is far more orderly. With its grid layout, New York creates density through endless processions of horizontal and vertical lines of predominantly bulky buildings, with the exception of Lower Manhattan. This produces spectacular canyons unrivaled by any other city. I find both types of density to be equally compelling.

5) Architecture and variety - New York. New York’s skyline is the most architecturally distinguished in the world. Almost every style imaginable is present in New York. Hong Kong’s skyline just doesn’t have that kind of stylistic range.

6) Surroundings/nature - Hong Kong. New York is unique in that it is essentially a city of islands divided by rivers and connected by bridges. Because of this, views of the city can be quite dramatic. However, I think Hong Kong is more stunning. There are lush green hills/mountains, islands, and a beautiful seascape. The hills provide beautiful vantage points for viewing the skyline.

7) New projects - New York. New York has a lot of great projects in the works, too many to list. But Freedom Tower and 80 South Street stand out in my mind.

Edit: Sorry this was so long.

You forgot height.

You forgot height.

Height - Hong Kong.

In a few years I would pick NY but right now its HK.

Individual Towers-HK. Hk's skyscrapers are more recognizable.
:hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha: you're joking right? name the top 3 recognized towers in HK, probably 90% of people, and im not talking about on this forum, in the general public, for the most part probably dont even know the names of the famous HK buildings, better yet what they look like.

Now you ask any bum on the street about Empire State Building, the late WTC, and the Chrysler Building, right away they will know what you are talking about.

In conclusion, you show a picture of the HK skyline and the NY skyline to any random person on the street who doesnt know an ounce of architecture or skylines, i am willing to bet they will recognize the NYC skyline and the towers as oppose to the HK skyline. When you think of NY, how many people automatically envision the towers or ESB. Its an icon of NY, when people hear the words New York, automatically the images of the towers or the ESB come to mind. What buildings around the world have such an effect in representing a city. HK's skyscrapers are nice, but when the average person hears HK, they dont think of the towers let alone know they have a big skyline.

Hong Kong has several major internationally-acclaimed buildings, including HSBC, Bank of China, and the airport terminal building.

Hong Kong has several major internationally-acclaimed buildings, including HSBC, Bank of China, and the airport terminal building.

This is true, and as Hong Kong continues to become more well known as a world class city, the more recognizable the skyscrapers will become to people everywhere. However, the legend of such structures in New York such as the World Trade Center, ESB, Chrysler, GE Building, Woolworth Building, et al. only continues to grow as well and these structures have been around for 70+ years. The Twin Towers were symbolic of economic power but unadored, now people are grateful for the time they were around and they've become even more famous and synonymous with New York.

Hong Kong has several major internationally-acclaimed buildings, including HSBC, Bank of China, and the airport terminal building.
The problem is that the skyscraper is now a generic structure. It's damn near impossible for a new skyscraper to stand out from the pack. That wasn't the case when the Empire State building was built, which stood alone as the sole supertall for half a century. Even the Sears Tower doesn't have the same significance as the Empire State Building even though the former was the world tallest skyscraper for longer than most Hong Kong skyscrapers have been in existence (only having recently been surpassed by Taipei 101 some 30 years later!).

Still, I'd like to see some of New York's older buildings replaced by newer structures. I'm starting to rebel against preservation: I see no point in permanently allocating land to old structures. In time, the entire Earth will be covered by historical structures and people will have no place to go. Why should future generations have to look after the old crud of past generations?

Still, I'd like to see some of New York's older buildings replaced by newer structures. I'm starting to rebel against preservation: I see no point in permanently allocating land to old structures. In time, the entire Earth will be covered by historical structures and people will have no place to go. Why should future generations have to look after the old crud of past generations?

Can you shed some light on which structures you're talking about? I see no reason why such buildings as the ESB, Chrysler, 30 Rock, 40 Wall, American International, Woolworth, Flatiron, Grand Central Terminal and NY Public Library among a few others shouldn't stand for as long as physically possible and be kept in top notch condition. That isn't that much space, New York needs to hold onto the masterpieces of its history. If you're just talking about old buildings nobody cares about that have been around for ages and are somewhat historic, then I completely agree. Take them out for all I care, but save the goodies.

Still, I'd like to see some of New York's older buildings replaced by newer structures. I'm starting to rebel against preservation: I see no point in permanently allocating land to old structures. In time, the entire Earth will be covered by historical structures and people will have no place to go. Why should future generations have to look after the old crud of past generations?
Sure, and lets just plow Venice down and let the debris float out to sea - we could build some new glass box complexes. Let's hold London down with a better clocktower that can show the temperature and advertise cheeseburgers while were at it.

I don't have much of an argument, but I don't need one. New York City owns Hong Kong easily.

wooooow, throwback

As much as I appreciate both skylines one thing I like about HK is it proved that it can match NY especially with skyline.

Many high density cities can match New York and Hong Kong + exceed them in terms of skyline. There are quite a few megacities out there with large populations and a huge stock of buildings, such as Sao Paulo. That skyline is huge and stretches very far.

cough cough city vs city cough

Oh excuse me.....I've never been to HK so my opinion doesnt matter....

I like both. Why does one have to be better than the other? They are not similar and should both be enjoyed for how great they both are.

I like both. Why does one have to be better than the other? They are not similar and should both be enjoyed for how great they both are.Exactly. Frankly I think this type of rivalry is quite immature. Having lived in both cities, each offers quite its own unique subset of goods and bads. It's actually very hard to find some commonalities to compare the two.

^^^ Totally agree. Both skylines look impressive and there is no need to justify which one is better. This is a very personal perception which is impossible to find the conclusion.

New York has the features that Hong Kong doesn't such as the variety of buildings from different era. And Hong Kong has the features that New York doesn't like the mountain-back.

It's very difficult to choose the winner, but i will try:

- Individual towers: NYC. I love Art deco buildings, so... it's easy.
- Night view: HK looks very futuristic, and cool, but NYC is more classic. Both of them are great :)
- Day view. I think it will be NYC (Downtown). I love the skyscrapers in Midtown, but the skyline is too massive. Downtown looks fantastic becouse it's full of harmony and classical buildings (but the hole in the place of the WTC looks bad...)
- Density- Both of them
- Architecture and variety- NYC. There are skyscrapers from 1890-2007 with many fantastic buildings.
- Height- both
- Surroundings/nature- HK. Many high buildings around the "main" skyline, beautiful mountains and the sea.
- New projects- NYC. I realy like the new buildings that will rise around ground zero

It is true that there are alot of unpleasant buildings behind HK's finest skyscrapers but it's also the same thing with New York.

But we all have our opinions on which skyline is better. I would really like to combat this answer. You are and others are way off when you say this. I've been to both and i'll be perfectly honest with you some of the project buildings in queens and the bronx are downright awful but they aren't hiding behind a skyline. the shit I saw in Kowloon & mongkok in 2003 was disgusting, wanch. It is third world-like and disturbed me tremendously. What's behind the skyline are actually well kept 19th century and early 20th century apartment buildings and rowhouses. Even some of the tenements in the lower east side have a unique character about them and wouldn't qualify as unpleasant to most.
What you mistake as unkept and worn down is just old and not as "spit shined" as newer buildings around it. They can be called unpleasant if you would like to but alot of them contain intricate details inside and out. If you're speaking about Manhattan. There are far less crummy residentials here I think.

To be fair, both NYC and HK as well as Chicago all have legitimate claims as to having the best skyline.

New York City - No other city comes close to matching the diversity of NYC's skyline. From classic skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building, Chrylser Building, Woolworth Building, 40 Wall St., etc. to the more modern skyscrapers along the likes of the MetLife Building, Trump World Tower, Citigroup Center, etc. to the contemporary buildings like the Orion, Bloomberg Tower, Hearst Tower, etc. to the futuristic ones such as the Bank of America Tower (U/C), New York Times Tower, and World Trade Center. Add to that the brownstones, the classic "tiered" towers, mid-rises, and the newer UPS residentials and you have a skyline that's unparalleled in diversity and juxtaposition.

Hong Kong - Without a doubt the most "out of this world" skyline. HK's skyline is bright enough to light up the world. Beauties like 2IFC, Bank of China Tower, and Central Plaza Tower give the HK skyline a more futuristic look. With the location on the water as well as the mountain backdrop, the HK skyline is unmatched in terms of uniqueness.

Chicago - The most beautiful skyline IMO. It isn't NY, it isn't HK, it's Chicago and it's a good alternative to the classic and futuristic skylines of NYC and HK. It provides a good balance between old and new. It doesnt' have as many old buildings as it does new but what I like about Chicago's skyscrapers is that the new is not outdated. No other city does "new" as well as Chicago. With Trump International Hotel and Tower, Waterview Tower, and Chicago Spire on the way, Chicago's skyline will be even more than it is now. And I'll tell you, it is something already.

I think it's important to respect all three skylines as they are all very different. It's okay to have preferences but let's not write off any skyline and say that it's not as great as another. Keep in mind that each of the three have things going for them. HK may not have the diversity of NYC but NYC does not have the natural setting and futuristic skyscrapers of HK.

I'm from Sydney - SO this would be good and unbiased. And I will be completely honest.

-Individual towers: New York. Empire state building is still the Empire of all state buildings.
- Night View: Hong Kong. Hong Kong lights light up the Asia
- Day View: Very VERY close. Its like an apple or an orange. I like oranges more, but in this instance, I think I prefer a nice BIG Apple!
- Density: Well New York's density is much more beautiful, but a fact is a fact and Hong Kong is much more dense, so Hong Kong.
- Architecture: New York. Id say NY architecture is a library for architects.
- Height: Hong Kong is as tall as Eva Longarios fiance!!!
- Surroundings: Hong the Kong.
- Upcoming projects: TO be honest, I cant believe people are saying Hong Kong. I think this is one of the easier ones. New York for sure. Yes HK has some good ones, but NY has the 4 WTC buildings all so tall, NY times tower, BofA.

So who wins, lets count..... its 4 a piece. I dont like ties, so Can someone add another character to judge so I can answer it. How about views. Not day not night. But just view. Thats what a skyline is all about anyway. Which skyline had the best overall view from all or any angle??? I dont know. Pick something.

Wow...blast from the past.

BTW, this thread was about the advantages of each and who gets credited with which category...not necessarily who's better.

Exactly. Frankly I think this type of rivalry is quite immature. Having lived in both cities, each offers quite its own unique subset of goods and bads. It's actually very hard to find some commonalities to compare the two.

They represent the best of both worlds...The two offer different styles of buildings from different periods of time and parts of the world.

And how has a versus thread survived so long...?

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8204/hongkonghc7.png
i don't know, the future Hong Kong is going to be killer

I would really like to combat this answer. You are and others are way off when you say this. I've been to both and i'll be perfectly honest with you some of the project buildings in queens and the bronx are downright awful but they aren't hiding behind a skyline. the shit I saw in Kowloon & mongkok in 2003 was disgusting, wanch. It is third world-like and disturbed me tremendously. What's behind the skyline are actually well kept 19th century and early 20th century apartment buildings and rowhouses. Even some of the tenements in the lower east side have a unique character about them and wouldn't qualify as unpleasant to most.
What you mistake as unkept and worn down is just old and not as "spit shined" as newer buildings around it. They can be called unpleasant if you would like to but alot of them contain intricate details inside and out. If you're speaking about Manhattan. There are far less crummy residentials here I think.

It is and I definitely agree that alot of the buildings in Kowloon are gritty. But if you're asking me, I like the gritty style of some of HK's tenement buildings. It adds characteristic to the city's skyline showing some of the best and most modern skyscrapers and on the other hand also showing high-rise grit :D

As for NY, there's alot of urban redevelopments/renewals happening. Some of the grittiest parts of the city especially in The Bronx are changing for the better.

BTW I saw Spiderman 3 and I would also imagine Spidey webslinging on some HK buildings.

"i don't know, the future Hong Kong is going to be killer"

What, New York won't even have a skyline after armageddon hits...How far ahead do you want to go?

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8204/hongkonghc7.png
i don't know, the future Hong Kong is going to be killer

After looking through both cities projects/approved/construction threads.. I'd say were picking up more speed than they are and that makes sense due to our world status compared to theirs. Yeah, IFC and US7 will look unique on both sides of the harbor, and the other projects while they will most likely disappear into the imense rolling urbanity of hk island and the chaotic concrete jungle of kowloon. New York on the otherhand hasn't even really gotten started with it's new skyline shapers. Also while Brooklyn and Jersey City will lack supertalls both are certainly going to bulk up. Jersey City on the West- Lower Manhattan- Brooklyn= Unbeatable in my eyes in the future.

What, New York won't even have a skyline after armageddon hits...How far ahead do you want to go?

future meaning when the ICC in Hong Kong gets completed.
I agree that the upper harbor view is going to look great and with a new West side will really reinvent the NYC skyline

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/9261/viewfromthenarrowsnw7.jpg
i know this has been posted before and whoever took it did a great job

From pictures I prefer HongKong (especially at night), but I've never been there. I've been to NYC a couple of times & it was great.